Unexpected and unavoidable car accidents can result in injuries that last for years.

From the catastrophic brain injury to the cuts and bruises type – it’s worth getting in touch with an accident solicitor to discuss compensation.

Compensation isn’t about “free money”. It’s paid out to compensate you for injuries, help you get medical help and get your life back to normal.

And while the media and insurance companies like to bash accident solicitors…genuine claims are usually awarded fair amounts – based on sound judgments.

Let’s take a look at the top ten injuries caused by car accidents.

1. Whiplash

The sudden movement of your head and neck due to an accident can be very painful. Soft tissue and tendons can be damaged. It can also take a long time to heal. Although people often criticise claims for whiplash – it is a serious medical injury.

2. Scrapes and cuts

Cuts and scrapes can be serious or minor. But all cuts mean possible infections – so you should have them checked out. Also, photograph any injury in case it is needed in evidence.

3. Broken ribs

A common injury in car accidents. Broken ribs are painful and can take a long time to heal. The ribs are quite fragile and can easily be broken when you are pushed sideways or forward when a crash occurs. You may miss a considerable period of work – which needs compensating for.

4. Hips, leg, shoulder injury

Side on or rear-end crashes can result in multiple fractures. Simple bone fractures can typically take 6-8 weeks to heal. Broken hips and shoulders may require significant surgery, pins and stabilisation. Compensation needs to be considered to pay for treatment, recovery and loss of earnings.

5. Severe head injuries

Severe “trauma” is when the brain is injured – which can have long-lasting effects. These injuries can lead to complications with speech, movement and co-ordination. Some brain trauma may be minor, but a blow to the head is always “serious” until you are told otherwise by a trained doctor.

Brain scans, MRI and CT scanning can assist the doctor in diagnosis and recording your injury.

Unfortunately serious life-threatening and life-changing injuries due to car accidents are common when accidents happen at high speed.

Losing a limb or paralysis (sometimes temporary) are the results of car accidents.

When something like this happens, no amount of money can make up for the loss. However, many people do go on to live lives that are worth living thanks to incredible medical skill and adaptations of the home which is often paid for by compensation.

6. Internal bleeding

Often known as “the silent killer” internal bleeding is not always obvious. If there’s a chance of internal bleeding, (i.e. any accident except the most minor bump) then you should see a doctor.

7. Ruptured disc

One of the most common problems (and painful and ongoing) can be a ruptured or herniated disc. The spine has many shock-absorbing discs. If any of these get damaged, sever back and leg pain can occur. Sometimes discs in the neck can be injured too.

8. Broken or damaged knees

The knees are key to your walking. If you have had an accident and the knees hit the steering wheel or dashboard, it’s possible they get injured in a big way. Whether ligaments, knee cap or tendons, the damage can be severe. It may be you never walk again in the same way, or without pain. Compensation may help you get the very best surgeon and physiotherapy

9. PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

It’s not just physical trauma that can affect you after a crash. Something called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – PTSD – can affect your emotional state. You may be fearful of getting into a car again. You may have nightmares or flashbacks. These need specialised treatment to overcome. Compensation may help pay for specialist counselling for your emotional suffering.

10. Guilt feelings

As well as PTSD it’s common for accident victims to feel guilty. Even if you are not to blame for the accident, you may think “What if?” These guilt feelings can affect you for many years. It is very important to get the right therapy to help you through things.

How can you avoid life-changing injuries?

Risk is there every time we wake up. But driving a car is riskier because of the speed and other drivers. So how do you reduce your risk? Here are some of the things you can do:

  • Wear a seatbelt! It’s the law and it saves lives.
  • Don’t break the speed limit – and drive according to weather conditions. You know it makes sense.
  • Make sure your car is roadworthy, brakes, lights, windscreen wipers.
  • Don’t use drugs, research suggest that you are twice as likely to have a serious accident whilst drug driving. Facing a charge ? speak with our drug driving solicitors. Do not use a mobile phone or drive while intoxicated. Don’t drive if medication or tiredness is likely to affect your driving.
  • Don’t give in to road rage! Always remain calm when driving. A few seconds added to your journey isn’t a problem. A crash with another angry driver is.

What to do if you do have an accident… get immediate medical help

You may not think you are injured. But sometimes serious injuries don’t show up straight away.

You may think that you are wasting the doctor’s time – but it’s important to log any potential injuries, especially if you want to claim compensation. Doctors are trained to see things you can’t!

Medical specialists can also tell you what you need to do to recover.

How can a personal injury lawyer help you after a car accident?

A personal injury solicitor or lawyer is someone who is skilled in personal injury legal work. They know how insurance companies try and deflect claims. They understand the legal system and why compensation claims are successful.

Choose a good injury solicitor to help you make a claim. Many, like Ashmans Solicitors, can work on a no-win, no-fee basis on some claims. What happens if you get caught drug driving.

Taking every step on your behalf, Ashmans can document your accident injuries and prepare your case.

If you have had an accident or know someone how has suffered any personal injury, whether at work, in public or because of a faulty product – please ask them to get in touch with our experts.

Before you get distracted we recommend you put this 24/7 telephone number 0333 00 6275 in your mobile phone contacts under Solicitors – you never know when you may need us.