Car crashes can cause all kinds of injuries. People may break their arms because they brace before the impact occurs. They could have scrapes and contusions. Oftentimes, those injured in collisions may eventually recover from their injuries.
Unfortunately, not everyone is so lucky. Motor vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of catastrophic injuries. Catastrophic injuries produce massive expenses and lifelong complications for the affected party. They may have to change jobs or cease working entirely. For example, the following types of catastrophic injuries have a strong association with motor vehicle collisions.
Traumatic and surgical amputations
Crashes that occur at high speeds or that involve commercial vehicles sometimes cause traumatic amputations. The force of impact severs an extremity or limb. Crashes can also cause broken bones and traumatic injuries that are beyond the body’s ability to heal. Sometimes, those with end up undergoing a surgical or medical amputation because healthcare professionals cannot salvage the injured body part. Amputations create lifelong functional limitations and painful symptoms that can diminish someone’s quality of life.
Traumatic brain injuries
Many people involved in car crashes hurt their brains. The violent motions of the vehicles could cause bleeding and swelling inside the skull. Blunt force trauma and penetrating injuries can also lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that forever affect someone’s medical condition and earning potential. TBIs often require immediate trauma care and ongoing medical interventions for the rest of someone’s life. They can force people to change professions or leave them dependent on life support.
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries are perhaps the most feared of all catastrophic injuries. People find the idea of losing motor control and physical sensation very frightening. Not only can it be very difficult to adjust to life with a spinal cord injury, but people may also struggle to cover the costs generated by a spinal cord injury. They may need millions of dollars in healthcare support in some cases. Additionally, their injuries might also impact their earnings potential by imposing significant functional limitations.
Those with catastrophic injuries may find that a standard insurance claim is not adequate for their compensation following a collision. Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit can help people more thoroughly cover the costs inspired by a catastrophic collision injury.