The Serious Impact of Head, Neck, and Spine Car Crash Injuries

Car crashes still happen daily despite all the anti-crash technology and other modern safety features. Crash injuries can range from minor to major. Some of the more severe injuries include crush injuries and internal bleeding. However, some of the more catastrophic injuries involve the head, neck, and spine. When injuries occur in these areas of the body, it is not uncommon for the victim to suffer chronic pain, permanent disabilities, and mental trauma. Victims often must deal with loss of future income because their injuries leave them unable to go back to the profession they had before the crash and injuries occurred.

If you or a loved one has suffered a head, neck, or spine injury in a crash caused by a negligent driver, contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to speak with one of our Norfolk car accident attorneys to find out what legal recourse you may have.

Head Injuries

Our legal team knows that even what appears to be a mild bump on the head can result in bruising and swelling of the brain and can lead to more serious conditions for the victim. Some of the most common head injuries that occur in car accidents include the following:

• Concussions: The victim may or may not lose consciousness, and the effects of a concussion can be long-lasting. Concussions are categorized as grade 1, 2, or 3, depending on the severity of the injury.
• Edema: Edema is the swelling of the brain. This swelling causes increased pressure on the brain, which can also increase the chance that the brain will press against the skull. This condition increases the risk that the victim will suffer brain damage.
• Hematoma: A hematoma is also known as a blood clot. A large hematoma can cause serious issues, especially if it puts pressure on the victim’s brain, increasing the risk of irreversible brain damage.
• Hemorrhage: A hemorrhage is uncontrolled bleeding. When a hemorrhage occurs, this creates excessive free-floating blood. This can put pressure on the brain, as well as increase the risk of the victim’s death because of all the blood loss.
• Skull fracture: Depending on the force of the impact from the crash, a victim can slam their head on the inside of the vehicle. This can cause the skull to fracture, even with working airbags. In some cases, the victim may need surgery on the skull.

Neck Injuries

The neck contains seven vertebrae, and any damage to these small bones can result in the victim suffering severe disability. Some of the more common neck injuries that occur in vehicle crashes include:

• Fractures: Broken bones in the neck can also damage nerves, resulting in serious injuries.
• Muscle strain: When muscles in the neck are strained in a crash, the victim can suffer from chronic headaches, and their ability to perform everyday activities can be seriously limited.
• Whiplash: Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in a crash. Even a very slow speed, the minor impact, can result in a whiplash injury. This type of injury occurs when there is a quick back-and-forth motion of the head, like the cracking of a whip. A whiplash injury can cause dizziness, forgetfulness, headaches, mood changes, and neck and shoulder pain.

Spine Injuries

The spine is made up of vertebrae that protect the spinal cord. When there is a crash impact, the jolting motion can put tremendous pressure on the back. Common back injuries that happen in a crash include:

• Fractures: Fractures can occur in any of the 33 vertebrae that run from the neck down to the tailbone.
• Herniated disks: Car accidents may affect the cushions (the discs) between the vertebrae. If the inside portion of the disc bulges through the outside portion of the disc, it can press on nerves, causing pain, tingling, and even numbness. Discs can also tear.
• Spinal cord injuries: The spinal cord consists of nerves that connect the entire body to the brain and the central nervous system. Any damage to the spinal cord is serious and potentially life-threatening. Even a mild injury can result in pain, loss of sensation, or paralysis.

Financial Compensation for Your Losses

In a car accident claim, victims can pursue two primary damages categories: economic and non-economic. Each serves to compensate for different losses resulting from the accident.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are tangible, quantifiable losses directly tied to the accident. These include:

• Medical expenses: Covers past, present, and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any necessary medical equipment.
• Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work for recovery. Future income loss can also be claimed if the injuries result in reduced earning capacity.
• Property damage: Covers the repair or replacement of the vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident, such as electronic devices.
• Rehabilitation costs: Includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, or vocational retraining necessary for recovery or adapting to life post-accident.
• Other out-of-pocket expenses: These include transportation to medical appointments, home care services, or modifications to accommodate disabilities resulting from the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address subjective, non-monetary losses. These can be more challenging to quantify but are equally important in achieving full compensation:

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and chronic suffering caused by the injuries.
• Emotional distress: Includes mental anguish, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from the accident or its aftermath.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: For diminished quality of life, such as the inability to participate in hobbies, activities, or social interactions enjoyed before the accident.
• Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact of the injuries on a spouse or family relationships, including loss of companionship or intimacy.
• Permanent disability or disfigurement: Covers the long-term emotional and psychological toll of permanent scars, amputations, or paralysis.

Seeking Full Compensation

While economic damages are relatively straightforward to calculate using bills and receipts, non-economic damages often require expert testimony or specific formulas to establish their value. Courts or insurance adjusters typically consider factors like the severity of injuries, the length of recovery, and the accident’s overall impact on the victim’s life.

A comprehensive claim should include thorough documentation and legal representation to ensure fair compensation for both tangible and intangible losses.

Call Our Firm for Legal Assistance

Head, neck, and spine injuries are, unfortunately, common car accident injuries, and they are often very serious. From medical treatments to long-term care expenses, these injuries can lead to significant financial difficulties. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our team of Norfolk car accident lawyers have decades of experience working with car accident victims, including those with head, neck, and spine injuries. To schedule a free consultation, contact our office today and find out what legal options you may have.

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