Whether involved in a minor fender bender or a catastrophic collision, victims of car accidents run the risk of getting seriously injured. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 2.3 million people were injured in car accidents along the nation’s roadways in 2013. While there are many types of injuries that can occur as a result of driver negligence, the following are three of the most common injuries suffered by motor vehicle accident victims.

Traumatic brain injuries

Sudden impact caused by an unexpected collision can cause the head to smack into something or whip back and forth forcefully. This movement may cause the brain to hit into the bony inside of the skull, damaging the soft tissue, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Initially, the victim may suffer from a fractured skull or even bleeding in the brain. With TBIs, however, the brain can continue to swell for days following the accident. TBI victims may notice different signs depending on the severity and location of the damage. Dizziness, slurred speech, seizures, headaches, muscle weakness, nausea and vomiting are just a few symptoms of brain injury. If a TBI is not detected, diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, it may end up causing severe and sometimes permanent cognitive impairment.

Spinal cord damage and back injuries

Another possible injury that can occur from experiencing a sudden impact is spinal cord damage. The spinal cord is protected by bony vertebrae and intervertebral discs, which can be damaged as well. If the spinal cord snaps, neural transmissions are not able to travel throughout the body and the car accident victim will become paralyzed. The victim may lose use of both legs and arms or both arms depending on where the spinal cord damage occurs, as reported by the Mayo Clinic.

Herniated discs can be incredibly painful, and may not show up for some time following the accident. Severe trauma or forceful impact can cause the disc cushioning the area between the bony vertebrae to jut out. In some cases, the misplaced disc can pinch a nerve or affect a bundle of nerves that are leaving the spinal column.

Fractured bones

Broken bones can result in pain, surgery and even disabilities in severe cases. When bones break, they do not always break in a clean fashion. Compound fractures often result in damage to the surrounding tissues and muscles, and may increase the person’s risk for infection, according to Medical News Today. People who suffer from broken bones may have to undergo surgeries and endure physical therapy sessions in order to regain mobility of that area of the body.

Legal counsel may be helpful

If you suffer from any type of injury stemming from another driver’s negligence or reckless ness, you may want to speak with a personal injury attorney in Colorado. You may be able to receive compensation for lost wages from time spent off of work, medical expenses and emotional trauma.

Keywords: car, accident, injury