Whether you live in the Myrtle Beach area or you're here on vacation, an unexpected motor vehicle accident can cause painful injuries that impact you for weeks and years to come. The types of injuries people suffer in car accidents vary widely from minor injuries to serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Medical expenses can quickly add up, even if you have insurance.
Also, car crash injuries can cause you to miss work, leaving you with lost income and other financial hardships. Add to that the cost of medical treatment and ongoing care, and you may become overwhelmed financially and emotionally.
When you're injured in an auto accident, you will need to work with an experienced Myrtle Beach car accident lawyer to build a claim for recovery. The damages an attorney can help you recover can compensate you for your injuries and restore what you've lost as much as possible. Here are the most common injuries people usually suffer in car accidents in Myrtle Beach.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-threatening conditions. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:
Whiplash
Whiplash is the common name for neck injuries that can happen in a car accident. When you're in a car accident, your body often moves suddenly--faster than you would ever move on your own. That trauma can strain muscles and other soft tissues without breaking bones. Whiplash can be very painful, and it can take time to heal.
Soft tissue injuries
Soft tissue injuries are a common type of injury that can occur during a car accident. These injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as opposed to bones or organs. Although whiplash involves soft tissue injuries, they can also result from strains and sprains to other parts of the body as well as contusions and abrasions. Soft tissue injuries can be challenging to diagnose and prove, as they may not show up on X-rays or other imaging tests. Symptoms may also take several days to appear after the accident. It's essential to seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you don't feel pain immediately, as some injuries may have delayed symptoms.
Scrapes and Cuts
You may have scrapes and cuts as a result of a car accident. You may receive cuts from the impact of your vehicle or the other vehicle, or you might get hit by loose projectiles in the car like your phone. Either way, scrapes, and cuts can be painful as well as pose a risk for infections and other complications.
Head Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries and other brain injuries can cause immediate injuries and complications that last far into the future. If not treated properly, traumatic brain injuries can cause long-term problems with brain function as well as headaches and sleeping difficulties. It may be difficult to diagnose a head injury, and you may need a deliberate treatment plan to avoid complications.
Facial injuries
Facial injuries are a common type of injury that can occur during a car accident. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe injuries like fractures, lacerations, and dental trauma. Facial injuries can be particularly traumatic, as they may cause physical pain, emotional distress, and long-term consequences such as scarring or vision problems. Treatment for facial injuries may involve surgery, dental work, and ongoing medical care.
Back injuries
Back injuries are among the most common types of injuries sustained in car accidents. The force of a collision can cause a wide range of back injuries, from minor sprains and strains to more severe injuries like herniated discs or spinal cord damage. Back injuries and spinal cord injuries can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and long-term complications that may require extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, and even surgery. Some back injuries may also result in permanent disability or paralysis.
Herniated Disc
Just like you can break a bone in a car crash, you can also suffer from a herniated disc. A herniated disc occurs when one or more vertebrae in your spine either rupture or shift out of place. A herniated disc can cause pain and complications.
Chest Injuries
The force of an accident or contact with the steering wheel or seat belt can cause broken ribs, bruised or collapsed lungs, and cardiac complications. Even a light or moderate impact can cause ribs to break. Broken ribs and other chest injuries can be painful and require long periods of rest.
Arm and leg injuries
Broken arms, legs, hips and even shoulders are common in a Myrtle Beach car accident. A car accident puts unnatural amounts of force on your body. When it's more than your bones can withstand, you can suffer a painful break. Broken bones are common in all types of crashes including rear-end and side-impact accidents.
Internal Bleeding
While it's common to suffer cuts in an accident, it's also not surprising to suffer from internal bleeding. Internal bleeding can be dangerous especially if it's not treated quickly after the crash. It's important to seek medical attention immediately for anything but the most minor accidents. If there's any chance that you may have suffered internal injuries, it's crucial to find critical care to make sure that you don't have life-threatening injuries.
Knee Trauma
The sudden impact of a crash can cause your knees to strike the dashboard. That can cause pain to your ligaments and your kneecap. You might need braces, crutches or surgery to rebuild your knee and correct for damage. Knees are complicated, and knee injuries can be painful. Knee injuries in a car accident are especially frustrating because they can cause difficulty walking.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Not all car accident injuries are physical. You might suffer from mental and emotional injuries because of a car accident. You might have post-traumatic stress disorder, and things that used to be routine may become worrisome and even impossible. You may be able to recover from your mental health treatment and emotional suffering after a car accident in Myrtle Beach.
Other Psychological Pain Like Guilt
In addition to a post-traumatic stress disorder, you might suffer from other psychological injuries as a result of your car accident. You might feel a great deal of guilt. You might have flashbacks. All of these kinds of mental distress are very real injuries that can result from a car accident. It's important to get the help that you need for your mental injuries as well as for your physical injuries.
After suffering any type of injury in a car accident someone else caused, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly, follow your doctor's treatment plan, and consult a personal injury attorney to protect your legal rights and pursue fair compensation for your damages.
How Can You Avoid Car Accident Injuries?
Even though you can’t control the other drivers on the road, you can do what you can to avoid car accident injuries. First, always wear your seatbelt. They really do save lives.
Also, be sure to observe the speed limit. Crashes that involve speeding drivers are often much more severe than they would have been if drivers had obeyed the speed limit. Finally, keep your vehicle in working order. Making sure that your car is in good shape helps you avoid injuries from crashes that result from equipment failure.
What Should I Do After a Car Crash?
If you sustained an injury in a car crash, you need to take the following steps to ensure your health and well-being and protect your legal rights:
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Seek medical treatment as soon as you can after you're in an accident. Call 911 and request emergency services for severe and life-threatening injuries.
However, you should seek medical treatment if you suffered any type of injury. It's also a good idea to get a medical evaluation anyway, even if you don't believe you're injured. Sometimes, injuries take time to show. You might be seriously hurt and not realize it. Getting an evaluation from a medical professional helps you identify injuries that you may not be aware of that can get more serious without treatment.
Seeking medical treatment immediately after a traffic accident will help you document your injuries and make a care plan. With a care plan, you can work to recover as quickly as possible and respond in the best possible way to your injuries. Medical attention also documents your injuries to build your case for a fair recovery.
Exchange information
Collect the following information from the other driver(s) involved:
- Name and contact information
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver's license number
- License plate number
- Make, model, and color of their vehicle
Document the accident scene
Take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Make note of the date, time, location, weather conditions, and any other relevant details.
Gather witness information
If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask for their names and contact information, as their statements may be valuable for your claim.
Notify your insurance company
Contact your insurance provider to report the accident and initiate the claims process. Provide them with the necessary information, but avoid admitting fault or liability.
Keep track of expenses
Maintain records of all accident-related expenses, including medical bills, repair costs, rental car fees, and lost wages due to missed work.
Be cautious when communicating
Avoid discussing the accident on social media or with others, and be careful when speaking with insurance adjusters. It's best to consult with a personal injury attorney before providing any recorded statements or signing documents related to the accident.
Consider consulting an attorney
If you have been injured or there are disputes regarding liability, it may be beneficial to consult with a personal injury attorney who can protect your rights and help you navigate the legal process of seeking compensation for your damages.
Remember, the specific actions you should take after a car crash may vary depending on the circumstances of your accident and the laws of your state. By prioritizing safety, gathering necessary information, and seeking appropriate medical and legal guidance, you can help protect your well-being and your legal rights following a car accident.
How Can an Injury Lawyer Help Me After a Car Accident?
If you've suffered injuries in a car accident, the best way to get the compensation you need to make a full recovery is by working with a skilled lawyer on your personal injury claim.
The South Carolina personal injury attorneys at Morris Law, LLC, can help you document your injuries and seek the financial recovery that can help you get the medical treatment that you need. Being in a car accident is never easy, but our lawyers can evaluate your case and advise you on the best course of action. You can also rely on us to fight hard to protect your rights and interests throughout the claims process and increase your chances of getting the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you get the best possible outcome after a negligent driver injured you in Myrtle Beach.
