Have you had a close call recently in a car accident? In the USA, 4.4 million people are seriously injured in car accidents every year. Common types of car accident injuries can include broken bones, scrapes, and whiplash. If you were injured as a result of a car accident, then it might be time to take action.
So what do you do if you are injured after a car accident? You may start looking for compensation after you receive medical treatment. Injuries can range from scrapes and cuts to skeletal system damage.
Do you want to learn more about the different types of car accident injuries? Here are the most common car accident injuries and the compensation you can expect from them.
Head Injury
During a collision, you may hit your head on the window, headrest, or steering wheel. This can cause minor bruising and concussion or lead to something as serious as a brain injury. You should seek medical assistance if you have any swelling or pain in your head after a car accident.
The injured person may experience a headache or dizziness as a result of hitting their head in a car accident. It is important to check for signs of a concussion or more severe head injuries that could cause long-term problems.
Although compensation is calculated case by case, head injuries can have a severe impact on your life which requires compensation. A solicitor will calculate your compensation by looking at the damage, pain, and suffering caused by the accident. Head injury claims can often pay out high amounts if the victim has been severely impacted by the accident in terms of work, personality, and quality of life.
Scrapes and Cuts
Scapes and cuts are minor injuries caused by a car accident, but they can still be painful and leave scars. You may be eligible for compensation if your injury has impacted your life in some way. Lacerations caused by broken glass or flying objects can be expensive to treat and are often eligible for compensation.
Your compensation amount will vary depending on the losses you are claiming for. In most instances, patients will claim to recover loss of earnings, medical expenses, and hospital travel costs.
Whiplash
Whiplash is an injury to the neck caused by a sudden jerking motion of the head. Whiplash can occur even if the car is as slow as 15mph. As a result, the victim’s neck will become stiff and painful.
The lower back and shoulder can also suffer as a result of whiplash. Whiplash claims can vary depending on the severity of the injury. This type of injury could impact your ability to work which means you could claim general and special damages based on loss of earnings and pain and suffering.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Many survivors develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a car accident. 39% of the general population develops PTSD after a traumatic incident such as a car crash. The risk of developing PTSD increases if you have previously experienced trauma or developed disassociation from the event.
Symptoms can range from overwhelming emotions to intrusive thoughts. This is the body’s way of coping with serious trauma and requires therapy to aid recovery. Work, relationships, and activities may become impossible as a result of PTSD.
If you are unable to work as a result of PTSD, then you can claim compensation based on these grounds.
Internal Injuries
Internal bleeding can happen as a result of flying objects or debris hitting the body. Treatment for these types of injuries is likely to take place immediately after the crash. Internal bleeding can happen as a result of a high-speed crash.
Injuries can include broken ribs, damaged organs, and collapsed lungs. These types of injuries can have a massive impact on an individual’s ability to work and live. You may be able to claim general and special damages depending on your personal life and employment situation.
How Is Compensation Calculated?
Compensation is separated into three categories: general damages, special damages (past losses), and special damages (future losses). These categories help a court to determine what damage has been done as a result of a car accident.
Choose a knowledgeable lawyer who will keep your data safe to help you through the process of claiming compensation. They can advise on how your claim will be handled and guide you through your claim. It is impossible to say how much each claim will receive, as compensation is awarded on a case-by-case basis.
General Damages
This type of compensation is based on pain and suffering. A court will examine how an injury has affected a person’s quality of life and provide compensation based on this. For example, a mother with a spinal injury from a car accident cannot run and play with her children as she did before.
Along with physical impairment, general damages also cover loss of love and companionship, mental health issues, and varieties of mental anguish (torment, distress, or suffering as a result of an accident).
Special Damages (Past)
If you have suffered financial strain due to travel or medical expenses, then special damages apply to your claim. To claim special damages, you must gather all relevant documentation to support your out-of-pocket expenses such as receipts and invoices for damaged property. This information should be given to your lawyer once you have collected everything you can to support your claim.
The court will review evidence of prescriptions, travel expenses, and childcare costs as a result of your injury. This will help them to determine how much money will cover the costs of your previous losses. If you receive household assistance as a result of your injuries, you should also include the receipts and details of the service you receive.
Your injuries may also prevent you from going to work. In this case, you should include details of lost wages to support your claim.
Special Damages (Future)
Injuries that require ongoing care in the form of therapy and equipment fall under special damages for future loss. This category also covers potential financial losses due to missed employment opportunities and earning potential. If your injury inhibits your ability to work or study, then special damages will apply.
Discuss Compensation for All Types of Car Accident Injuries
Now that you know the different types of car accident injuries and their compensation, you can take the next step. It can be difficult to relive the events of a car accident to get compensation. Speaking to an understanding and knowledgeable lawyer can help you recover financially and get the compensation you deserve.
Are you ready to speak to an accident lawyer? Choose a lawyer you can trust to help you through the process of claiming compensation after your accident. Get in touch with Rose Accident Lawyers for a free consultation to see if you are eligible to claim compensation.