John Price Law Blog

Catastrophic Injuries Resulting From Bad Car Accidents

It is estimated that 2.5 million people suffer catastrophic injuries in car accidents each year. Given the fast-paced world we live in, devastating injuries are becoming an unfortunate byproduct. A catastrophic injury is any injury that causes long-term consequences or permanent disability. Sadly, safety measures in cars are no match against the impact of two vehicles colliding at high speeds.

The auto accident lawyers at John Price Law in Charleston, SC, are committed to helping individuals retrieve damages following a catastrophic accident. If you or a loved one has recently experienced devastating injuries as a result of a bad car accident, do not hesitate to contact our personal injury attorneys.

Abdominal Injuries

Given the lack of bony protection, abdominal injuries are common in car accidents. Studies suggest that front-seat occupants most commonly experience liver and spleen damage. Even though severe bleeding can occur, it often occurs in the retroperitoneal space, which can store a significant volume of blood. Sadly, bleeding can go unnoticed to the point that a person may experience shock due to the massive blood loss. Symptoms of abdominal bleeding may include cramping, fatigue, nausea, and a distended abdomen. Given the subtlety of symptoms, abdominal injuries are often coined the “silent killer.”

Spinal Cord Injuries

Roughly one-third of spinal cord injuries can be attributed to motor vehicle crashes. A spinal cord injury may occur when there is damage to the bundle of nerves that extends from the brain down to the tailbone. Symptoms may present as altered sensation, loss of bladder or bowel control, muscle spasms below the site of injury, and, in severe cases, paralysis.

Traumatic Amputations

A bad car accident can result in a severed limb or digit. Although it is possible to have the severed limb reattached, especially if there was a clean cut, you are likely to experience some loss of function.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents are one of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries. A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, can be caused by any strike, bump, or blow to the head. Those who suffer a TBI may experience headaches, vomiting, confusion, visual changes, and mood disturbances. While individuals who experience a mild TBI are often able to make a full recovery, 57% of moderate or severe TBI victims experience permanent disability.

Disfigurement

Disfigurement suffered after a collision will forever change a person’s physical appearance, but it can also result in physical disability. Eye injuries, broken bones, and severe burns (which can occur from the impact of the airbag deploying) can cause a person to be unable to work or perform routine tasks. Taking into account the psychological effect that disfigurement has on a person, accident victims may lack the ambition to pursue their future endeavors. Rightfully, those who experience disfigurement deserve adequate compensation for their present and future costs.

Catastrophic Injuries and Future Damages

Catastrophic injuries can potentially affect a person for the remainder of their life, resulting in permanent disability and ongoing medical costs. When you work with a Charleston auto accident lawyer, you will have someone who will estimate your future medical and financial needs.

Given that juries often award astronomical damages in catastrophic injury cases, insurance companies are more inclined to offer a structured or lump-sum settlement. When you work with our team of legal professionals, you can rest assured that you will recoup the damages rightfully due to you, either through insurance negotiations or in court.

Speak with a Charleston Auto Accident Attorney Now

A catastrophic injury can impede your ability to live a fulfilling life. In the aftermath of an accident, your medical bills may seem to be forming a never-ending pile, while your wages may seem nonexistent. At John Price Law, our Charleston auto accident lawyers understand the gravity of your situation. If you have sustained catastrophic injuries in a motor vehicle accident, our legal team would like to review your claim and discuss your options. To learn more about your case, contact us online or call (843) 552-6011.