After a car accident, you may not realize you’re injured right away. Sometimes, injuries are referred to as “hidden” or “silent” because doctors can only determine the extent of the damage through medical evaluation and testing. You may also experience delayed-onset symptoms as a result of the shock and adrenaline from the accident.
Although no two accidents are exactly the same, there are some common accident injuries. Our legal team has experience helping clients with situations similar to yours, and they will examine the details of your case carefully to tailor their legal strategies to your specific situation. You don’t have to face the stress of dealing with insurance companies or filing a lawsuit alone. Our award-winning Albuquerque car accident attorney at Keller & Keller can fight for a fair recovery for your medical costs and more.
Types of Albuquerque Car Accidents That Cause Injuries
Many car accidents result in injuries, even low-speed crashes. Some of the most common types of vehicle accidents include rear-end collisions, T-bone or sideswipe accidents, head-on collisions, and rollover crashes. These can be caused by driver negligence or error, including distracted, impaired, or reckless driving.
According to the most recent New Mexico Traffic Crash Annual Report, 31 percent of car accidents resulted in injury, and there were nearly 41,000 accidents in 2022 alone. This means that, on average, a person is injured in a New Mexico traffic accident about every 29 minutes.
Common Car Accident Injuries
If you’ve been hurt in an auto accident, you may experience one of the following injuries. An Albuquerque car accident lawyer at Keller & Keller can work with you and explain your options if you’ve suffered from any of the following:
Back and Neck Injuries
The force of the impact in a car accident may cause back and neck injuries, including whiplash and whiplash-associated disorders (WADs). According to the Mayo Clinic, there are an estimated three million cases of whiplash in the U.S. alone each year. Along with whiplash, car accidents can cause herniated discs, vertebrae fractures, or other life-altering back and neck injuries.
Brain Injuries
If a victim’s head hits the steering wheel, dash, or other parts of the vehicle, they may experience a brain injury, ranging from mild concussions to serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The symptoms of brain injuries may last for months, years, or the rest of a person’s life, depending on the severity.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Over 15 million people each year across the globe suffer from spinal cord injuries (SCIs), and according to the World Health Organization, road accidents are one of the leading causes. Damage to the spinal cord affects nerves throughout the body and may result in pain, trouble with balance or walking, and loss of movement (paralysis).
Because the symptoms of SCIs can be life-altering and require costly treatment, it’s critical to work with a qualified Albuquerque car accident attorney to understand your rights and options.
Chest and Shoulder Injuries
Chest and shoulder injuries are common after car accidents and can result from the impact of hitting the steering wheel, airbag deployment, and more. The severity of these injuries can range from bruising and soft tissue damage to rib or sternum fractures, collapsed lungs, and rotator cuff tears.
Broken Bones and Dislocated Joints
The arms, legs, hands, and feet are susceptible to orthopedic injuries such as fractures and dislocated joints in car accidents. However, the extremities aren’t the only source of broken bones or dislocations; clavicle and pelvic fractures are also common. In some accidents, the fracture or dislocation may be obvious, but others may require X-rays to reveal the extent of the injury.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Damage to soft tissues is another typical car accident injury. Soft tissue injuries include torn ligaments or tendons, bruising, contusions, sprains, strains, and more.
Other Car Accident Injuries
A qualified Albuquerque car accident attorney can help you with cases involving a range of other injuries, including:
- Scarring, disfigurement, or facial deformity
- Burns
- Loss of limbs
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Nerve damage
- Crush injuries
- Penetrating injuries from objects inside or outside the vehicle
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental or emotional conditions
What You Can Do After the Car Accident
Following the accident, it’s critical you take action. Take the following steps to protect your rights:
- Filing a police report
- Gather contact and insurance information from the other driver
- Call your own insurance company
- Seek prompt medical care
- Follow up with all treatments, tests, and additional appointments for your injuries
- Contact a qualified Albuquerque car accident lawyer to protect your rights and fight for a fair recovery
An Albuquerque Car Accident Attorney at Keller & Keller Can Help Fight for the Compensation You Deserve
Car accident injuries can have a major impact on your life, affecting everything from your physical health to your everyday routines and mental health. The process is complicated, but with our experienced legal team by your side, you can rest assured you have the support you need. From gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if needed, we’ll fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery.
