Motor vehicle collisions can cover a broad range of accidents. From those involving passenger cars and trucks to those centering on 18-wheelers and pedestrians, these collisions can result in devastating property damage and catastrophic injuries.
Depending on numerous factors such as the size of the vehicles and the speeds at which they were traveling, a motor vehicle collision could potentially result in severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can impact the brain’s structure or function. These can either be an open, visible wound or damage inside the cranium hidden from view. A TBI can affect the victim’s personality, mood, memory, speech, sleep or perceptions. These injuries often result in cognitive impairment.
- Paralysis can include permanent or temporary and partial or complete. Individuals might lose sensation or function to a single limb (monoplegia), the legs (paraplegia) or all four limbs (quadriplegia). Additionally, paralysis can impact the arm and leg on one side of the body (hemiplegia).
- Amputation might become necessary if the victim suffers severe damage to a limb. Whether it is a crush injury or a partial amputation in the collision itself, individuals might lose the damaged limb and suffer the repercussions for the remainder of his or her lifetime.
- Burn damage can come in many forms including fire damage, chemical burns or electrical burns. This can dramatically impact the skin and underlying tissue. Severe burn damage can require amputation.
Additionally, a serious collision can result in vehicle occupant fatalities. Truck collisions, high-speed collisions or head-on collisions can lead to severe trauma and death.
After any type of motor vehicle collision, vehicle occupants must seek a thorough medical examination. Certain damage, such as a functional brain injury, might remain dormant for days or weeks following the initial collision. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, these “hidden” injuries could dramatically impact the victim’s life and his or her entire family.