There are a plethora of injuries that you can sustain in an automobile accident. Some injuries are obvious immediately after the accident occurs. Others may take days or weeks before you begin to show or notice the signs of the injury being present. If you sustained any injuries in an automobile accident that required medical treatment, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. A personal injury claim helps you to recoup money for your medical expenses, as well as any time you missed from work and pain and suffering. The right car accident attorney can help you determine if you have a case and can help you file. Here are five common types of auto accident injuries that you should call a Nevada personal injury attorney about.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are one of the most common injuries you may sustain in a car accident. When you're involved in a major collision, it's very common to sustain broken ribs, broken bones in the arms or legs or even bones broken in the back. If you suspect or know you have broken a bone, it's important to seek out medical attention right away. X-rays will be taken to determine what exactly is broken and the extent of the break. If needed, a cast will be placed or other treatment will be rendered to help the bones heal. Follow up visits will be needed to ensure your bones heal fully and properly.
Whiplash
Whiplash is extremely common in those involved in an accident, including slow auto accidents. Whiplash is caused when the body is thrown forward quickly and then bounces back. It causes damage to the bone structure and soft tissue surrounding the area, as these items are forced to stretch quickly. Whiplash commonly occurs in the neck and upper spine region in car accident victims. Unfortunately, it is not obvious at first and most people mistake it for a bit of pain or soreness after the accident. If you are still a bit sore a few days after the accident, be sure to be seen by a medical professional, as you may be suffering from whiplash.Herniated and Bulging Discs
A herniated or bulging disc is another common injury and means that a disc that is leaking out of the spinal canal through a tear or rupture. This can cause pain ranging from minor pain when doing certain activities to severe pain all of the time. A bulging or herniated disc is often caused when the body is thrown forward due to the impact of the accident and the spine stretches beyond its usual ability. Herniated and bulging discs are often mistaken for soreness or pain after an accident and it can take days or weeks for you or a doctor to realize you are suffering from this injury.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries, or a TBI, can be among the most severe types of injuries sustained in an accident. A TBI can cause someone to become forgetful or temporarily lose their memory, or it may put someone in a vegetative state or incapacitate them. Most traumatic brain injuries happen as a result of head trauma that occurs during the accident. In many cases, it will be obvious that you have sustained a head injury, but the full extent, and whether you suffer from a traumatic brain injury will not be known for some time.Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder is not unheard of after an auto accident. In many situations, you may be left with stress and bad memories of the accident. You may experience nightmares or you may become anxious or experience panic attacks when you are in an automobile. If you have to seek out treatment because of the stress, anxiety, and fear that the car accident left you with, you may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. It may be an invisible disorder but it's all too real to the people who live with it.