Motor vehicle crashes can be devastating, often resulting in serious injuries that can change lives forever. Among these, catastrophic injuries are the most severe that lead to long-term or permanent disability.
Understanding the nature of these injuries is crucial, especially for those affected, as well as their loved ones.
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe outcomes of car accidents. These injuries occur when there’s damage to the spinal cord or the spinal column’s bones, disks and ligaments. The impact can range from loss of sensation to complete paralysis, depending on the injury’s location and severity.
Traumatic amputation
Traumatic amputation refers to the loss of a limb or other body part during an accident. This can happen due to the extreme force of a crash that can sever limbs or make surgical amputation necessary later due to irreparable damage. Amputations are life-altering injuries that require long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Brain injuries
Brain injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, are common in high-impact crashes. TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage and can occur even without direct head trauma because the force of the collision can cause the brain to collide with the skull. The effects of a brain injury can be long-lasting and sometimes permanent.
Broken bones
Broken bones, or fractures, are a frequent result of motor vehicle crashes. A collision’s impact and compression forces can break bones in any body part, but fractures are prevalent in the limbs, ribs and pelvis. While some broken bones can heal relatively quickly, others, especially compound fractures or those requiring surgical intervention, can lead to long-term complications and disability.
Serious burns
Severe burns in car accidents can occur due to fires, contact with hot surfaces or fluids or chemical burns. These burns can range from first-degree to third-degree. They can damage the skin and underlying tissues, muscles and bones. Severe burns often require extensive treatment, including surgery and rehabilitation, and can lead to scarring, disfigurement, and long-term physical and emotional challenges.
Each of these catastrophic injuries results in its own set of challenges, treatments and potential long-term effects. Victims may choose to seek compensation from a liable party to help cover the expenses of their personal injuries, provided that they, themselves, were not primarily at fault for what happened.