Types of Car Accident Injuries in Albuquerque
Many of the most common car accident injuries lead to lasting physical complications. If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident in Albuquerque that someone else caused, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options for pursuing compensation.
Contact our legal team for a free consultation to discuss your claim. We have offices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) usually results from a blow or jolt to the head. TBIs often occur in car accidents when the neck snaps forward or the head hits the side window, steering wheel, or dashboard. Symptoms of TBI include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vision impairments
- Memory loss
- Loss of concentration
- Mood changes
TBIs can result in permanent physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges for victims. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle accidents accounted for 13.2 percent of all U.S. TBI emergency department visits in a recent year.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Vehicle accidents accounted for over 37 percent of spinal cord injuries in recent years, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. Spinal cord injuries occur when the bones surrounding the spine (called the vertebrae) experience trauma. Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis of the lower body and legs (paraplegia) or of the entire body (quadriplegia). Symptoms of paralysis can include:
- Loss of movement
- Trouble breathing
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Loss of feeling
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury in traffic accidents, particularly rear-end collisions. This injury happens when the head abruptly jerks forward and backward. This results in injury to the neck’s soft tissues – the muscles, ligaments, or tendons – leading to pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Whiplash injuries can cause pain and discomfort that necessitate medical treatment.
Broken Bones
Motor vehicle collisions may also result in broken and fractured bones. Common fractures from car accidents include broken ribs, wrists, arms, legs, and collarbones. Some car accident victims suffer a fractured pelvis. Recovery from broken bones can be a lengthy process that often involves surgery, casting, and physical therapy.
Burns
Car accidents can also lead to burns, particularly if the car catches fire. Other common causes of car accident burns include:
- Chemical burns from leaky gasoline, battery acid, coolant, or oil
- Electrical burns from exposed wiring
- Respiratory burns from breathing in smoke
- Scalding from hot fluids or steam
Treatment for burns may involve skin grafts, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Scarring and disfigurement resulting from physical injuries – such as cuts and lacerations from shattered glass or debris – can lead to considerable psychological and emotional effects. Some scarring and disfigurement may require surgical intervention, which increases the physical pain these severe injuries cause and makes the recovery process more complex.
Contact an Experienced Albuquerque Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been hurt in an Albuquerque car accident, you need the help of an experienced car accident attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for compensation. Parnall Law aggressively and tenaciously pursues justice for our clients and does not charge a fee unless we win. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.
