Unfortunately, car accidents happen in California every day. Distracted drivers that are trying to reach their destination quickly cause a lot of accidents. Drivers that get behind the wheel while they are drunk, under the influence of drugs or sleep-deprived are also more likely to cause crashes.
Whether a car accident involves one or multiple vehicles, someone is usually injured. Here are some of the most common car accident injuries:
#1: Whiplash
Whiplash is a common car accident injury that can happen in even the smallest fender-benders. When your head moves quickly forward and back on impact, the tendons in your neck may be overstretched. You may not feel whiplash pain immediately after the crash, but once the pain sets in, it can last for days or weeks. Whiplash symptoms include:
- Pain and stiffness
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
#2: Concussion
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by your brain hitting the inside of your skull. Often, victims of car accidents suffer from concussion injuries at the same time that they suffer from whiplash injuries. A concussion can be mild or severe, and this injury can cause migraines, concentration problems and many other physical and cognitive issues.
#3: Herniated discs
A herniated disc injury occurs when your spine experiences too much pressure and the discs between your vertebrae slip out of place. These injuries can cause excruciating pain, especially when they involve the sciatic nerve. Herniated discs can happen in car accidents for all different reasons including being thrown or having an object fall on top of you.
Compensation for car accident injuries
If you were injured in a car accident due to another driver’s reckless actions, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver for compensation. Your medical appointments, surgeries and physical therapy may be compensable in a personal injury claim.