There are millions of auto accidents in the US each year, and hundreds of thousands of individuals end up with injuries as a result. Most of those who are in car accidents sustain mild to moderate injuries, but for some, the injuries are severe and even catastrophic. A catastrophic injury is one that is life-altering, usually leaving victims with permanent and debilitating conditions that they may never recover from.

If you or someone close to you suffered a serious or catastrophic injury in a Virginia auto accident, Buck, Toscano & Terezkerz will work hard to get you the full and fair compensation you deserve. Virginia’s contributory negligence laws make it more difficult for accident injury victims to recover damages, and our skilled and knowledgeable attorneys can help you avoid any pitfalls that might damage your case. Call our office at (434) 977-7977 to set up a free no-obligation consultation.

Six Catastrophic Injuries that are Common in Car Accidents

Auto accidents can sometimes result in severe and debilitating injuries, and injuries like these are more likely with crashes that occur at higher speeds. They also happen frequently in crashes involving larger vehicles, such as commercial trucks, and in collisions between motor vehicles and motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Here are six of the most common catastrophic injuries that are sustained in motor vehicle accidents:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often happen in high-impact crashes when a person’s head is jolted swiftly by the crash. They can also happen when an unprotected accident victim (such as a pedestrian) falls and hits their head on the ground. Some symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include severe headaches, dizziness, memory loss, mood changes, loss of consciousness, seizures, anxiety, depression, difficulty with problem solving, and increased aggression.

TBIs can vary widely in severity, and in the most serious cases, the injured person will need physical and occupational therapy just to resume basic everyday tasks. In cases like these, the individual would likely require daily care from family members or health professionals, and there is a strong possibility that they may never be able to return to work at all.

Spinal Cord Injuries/Paralysis

The impact of a serious crash can cause severe injuries to the neck and spinal cord. The spinal cord performs extremely important functions, such as carrying messages from the brain to other areas of the body. Severe spinal cord injuries can cause permanent damage in the affected areas, resulting in loss of functionality in various parts of the body (a.k.a. paralysis).

Amputations/Loss of Limbs

A serious crash can put someone in the position of suffering a crush injury, which can result in having one or more of their body parts amputated. Amputations/loss of limbs are particularly common when pedestrians are hit and/or run over by a car, and they have also been known to happen to motorcyclists and bicyclists when they get trapped underneath a larger vehicle.

Burn Injuries

In some auto crashes, it is possible for the vehicle to catch on fire and/or explode. This can cause occupants to suffer second and third degree burns over large portions of their body. Severe burn injuries are known to be excruciatingly painful, and these injuries can also result in permanent scarring and disfigurement.

Major Fractures

Most fracture injuries that happen in car wrecks will heal in a matter of months. But there are some more traumatic fractures that, because of their location and severity, require multiple surgeries to correct. When this occurs, there is strong possibility of permanent injuries from which the victim may not be able to fully recover.

Severe Internal Injuries

The sudden and traumatic jolt caused by a car crash can result in major damage to internal organs and tissues. Examples of internal injuries caused by auto accidents include broken ribs, ruptured spleen, pneumothorax (lung collapse), internal bleeding, and abdominal aorta aneurysm (compressed stomach). Internal injuries are often not detected right away, but many of them can be life-threatening. This is why you should always get prompt medical attention after an auto accident, even if you do not feel like you are hurt.

Injured in an Auto Accident in Virginia? Contact Buck, Toscano & Terezkerz for Legal Help

If you or a loved one got hurt in a motor vehicle accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence or reckless actions, Buck, Toscano & Terezkerz is ready to go to work for you. Message us online or call our office today at (434) 977-7977 to schedule your free consultation and case assessment.

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