The Worst Injuries Caused in a Car Accident

Car accidents are among the most frequent causes of life-altering injuries worldwide. The sudden, often violent nature of these collisions can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars. Each year, millions of people suffer from severe car accident injuries, some of which lead to permanent disabilities or the tragic loss of life. In 2022, there were 2.6 million visits to the emergency room after car accidents alone.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, understanding the potential severity of injuries can guide you in recognizing symptoms, seeking medical attention, and securing legal support to manage the aftermath effectively.

The personal injury attorneys at Lenahan & Dempsey explore the worst injuries sustained in car accidents, including their causes, implications, and the crucial steps victims should take.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when the brain suffers trauma from a sudden jolt or blow to the head. These injuries are common in car accidents, where the force of impact causes the brain to collide with the skull.

TBIs can range in severity from mild concussions to life-altering, severe brain damage.

• Mild TBIs: Concussions often result in temporary confusion, dizziness, or headaches
• Severe TBIs: These can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, physical disabilities, and emotional disturbances that can last a lifetime

Car accidents often produce the sudden deceleration or violent head movements responsible for TBIs. Victims may face challenges such as difficulty concentrating, speech impairments, or reduced mobility. Immediate medical attention is key to minimizing long-term complications. Even after emergency treatment, you could be dealing with the consequences of a TBI for the rest of your life.

Why Seek Help From Lenahan & Dempsey?

Lenahan & Dempsey has an extensive history representing clients injured in car accidents. Our success includes winning hundreds of millions for our clients, and this eventually led to us being voted into The Best Law Firms in America, both as a firm and as individual lawyers.

Eight of our lawyers are listed as Best Lawyers in America and eight as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. Three, including Firm President John Lenahan, Jr., Managing Partner Timothy Lenahan, and Attorney Matthew Dempsey, are listed in The Top 100 Lawyers in Pennsylvania (out of over 48,000 Pennsylvania lawyers).

Timothy Lenahan has also been named The Best Lawyers in America’s Top Insurance Lawyer for the Northeastern/Central Pennsylvania and the Pocono Mountains Region for his representation of those injured against major insurance companies.

We have the credentials and resources to help you get the compensation your family deserves after a fatal vehicle accident. With Lenahan & Dempsey, you can feel confident that you’ll get the help you need.

Spinal Cord Injuries

One of the most catastrophic outcomes of a car accident is a spinal cord injury (SCI). These injuries disrupt the communication between the brain and other parts of the body.

Spinal cord injuries often result in paralysis, with outcomes depending on the level of injury:

• Paraplegia: Loss of sensation and function below the waist
• Tetraplegia (quadriplegia): Loss of sensation and function in all four limbs

High-speed collisions or rollovers are among the leading causes of spinal cord injuries. Victims often require extensive rehabilitation and may face long-term mobility challenges, impacting their ability to work or live independently.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The force of impact during a collision can lead to numerous fractures, with some of the most common being:

• Arm and leg fractures
• Hip fractures
• Rib fractures

Broken bones can result in significant pain, reduced mobility, and a lengthy healing process. Severe fractures may require surgery, physical therapy, and months of recovery, often accompanied by a reduced ability to perform daily tasks.

Amputations

Amputations are among the most devastating car accident injuries. They typically occur in high-impact collisions when limbs are crushed or severed.

Losing a limb drastically affects a victim’s physical abilities and mental well-being. Prosthetics and rehabilitation can help, but emotional recovery is often a lifelong process. Amputations also significantly impact a person’s independence and livelihood, requiring substantial adjustments to daily life.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are often invisible and can be life-threatening if not detected quickly. Common internal injuries from car accidents include:

• Organ damage (liver, spleen, and lungs are particularly vulnerable)
• Internal bleeding (may not show immediate external symptoms, but can become dangerous rapidly)

Symptoms like abdominal pain, dizziness, or difficulty breathing warrant immediate medical attention. Timely diagnosis and treatment can save lives and prevent complications.

Taking Action After a Car Accident

If you or someone you know has suffered any of the injuries described above, here are the critical steps to take:

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prompt care can prevent minor injuries from worsening and detect hidden internal issues
• Document Your Injuries: Maintain records of medical diagnosis, treatment plans, and symptoms
• Consult Legal Counsel: Our qualified attorneys can help you seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress resulting from the accident
• Pursue Rehabilitation: Physical and emotional recovery often requires ongoing therapy tailored to the nature and severity of the injuries

Rebuild Your Life with Support From Lenahan & Dempsey

Car accidents can significantly change lives in seconds. Severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or permanent physical impairments, require extensive resources for physical, emotional, and financial recovery.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, don’t hesitate to seek the compensation you need to support yourself and your family during your recovery. Contact Lenahan & Dempsey today to learn more about how we can help you.

*Details on Settlements & Verdicts are found at LenahanDempsey.com. All law firms are required to note that because the facts of each case are different, past performance is not a promise of a future outcome.