Car accidents often cause serious and even catastrophic injuries. Knowing what to do after a crash can help minimize the long-term consequences of your injuries and may increase your prospects of successful recovery.

Common Injuries in Connecticut Car Accidents

Here are five car accident injuries we frequently see in our practice:

• Neck injuries. Neck injuries, and especially whiplash, are very common in car accidents. Whiplash occurs when the force of the impact causes your neck to snap back and forth violently. The sudden movement can sprain and even tear the soft tissues of the neck.
• Head injuries. Head injuries — including concussions, traumatic brain injury (TBI), skull fractures, and open head wounds — are always serious. They can greatly reduce your quality of life and even cause long-term disability. Never ignore signs of a potential head injury.
• Spine and spinal cord injuries. Injuries of the spine and spinal cord cause intense pain and may affect a wide range of bodily functions, from bladder control and muscle movement to breathing, heart rate, and more. Complications can be long-term and sometimes permanent and include chronic pain, loss of sensation, and paralysis.
• Chest injuries. When your chest hits the steering wheel, airbag, or seat belt, the force of the impact often leads to severe bruising, broken ribs, or a crushed chest.
• Wrist and arm injuries. Drivers often have their hands on the steering wheel just before the impact, which can cause injuries to the hands, wrists, and arms.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Always seek medical attention immediately after a car accident, even if you feel OK and don’t have any visible trauma or wounds. Certain injuries, such as brain and internal organ injuries, don’t always present symptoms at first. Err on the side of caution and have a medical check-up for your peace of mind.

Seeking medical attention promptly is also critical if you plan to claim reimbursement for your medical bills from the at-fault driver or their insurance company. If you delay treatment, the insurer may later try to argue that you are faking or exaggerating your injuries.

Alternatively, the insurance company could dispute the medical causation. They might argue that your injuries were caused by a health condition that was either preexisting or developed after the accident.

Note that merely seeking medical attention isn’t enough: You must also complete the full course of your medical treatment as prescribed by your physician. This is important not just for your health but for legal reasons as well, as it makes your injuries seem more credible.

Document Your Injuries

Request and keep copies of all medical documentation related to your car accident injuries, such as:

• Receipts
• Prescriptions
• Test results
• Scans and X-rays
• Medical reports

The more evidence you have of your injuries and related expenses, the more likely it is that you will recover compensation for them.

Were You Hurt in a Car Accident? Call Us.

At the Connecticut Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we have over 18 years of experience successfully handling car accident claims and representing injury victims and their families. Our compassionate legal team can help you seek compensation for your injuries as well as any property damage, your pain and suffering, and other losses related to the accident.

Taking the first step is simple. Just call 203-753-7300 today to schedule your consultation with an experienced car accident injuries attorney. We will review your case and advise whether you are eligible for compensation.