Every day millions of Americans take to the roadways in personal vehicles to travel to work, school, shopping or social activities. Yet few of us have our minds on the potential hazards of a motor vehicle collision. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over three million injuries occur each year due to motor vehicle accidents.
Auto accidents range from mild to severe, some resolving themselves in a matter of days while others can lead to permanent disability. Certain types of injuries are more common than others, and their incidence and severity depend on a number of factors:
- Were the driver and passengers wearing seat belts at the time of the collision?
- Was impact at the side, rear or front of the vehicle?
- What was the injured person’s body position at the time of impact — forward facing, turned to the side or in another position?
- What was the speed of the vehicles involved?
- Did the vehicle’s airbags deploy?
If you sustain serious injuries and file an insurance claim, all of the above factors will be scrutinized to help determine the amount of settlement.
Types of Auto Accident Injuries
Generally speaking, auto injuries fall under one of two categories: Impact injuries or penetration injuries.
An impact injury occurs when body parts make contact with an object such as the steering wheel, windshield, dashboard or airbag. They typically result in superficial contusions, or bruises, but they may also cause internal organ damage, broken bones, or serious soft tissue damage.
Penetration injuries occur when car parts or particles penetrate the skin. In mild cases they may cause minor cuts and scrapes that heal fairly quickly. However, in severe cases, penetration injuries can affect vital organs, brain tissue and soft tissues including muscles, ligaments and tendons. Penetration injuries may come from glass and vehicle parts, or from unsecured objects flying about during the crash.
Common Motor Vehicle Injuries by Body Part
In addition to severity, the location of injuries can influence the amount of your claim settlement.
- Head and Neck Injuries: The velocity and momentum of the vehicles involved in a crash often determine the severity of head and neck injuries. As a rule, the faster you are going, the more serious the injury. Head and neck injuries often occur due to rapid deceleration. Essentially, the car stops moving, but your head keeps going at the original speed until it is stopped by the soft tissues surrounding your neck, leading to whiplash. At the same time. your brain bounces back and forth against the sides of your skull, leading to a possible concussion.
- Chest and Torso Injuries: Injuries to the chest and torso are common, and can arise from impact with the steering wheel, dash or airbag, or from the restraint of a seatbelt. Penetration injuries to the chest and trunk can cause serious damage to the lungs, heart and vital organs. Contusions and broken ribs are common in chest and trunk injuries.
- Arm and Leg Injuries: Injuries to the extremities can range from minor cuts and bruises to sprains and broken bones. Limited leg room can cause the knees of both driver and passengers to be crushed against the dashboard or seats. Reflexively raising your arms to brace yourself can lead to wrist and shoulder injuries.
It is important to keep in mind that some injuries do not become apparent for days or even weeks after a motor vehicle accident, and prematurely settling your case can leave you without resources for treatment.
Motor Vehicle Accident Funding from Cronus
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, seek medical treatment immediately, and contact a personal injury lawyer to handle your case. You may be entitled to a large insurance settlement to cover medical expenses and loss of income. An attorney can help you navigate the claims process and make sure you get a settlement that is commensurate with your injuries.
It is important to note that a motor vehicle settlement can take months or even years to be resolved. Meanwhile, you need time to recover and funds to meet your expenses and provide for your family. Cronus offers pre-settlement funding to qualified applicants. Use the money to pay your bills and stay afloat while you heal. If you lose your case, you owe us nothing. Contact us today for a quick and easy application process, and get the cash you need in a matter of days.
