Common Injuries in Michigan Car Accidents

There are close to 300,000 auto accidents throughout the state every year. While some of these wrecks result in only minor scrapes and bruises, there are many common injuries in Michigan car accidents that are severe and even life-threatening.

After a crash, it is essential for anyone injured to seek medical attention. However, it could also be vital to collect important information about a crash in order to file a claim for compensation. If you or someone you love was injured in a car wreck, a dedicated lawyer could help you understand your legal options and file an appropriate claim to recover compensation for your injuries and associated medical costs.

• Severe brain damage from a crash
• Reporting injuries
• How to get in touch with a top-rated Michigan auto-accident attorney?

Injuries After an Auto Accident

The severity of injuries from a car crash is, naturally, circumstantial and relies on the speed and force of the collision, as well as the types of vehicles involved. While any number of damages can arise after these wrecks, some common injuries in Michigan car accidents are, unfortunately, severe. These include:

• Leg injuries—including to the knee, femur, tibia, fibula, ankles, and feet
• Arm and shoulder injuries—including fractures and torn rotator cuff injuries
• Back injuries—including herniated discs, bulging discs, and fractures to the thoracic and lumbar spine and vertebrae
• Psychological injuries—including PTSD, depression, and emotional damages
• Permanent scars and disfigurements to the face, arms, legs, and other parts of the body
• Head and facial trauma—resulting in injuries to the jaw, and face
• Nerve damage in the arms, legs, and spine
• Neck injuries—including fractures to the cervical spine and vertebrae
• Burn damage
• Spinal cord damage—including paralysis, quadriplegia, and paraplegia
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), such as closed head injuries, and post-concussion syndrome
• Death

After suffering a severe injury, a person is often left with extensive recovery times and a pile of medical bills. For example, many bone fractures require surgical treatment, leaving the person with hospital bills, rehabilitation, and physical therapy costs—all while being unable to work. Furthermore, there is often a need for assistance around the home during this period of recovery, as well as help with daily activities.

Under Michigan state law, a person injured in a motor vehicle accident can claim benefits with their own auto insurance company. This law applies no matter who is to blame for the crash, according to Michigan Compiled Laws § 500.3101. These benefits include payment of medical expenses, lost wages, attendant care services, and other important benefits.

An injured person can also file a claim for compensation against the at-fault driver and owner of the at-fault vehicle. These damages include payment for pain and suffering, disability, scars and disfigurements, and other harm caused by the negligent motorist. These claims often bring significant money settlements to the injured person.

Severe Brain Damage from a Crash

There are many possible causes of a severe or traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a car wreck—such as a direct impact on the brain or the sudden jerking of a person’s head. Due to the physical trauma of a brain injury, as well as the subsequent financial and emotional burden, the effects of a TBI can be devastating—both to the survivor and their family. Some of the most common outcomes of TBI’s after a car collision include:

• Swallowing disorders
• Headaches
• Incontinence
• Balance problems
• Issues with coordination and movement
• Memory loss
• Speech problems
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Death

Because of the severe and often life-altering nature of brain damage and other common injuries in car accidents, a person may feel as though their situation is hopeless after a crash in Michigan. However, a compassionate attorney may be able to help a victim receive compensation in order to ease their financial burden and allow them to focus on their recovery.

Reporting Injuries

After a crash, it is essential for anyone who has been injured to note their injuries and symptoms. However, in some situations, the full extent of a person’s injuries might not be apparent right away.

For example, a headache might turn into severe brain trauma, or what feels like a pulled muscle may actually be a slipped disc. No matter the circumstances following a car accident, all physical or medical concerns should be brought to the attention of a medical care provider.

Not only does this help protect the health and well-being of the injured person, but it might also ensure there is a record of their injuries in the event that they pursue a claim for compensation. Because, without proper documentation, filing a claim is often difficult or even impossible.

Contact an Attorney to Discuss Common Injuries in Michigan Auto Wrecks

The common injuries suffered in Michigan car crashes are often serious and even catastrophic, such as traumatic brain injuries. Many times, the degree of damages or harm may leave a person with financial stress, physical trauma, and the inability to work. However, through no-fault insurance or a civil claim, you should not have to cover the costs of your recovery alone, especially when an accident was the result of someone else’s negligence.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car wreck, a dedicated attorney might be able to help. To begin building a claim for recovery of your injuries, call a legal professional at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. today.