According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 156,289 car crashes in Chicago in 2021. Common causes of Chicago car crash accidents include distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. No matter what the cause, these accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, varying in severity and consequences. Understanding the common injuries that may result from a car accident is crucial in promoting awareness and emphasizing the importance of safe driving practices.
Here, our Chicago personal injury attorneys explore the some possible injuries following a Chicago car crash.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a frequently reported injury following a Chicago car crash, particularly in rear-end collisions. This injury occurs when the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and backward, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and contusions, are common in car crashes. Whiplash is also considered a soft tissue injury. The sudden impact and force exerted on the body can damage muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Soft tissue injuries often do not immediately present symptoms and usually require advanced scanning to properly diagnose. This is why it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after a Chicago car crash. Additionally, your medical records can be used as evidence when filing your personal injury claim.
Broken Bones
Broken bones and fractures are another common injury many of our clients have experienced after Chicago car crashes. During a car accident, the impact of the wreck can lead to fractures and broken bones, especially broken ribs, arms, legs, and wrists. While a broken bone or a fracture might seem mild, they can lead to long-term effects depending on the severity.
Burns
In some car accidents, fires or explosions can occur, leading to burn injuries. Burns can happen due to contact with hot metal parts like the engine or exhaust system. Burn injuries can also be caused by contact with steam, hot liquids, or chemical burns. In some cases, burn injuries can even be fatal.
Brain Injuries
Chicago car crashes often can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) due to blunt force head trauma or a sudden movement of the head. Brain injuries can range from concussions to more severe injuries that cause lifelong issues that require extensive treatment.
Spinal Cord injuries
Along with whiplash, spinal cord injuries are another possible injury after a car accident. Most often, when people think of spinal cord injuries, paralysis comes to mind. Spinal cord injuries are vast and also include fractures, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, to name a few.
When the spinal cord is damaged, the nerve fibers within it may become partially or completely severed, which can lead to a disruption in the transmission of signals between the brain and the body.
Paralysis
Paralysis is a life-changing complication of some spinal injuries. Paralysis occurs when the spinal cord is damaged, leading to partial or complete loss of motor and sensory functions below the site of the injury. Paralysis can be partial (paraplegia) or complete (quadriplegia), depending on the level of injury and its impact on the spinal cord.
Contact a Chicago Car Accident Attorney
These are just a few examples of possible injuries after a Chicago car crash. A plethora of other injuries or complications are possible as well. This is why you need a caring and compassionate Chicago car accident lawyer from Lerner and Rowe to help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and more.
If you or a family member are severely injured in a car accident because of a negligent driver, we can help. Our lawyers have more than 240 years of combined experience winning maximum compensation for injury victims. In fact, our attorneys have won more than $1-billion in the last 5 years for clients nationwide. Reach out to us today and begin your free, no obligation consultation.
The Chicago car accident lawyers at Lerner and Rowe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 844-977-1900. You can also connect with us online by filling out this convenient form or connecting with one of our LiveChat agents.