Common Charlotte Accident Injuries

Several types of injuries are common to auto accidents. Some are catastrophic injuries that leave Charlotte accident victims unable to function the same as they did before the accident. Others, while seemingly minor, may prevent you from enjoying the same activities you enjoyed before you were involved in a Charlotte car wreck. Below is a brief discussion of the most common types of injuries that occur in Charlotte auto accidents.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain is damaged as a result of a sudden physical force, such as the impact experienced in a Charlotte car accident. TBI can be either a "penetrating" or "closed" injury. Penetrating head injuries occur when some object pierces the skull and lodges in the brain. Closed head injuries occur when, in an accident, the accelerated momentum of the brain causes it to impact against the skull when it is suddenly decelerated upon impact. Closed head injuries present unique challenges in Charlotte auto accident litigation since patients will often demonstrate no obvious external symptoms of injury, even though the damage to the brain may be severe. Some symptoms of TBI may include, concussion, seizure, headache, dizziness, inability to concentrate, loss of memory, and even anxiety and depression. An attorney must have a thorough understanding of the symptoms of TBI in order to adequately present a case for damages to the jury. An experienced  Charlotte car accident lawyer can ensure that you undergo a CT or MRI scan in order to reveal any undetected brain injuries that may have occurred as a result of the auto accident.

Whiplash

The human body has difficulty absorbing certain types of impact, such as that caused by automobile collisions. The reason for this is physiological. The human head weighs roughly 10 to 15 pounds and rests upon the most flexible and least reinforced part of the spine:  the neck. Your neck contains 32 joints (among other muscles and ligaments) and is easily stretched and injured if too much force is applied in any direction. When the joints of the neck are stretched or strained beyond their normal limitations in an automobile collision, they can lose their ability to return to their original length. This is called whiplash.

Common symptoms of whiplash are headaches, dizziness, pain in the shoulders, arms, and hands, reduced ability to turn and bend, and lower back stiffness. Inasmuch as bruising of the brain can also sometimes occur in severe cases of whiplash, some victims have experienced blurred vision, ringing in the ears, nausea, and numbness.

Back Injuries

Many people suffer debilitating back injuries as a result of Charlotte automobile accidents. Disks in your spine can become herniated or ruptured, causing severe discomfort and often requiring painful surgery. In addition, the impact of an accident can cause compression fractures to your spine, which can damage your spinal cord and potentially create a reduction in or complete loss of mobility of your limbs. Spinal cord injuries are very serious and can leave you permanently disabled.

Some typical symptoms of back injuries that are common to car crashes are weakness in the limbs, shortness of breath, numbness, complete or partial paralysis, tingling in the extremities, and bowel and bladder control issues. Some victims are rendered paraplegic or quadriplegic, losing motor function of their limbs or extremities for the rest of their lives. Spinal cord injuries may leave you in need of full-time care and make it impossible for you to ever work again. If you have suffered a spinal cord injury in a Charlotte car accident, it is imperative that you seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney immediately. The Charlotte auto accident experts at Auger & Auger Law Firm can fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Fractures and Broken Bones

The force of impact in Charlotte auto accidents may cause fractures and broken bones, which are painful injuries that may cause you significant loss of earnings. These types of injuries may require surgery and weeks or even months of rehabilitation. Even a healed fracture may cause a permanent reduction in motor function, which may prevent you from being able to participate in once-loved activities in the future.

Fatalities

In the most serious Charlotte automobile accidents, death may result. A wrongful death lawsuit may be appropriate in cases in which the victim dies as a result of his or her injuries. The purpose of a wrongful death suit is to provide relief to family members who have been injured emotionally and financially as a result of a loved one's death. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a Charlotte auto accident, contact the Charlotte car accident lawyers at 1-800-977-7396 today for a free consultation.