Data estimates that around three million vehicle crashes with injuries occur annually in the United States. About two million drivers sustain a permanent injury and 27% a nonfatal injury. There are several types of vehicle accident injuries a driver in Rockville, Maryland may experience.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that strains neck muscles as a result of rapid jerking back and forth. Data shows 85% of neck injuries are from rear-end car accidents, with 3 million whiplash cases occurring annually.
Some common whiplash symptoms include dizziness, neck pain or stiffness, shoulder or arm pain, and hand numbness. However, symptoms may not appear for several days or even weeks after a crash because of the adrenalin.
Traumatic brain injuries
A traumatic brain injury is caused by blunt force trauma to the skull, which pushes the brain against it. During car accidents, force may occur from flying debris or hitting the steering wheel or dashboard.
A type of mild TBI is a concussion, which commonly causes dizziness, balance issues, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and vision issues. Sometimes, a mild TBI may not cause a loss of consciousness and should only last a few minutes if it occurs. A more serious TBI is a diffuse axonal injury, which moves the brain inside the skull.
Spinal injuries
A herniated disk happens when the soft cushions in between vertebrae are damaged and protrude through the spine. Herniated disks may cause leg or arm tingling, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, and radiating pain running between arms and legs.
Spinal stenosis is a condition that narrows the spaces between the spine, which leaves less room for the nerves. It may cause a burning sensation along the buttocks, continuing to the legs, foot weakness, and back pain.
Drivers may seek damages from at-fault drivers, but they should get treated immediately. Some insurance companies settle out of court, but others will try to deny legitimate claims. In this case, an injured party commonly needs legal assistance.