Motor vehicle accidents are a major cause of serious injuries in the United States. In fact, more than 5.6 million automobile accidents reportedly occurred back in 2012. Of them, more than 30,000 were fatal, whereas 1.6 million led to injuries.
Car crash injuries in Hawaii can differ from one crash to the next. However, some relatively common ones impact the neck, chest, back and head areas, along with other body parts.
Injury to the neck and chest
One of the most well-known car crash injuries is whiplash, which involves the unexpected movement of your neck and head — the type of movement that occurs in a rear-end crash, for example. Ligament and muscle damage characterize whiplash injuries. With these types of injuries, you may experience paralysis of your vocal cord or swelling and pain in your neck area.
In addition, a serious accident can lead to trauma to your chest area, which may result in collapsed lungs or broken ribs. You might even suffer damage to your internal organs or your pelvis, which requires medical assistance right away.
Injuries to the back and head, and additional injuries
A major accident can easily cause damage to your back, including to your spinal cord. Signs that you have damaged your spinal cord include decreased sensation in various body parts, such as your feet, arms, legs and hands. You might even suffer permanent paralysis with a more serious form of damage to the spinal cord.
Furthermore, you may suffer traumatic brain injury, which might include a mild concussion or an injury leading to long-term cognitive issues. If you suffer this type of injury, you may require long-term medical treatment. Some other injuries you may suffer in a serious crash include harm to your feet, hands, arms and legs. A severed limb or broken bones might also pose physical limitations on you following a crash.
What are my rights following an injury accident?
Unfortunately, car crash injuries can take a physical toll on you along with a financial one due to the medical bills and other expenses you may suffer following the accident. For example, perhaps you are unable to go to work for a lengthy period of time due to having to recover from your injuries. In addition, your injury can take an emotional toll.
Fortunately, it is within your rights to seek monetary compensation following the accident. Monetary damages cannot undo the events leading to the accident, but they may help you to experience a sense of justice after suffering car crash injuries.
