Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death on the roads. Despite advances in car safety technology, many people still suffer serious injuries due to car accidents every day. In St. Louis, MO, car accidents happen more often than expected. According to the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) database, there were 15,092 traffic accidents in the city in 2021. That might not sound like a huge number for a big city, but here’s the catch: St. Louis has around 300,000 residents. That means there was roughly one accident for every 20 residents—a surprisingly high rate. If you are living in St. Louis, for instance, and are a car accident victim, you must seek help from a St. Louis car accident attorney. This blog post will discuss some of the most common types of car accident injuries and legal remedies that victims can pursue.
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common types of injuries suffered in a car accident. It occurs when an abrupt jolt to the neck causes soft tissue damage, pain, and stiffness. The symptoms may not be immediately evident after an accident but can develop over time. Whiplash victims have rights under personal injury laws if they can prove that their injury resulted from someone else’s negligence or recklessness.
Broken Bones
When high-impact forces occur during a car accident, broken bones may result. Rib fractures, broken arms, leg fractures, or other bones that suffer trauma can leave victims with long-term disabilities or require surgery to heal properly. Broken bone cases often involve extensive medical treatment, including imaging tests like CT scans and X-rays, which could be used as evidence in determining compensation for damages caused by another party’s negligence.
Head Injuries
Head trauma is the most common injuries in car accidents, but that doesn’t mean they’re something to forget about. Even minor head bumps could lead to concussions which can cause headaches, memory loss, dizziness, and even personality changes if left untreated. This could create significant physical liabilities far into the future. Because traumatic brain injuries pose unique challenges for diagnosis tests, treatment requirements vary dramatically from person to person; thus, it’s recommended that you speak with an experienced attorney whenever seeking such avenues.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord damage from blunt force trauma during an accident can range from slight discomforts all along your spine to paralysis (quadriplegia). Undoubtedly, the cost implications will increase proportionally with the injury’s severity over time. Spinal cord injury victims can seek compensation from the responsible party for their damages.
Emotional Distress
Finally, it’s essential to take note that car accidents don’t just cause physical harm but also emotional distress. Survivors may experience conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as nightmares, personality changes, or temperamental issues. It is essential to always speak to a legal expert in situations where PTSD or depression manifest following a traffic collision so that you can prevent possible negative influences this could have on psychological health, especially if left untreated.
Legal Remedies
Suppose you suffer an injury caused by someone else’s negligence. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses incurred due to the accident, lost wages, and possibly disability benefits depending on your insurance policy agreements. Here are some remedies available:Â
Lawsuits
Filing a lawsuit against the careless driver can be one way to recover full damages from any losses sustained during an accident while ensuring they remain liable for their actions.
Insurance Claims
In certain cases, insurance companies often cover losses suffered in car collisions under coverage policies obligated by state laws. One could file a claim(s) trying to get equal restitution; since most payments awarded might not monetarily replace all items lost, various policy agreements will be consulted between insurers involved, and negotiations made until parties reach a consensus in settlement deals.
Out-of-Court SettlementsÂ
In instances whereby settling outside of court seems fair, favorable & ideal out-of-court settlements with negotiated terms surrounding personal circumstances make reaching deals less complex than in a formal litigation setting. Legal procedures require hiring attorneys and other consultants at higher costs.
Conclusion
Many people suffer serious injuries daily due to car accidents. While advancements have been made towards developing safer vehicles, people still face risks when driving on roads filled with reckless drivers who put others’ well-being at risk. If you have been injured in a car accident, seeking legal counsel and following the legal remedies available to ensure proper compensation for any losses incurred from such accidents is essential.
