What should I do if I am injured in a car accident in Missouri?
Each year, more than three million people are injured in a car accident, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. According to car insurance industry estimates, you will be involved in a car accident every 17 years or so.
The nature and extent of your injuries will depend highly on where your vehicle was hit, whether you were wearing a seatbelt, and the force of the incident. Our Greater Kansas City Area car accident lawyers discuss some of the most common car accident injuries and your rights if injured in a car accident below.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can inflict in a wide array of injuries that vary greatly in severity. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:
Soft tissue injuries
Soft tissue injuries may include damage to the body’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries. Whiplash is caused by the neck whipping back and forth rapidly in the crash. It can be extremely painful and could require a neck brace to heal.
Head injuries
The head is vulnerable to impact in the event of an accident, particularly if the driver or passenger is not wearing a seatbelt. Head injuries could involve damage to the skull or, in more severe crashes, the brain itself.
Arm and leg injuries
Your limbs may become injured in an accident if they hit the side or dash of the vehicle. Arm and leg injuries could involve breaks in the bones, which could leave the accident victim immobilized for weeks or months following the crash.
Chest injuries
If your chest collides with the steering wheel or the interior of the vehicle, you could experience internal injuries. Potential chest injuries include broken ribs and organ damage. Chest injuries can be life threatening in certain circumstances.
Take Action After a Car Crash
If you have been injured in a car accident that you believe was not your fault, you should take immediate action to protect your health and legal rights. Seek medical care for your injuries, notify the police, and call a car accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash.
