Common Car Accident Injuries in Los Angeles, CA

Douglas D. Shaffer - Personal Injury Lawyer - Manhattan Beach, CA

Unfortunately, car accidents are common in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. As the city has increasingly congested highways and bustling traffic, there is always a risk of getting in a car crash. Such incidents can lead to a variety of injuries, from minor cuts and lacerations to significant, life-altering trauma. By becoming familiar with common car accident injuries in Los Angeles, CA, accident victims can understand the importance of legal and medical support.

Common Car Accident Injuries in Los Angeles, California

If you or your loved one has been hurt in a car accident, it’s important to keep in mind some of the most common injuries, as well as the potential impact they can have on many aspects of your life.

Some of the most common injuries include:

Fractures

The significant impact of a car crash can lead to broken bones or fractures in various parts of the body, such as hands, feet, ribs, legs, and arms. Some fracture injuries can require significant rehabilitation, long periods of immobilization, and even multiple surgeries. If the fracture is particularly severe, it can cause complications like difficulty with movement, nerve damage, and even permanent disability.

Whiplash

One of the most common injuries in car accidents is whiplash, especially in rear-end collisions. This happens when the head is thrown forward and backward, straining or damaging the neck muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Common whiplash symptoms include nausea, dizziness, migraines, neck pain, and lack of motion. Untreated whiplash can cause chronic pain and ongoing complications.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can lead to life-altering, permanent consequences. Depending on the location and seriousness of the injury, car accident victims could be dealing with chronic pain, loss of feeling, decreased motor functioning, and complete or partial paralysis. Spinal cord injuries typically require comprehensive medical attention and treatment, with some cases requiring lifelong care.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Injuries that involve significant force to the head are common in car accidents that are more severe, with injuries ranging from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injury symptoms could involve loss of memory, nausea, headaches, difficulty focusing, confusion, and sensitivity to sound and light. To adequately treat brain injuries, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Internal Injuries

The significant force of a car accident can cause internal injuries like damage to organs such as the lungs, kidneys, or liver. Additionally, it can lead to internal bleeding. As these injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be of a life-threatening nature, it’s crucial to seek medical attention after your car accident, even if you feel fine. Symptoms of internal injuries can include difficulty breathing, dizziness, or pain in the abdomen.

Psychological Trauma

Car accident injuries can go beyond the skin and bones, with many car accident and personal injury victims dealing with psychological trauma and emotional distress. Common symptoms of psychological trauma include anxiety, depression, disturbance to sleep, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and fear of getting in a car. By getting the right counseling and therapy, victims can receive the medical support they need to heal adequately.

An experienced attorney can help you get the compensation you are entitled to for your car accident injuries in Los Angeles.

Car Accident Injuries FAQs

Q: What Are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries in Los Angeles?

A: Some of the most common car accident injuries that occur in Los Angeles include whiplash as well as fractures and broken bones. More severe car accident injuries can include internal injuries, such as internal bleeding or organ damage, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even complications that lead to paralysis. Car accident injuries can vary in the degree of severity and nature.

Q: What Is Whiplash, and How Is It Caused?

A: Whiplash happens when the neck is moved back and forth quickly with a large amount of force, commonly happening in rear-end collision cases. Whiplash can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, stiffness, headaches, and pain in the neck. Symptoms of whiplash may not be immediately apparent. They can develop over time, even days after the accident occurs.

It’s crucial for all car accident victims to see medical personnel who can identify any underlying conditions.

Q: What Are the Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

A: Common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include issues with memory, dizziness, difficulty keeping balance, migraines and headaches, vomiting, nausea, and being sensitive to sound and light. Symptoms are dependent on the severity of the traumatic brain injury, with more serious injuries causing long-term physical and cognitive difficulties. Car accident victims who suffer from a TBI may be entitled to significant amounts of compensation.

Q: How Serious Are Spinal Cord Injuries From Car Accidents?

A: Spinal cord injuries from car accidents can change an accident victim’s life forever, leading to partial or even full paralysis. Victims could be facing a lifetime of assistive medical care and rehabilitation depending on where the injury was sustained and the severity. Furthermore, they could suffer from permanent disabilities that impact their capacity to work, carry out basic tasks, and even enjoy their lives.

Q: What Are Internal Injuries, and How Are They Diagnosed?

A: Internal injuries involve damage to the parts of the body, such as tissues, blood vessels, and organs, which can lead to bleeding internally. Common types of internal injuries include punctured lungs and ruptured organs, which are severe and can be life-threatening. It’s important to note that internal injuries are not always immediately apparent, necessitating medical imaging diagnostics to be properly identified and addressed.

Get the Compensation You Need With a Skilled Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been in a car accident in Los Angeles or surrounding areas, you may be reeling from significant physical injuries. Whether you have suffered from a concussion or spinal cord injury, it’s crucial to recover the compensation you’re entitled to so that you can adequately heal or manage your condition. An experienced car accident lawyer from Shaffer Law can go over your case details, help you collect crucial evidence, and build up your case.

Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you recover the compensation you need for your injuries.

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About The Author

Douglas D. Shaffer

Douglas D. Shaffer is a seasoned attorney based in California, specializing in personal injury and complex litigation. With an impressive career marked by significant case wins and a strong dedication to his clients, his professional background and expertise are noteworthy. Education: Graduated magna cum laude from Pepperdine Law School; holds a Bachelor of Science from Ohio State University. Experience: Over three decades of legal practice, focusing on catastrophic injury cases. Recognition: Repeatedly recognized as a Super Lawyer; named a top lawyer by US News and World Reports. Community Involvement: Actively contributes to community services and coaches youth sports. Bar Admissions: Admitted to the State Bar of California, U.S. District Court Northern District of California, and U.S. District Court Central District of California since 1984.

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