Common Car Accident Injuries in New York

Car accidents in New York can have devastating repercussions, causing profound physical, emotional, and financial hardships for victims. With the bustling streets of the city and busy highways, it is essential to grasp the common injuries that occur in these accidents. Understanding these injuries can help individuals better comprehend the potential consequences and seek appropriate legal action to pursue compensation for their losses. Whether it's whiplash, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, head and brain injuries, soft tissue injuries, or internal injuries, knowing the legal implications involved in seeking restitution is paramount to achieving justice and recovery. To navigate the complexities of the legal process, it is crucial to contact an experienced New York car accident lawyer who can provide expert guidance and protect your rights throughout your personal injury claim.

Common Injuries

Car accidents can lead to a variety of injuries due to the sheer force of impact involved. The sudden deceleration, violent jolts, and collisions can cause damage to the neck, spine, bones, brain, soft tissues, and internal organs, resulting in a wide range of injuries with varying degrees of severity. Here are examples of some of the most common car accident injuries in New York.

• Head and Brain Injuries:Whiplash: Whiplash, also known as neck sprain or neck strain, is a soft tissue injury that commonly occurs in car accidents. It refers to the damage and strain of the soft tissues in the neck, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, due to the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head during a collision. Symptoms of whiplash often include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and restricted range of motion.
• Broken Bones: The impact of a car accident can cause bones to fracture or break. Common fractures include broken ribs, collarbones, arms, legs, and wrists. These injuries often require immediate medical attention and can result in significant pain, immobility, and the need for surgeries or prolonged rehabilitation. For example, in Fortuna v. Roth, Supreme Court, Suffolk County, January 31, 2014, the 24- year old plaintiff sustained several broken bones, including fractures to his right patella, tibia, fibula and femur; lumbar vertebrae fractures; a right pelvic fracture; multiple facial fractures including fractures of the right zygomatic arch, right medial and lateral pterygoid plates, right maxillary sinus and right temporal and sphenoid bones; and a fractured right humerus.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Car accidents can result in devastating spinal cord injuries that can have life-altering consequences. These injuries may include complete spinal cord injuries, leading to total loss of sensory and motor function below the injury level, resulting in paralysis and loss of sensation. Additionally, incomplete spinal cord injuries can occur, where there is some degree of preserved function below the injury level. These injuries can cause partial paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired bodily functions. Spinal cord injury victims often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and specialized care. They may also need adaptive equipment and assistive devices to regain independence and improve their quality of life. The long-term consequences of spinal cord injuries highlight the critical need for comprehensive medical care and ongoing support for those affected by these devastating injuries resulting from car accidents.
• Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a grave concern in car accidents. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Victims may experience cognitive impairment, memory loss, mood swings, headaches, and other neurological symptoms that can significantly impact their quality of life.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Car accidents often cause damage to soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Sprains, strains, and tears in these tissues can result in significant pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Soft tissue injuries can take time to heal, requiring physical therapy and rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: The forceful impact of a car accident can cause internal injuries, including damage to internal organs, internal bleeding, or punctured organs. Internal injuries may not always be immediately apparent, making it crucial for accident victims to seek medical evaluation promptly.
• Amputation Injuries: In some severe car accidents, amputation injuries can occur, where a body part gets completely severed or traumatically injured and requires surgical removal. Amputation injuries can have devastating physical and emotional consequences, necessitating extensive rehabilitation, prosthetics, and adaptive devices to regain functionality and adjust to life-changing circumstances.
• Children's Injuries: Children are particularly vulnerable to car accident injuries due to their smaller size and developing bodies. They may suffer from various injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, internal organ damage, and emotional trauma. Special care must be taken to address the unique needs of child victims, ensuring proper medical treatment, ongoing support, and potential long-term consequences.
• Burns: Car accidents can also result in burn injuries, which occur due to contact with hot surfaces, flames, or chemicals. Burns can range from mild to severe, requiring immediate medical attention and specialized treatment. Depending on the severity, burn injuries may result in scarring, disfigurement, and long-term physical and emotional challenges.

Taking Legal Action

When injured in a car accident in New York due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, victims have the right to pursue legal action to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. The first thing you should do is to seek medical attention. Prompt medical documentation of your injuries is crucial for establishing a connection between the accident and your injuries. It is also critical to consult with a skilled car accident attorney in New York. Engaging the services of an experienced New York car accident lawyer is vital in navigating the legal complexities involved in pursuing compensation. With the help of experienced legal representation, you can demand compensation to alleviate the financial burdens associated with common injuries in car accidents in New York. This includes compensation for medical expenses such as hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. Victims may also seek reimbursement for lost wages due to temporary or permanent disability, as well as compensation for pain and suffering, addressing the physical and emotional distress caused by the injuries.

Contact Stephen Bilkis & Associates

Car accidents can cause life-altering injuries that have a profound impact on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Understanding the common injuries resulting from car accidents and the importance of pursuing a claim is crucial for victims seeking justice and fair compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, it is essential to consult with a skilled car accident attorney serving New York who can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact Stephen Bilkis & Associates at 1-800-NY-NY-LAW (1-800-696-9529) to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Staten Island, Suffolk County, and Westchester County.

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