Car accidents happen every day in the Nashville area. Any time an accident occurs, there is a chance that someone will sustain an injury. While many Nashville car accident injuries may be minor, others result in hospitalization, permanent disability, or death.
What To Do About Accident Injuries
If you’ve been hurt in a Nashville motor vehicle collision, you’re not alone. Approximately 82,778 accidents occurred in Davidson County in 2019, led to 13,345 minor injuries, 436 incapacitating injuries, and 105 deaths. When someone has been injured in a car accident in Nashville, they can file a personal injury claim against all at-fault parties. If successful, their claim can allow them to recover the costs of medical treatment, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and their pain and suffering. For over 20 years, Steinger, Greene & Feiner has provided legal representation to injury victims seeking a settlement or court award. We work closely with Nashville car accident victims to ensure their claims process goes smoothly and that they can prove their post-accident losses. Speak with a Nashville car accident lawyer during a free, no-obligation consultation when you call (615) 590-3106 or contact us online today. The following are some of the most common injuries you might see after a typical car accident in Nashville.
Broken Bones
Bone fractures are one of the most common types of injuries seen in car accidents. According to a study of adults over the age of 50, motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of fractures from severe trauma. A separate study across all age groups found that men 15-30 are especially likely to have a fracture caused by a car accident. Broken bones are a serious medical emergency requiring immediate treatment and rehabilitation. Major fractures in the hip, femur, or skull may require surgery and/or hospitalization. Fractured ribs are dangerous to nearby organs, difficult to treat, and can lead to a painful rehabilitative period.
Head Trauma
Modern medicine is just now starting to fully understand the consequences of head trauma. Even a seemingly minor incident can result in mental and physical side effects, some of which may be permanent without proper treatment. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a “major cause of death and disability in the United States.” Their data lists motor vehicle crashes as a leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations and death in individuals aged 15 to 34. Anyone involved in a car accident that could have caused a blow to the head should thoroughly investigate the possibility that they have a TBI with the help of medical professionals. They may need to be referred to a specialist who can test the extent of their possible injury and make a full diagnosis.
Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury can have serious and debilitating effects. Some individuals who sustain spinal cord damage in a car accident may have neurological symptoms, difficulty performing normal functions, or paralysis. Individuals with severe spinal cord injuries are likely to require extended hospitalization and treatment from multiple specialists. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) lists vehicle crashes as the leading cause of spinal injuries in the U.S. since 2015.
Knee Injuries
Certain motor vehicle crashes can cause damage to vehicle occupants’ knees, especially front-row passengers. Collisions with doors or side panels can push them into the cabin space, striking knees. Some individuals may require surgery or physical therapy to walk normally again.
Neck and Shoulder Injuries
Soft tissue damage to the neck and shoulders can lead to painful and debilitating side effects. One of the most notable of these conditions is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when car accident victims have their heads jerked suddenly on impact. Whiplash injuries are especially common after rear-end collisions. Detecting a soft tissue injury can be difficult if you are not aware of the symptoms. The Mayo Clinic lists some of the major symptoms of whiplash: stiffness; general pain; pain upon neck movement; tingling or numbness in the hands, arms, or fingers; fatigue; dizziness; headaches; blurred vision; sleep disturbances; ringing in the ears; difficulty concentrating; memory problems; and depression.
Internal Injuries
Internal organ damage can occur when crash debris impales car accident victims or impact forces lead to violent trauma in the abdomen or chest. Hernias may occur as a result of seat belt injuries. Individuals with broken ribs risk puncturing their lungs. Some internal injuries can be difficult to detect without a thorough diagnosis. A perforated intestine or colon, for instance, may cause minimal pain but can lead to rectal bleeding and other symptoms. Because of the possibility of internal organ injuries, car accident victims should always be sure to get a thorough medical diagnosis after their collision.
Cuts, Scrapes, & Bruises
Minor, non-incapacitating injuries are common in car accidents. Examples include abrasions (road rash), cuts requiring stitches (lacerations), impalements, and bruises (contusions). Minor injuries can still be painful, and they can lead to complications if left untreated. For example, untreated wounds could lead to infection, and some serious abrasions could require skin grafts for the region to heal properly.
Receiving Compensation with the Help of a Nashville Car Accident Lawyer
Any car accident victim is entitled to seek compensation for their medical costs from all at-fault parties. Steinger, Greene & Feiner is ready and willing to provide an experienced Nashville car accident attorney to fight for your claim. Call us today at (615) 590-3106 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a car accident lawyer in Nashville.