Auto Accidents Lawsuits

Every year, more than 2.6 million people are hurt in car accidents in the United States. While the most common wounds are soft tissue injuries such as whiplash, the following are some of the other types of injuries that occur in auto accidents:

Head Injuries

• Skull fracture. A fracture in the bones of the skull can be a relatively minor injury, or it can be life-threatening. When a fracture occurs along a relatively straight line (linear skull fracture), recovery should be fairly uncomplicated. However, if the fracture causes an indentation of the skull (depressed skull fracture), surgery may be required to repair the fracture and to examine the brain for any evidence of injury.
• Hemorrhage. Any injury that leads to bleeding inside the skull is a medical emergency. Surgery is often required, depending on the location and extent of the bleeding.
• Traumatic brain injury. Most cases of traumatic brain injury involve a closed-head injury, which occurs when a forceful impact causes the brain to collide with the skull. A penetrating head injury, on the other hand, occurs when a projectile (such as a bullet, bone fragment or other object) penetrates the brain. Both closed-head injuries and penetrating head injuries are potentially life-threatening. They may also result in long-term complications such as coma, seizure, nerve damage or personality change.

Spinal Injuries

• Spinal fracture. A spinal fracture may be caused by a forceful impact in a vehicle crash or other violent trauma. People who have osteoporosis or other conditions that weaken bone are especially vulnerable to spinal fractures. Some spinal fractures will heal with rest and physical therapy, while others will require surgical repair.
• Spinal cord injury. A spinal cord injury typically occurs as the result of sudden, forceful trauma to the spine that fractures or dislocates vertebrae, causing displaced bone fragments to bruise or tear spinal cord tissue. The long-range effects of spinal cord injury can range from almost total recovery to complete paralysis.

In addition to these serious injuries, auto accidents often cause fractures, lacerations, and other seemingly minor injuries. Even these, however, can lead to serious, long-term complications.

Have You Been Injured in an Auto Accident?

If you or someone you love has suffered an auto accident-related injury, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Contact the Law Offices of James Sokolove today for a free, no-obligation review of your case. With more than 30 years of experience in auto accident claims, we'll help determine who is responsible for your injuries and make sure your legal rights are protected.