Regardless of their severity, car accidents of any kind can result in lasting effects on the individuals involved. In the aftermath of a car accident, one of the most important things to evaluate is whether any injuries sustained are minor or serious. Understanding the difference between a minor and major injury after a car accident is crucial in ensuring victims are properly cared for and that their future legal rights are protected. Contact a knowledgeable Pike County, KY car accident lawyer for skilled advice and representation during your personal injury case.
What’s the Difference Between a Minor and a Major Car Accident Injury?
The difference between minor and major car accident injuries does not simply lie in the various types of physical ailments that one sustains. Instead, the categorizations are dependent on many other factors. Consider below.
Minor injuries:
Minor car accident injuries are less severe and are generally not life-threatening. These injuries require very minimal care and attention and typically heal within a few weeks. Because these injuries do not generally result in permanent damage or long-term issues, it allows for a quicker recovery time. Despite being minor, these injuries will still cause some discomfort, pain, and inconvenience.
Major injuries:
On the other hand, major car accident injuries are more severe and can result in long-term effects both physical and emotional. These injuries may require extensive medical care and treatments like surgeries and rehabilitation. In extreme cases, these ailments can lead to permanent disabilities, amputations, or even death.
Examples of Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can result in a wide variety of injuries and ailments. Examples of minor car accident injuries include the following.
- Whiplash: Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in a low-impact crash and occurs when a person’s head moves forward and jerks back quickly, causing the muscles to strain.
- Bruises and cuts: Superficial injuries like bruises and minor cuts can arise when a passenger is forced against a part of the interior of the car like the dashboard, steering wheel, or seatbelt.
- Sprains or strains: These injuries often affect ligaments and muscles in the back, shoulders, wrists, etc. due to sudden movements caused by the collision.
Examples of major car accident injuries include the following.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: TBIs are serious injuries that can result from car crashes. Concussions, fractures of the skill, contusions, or other brain damage can be serious and life-threatening.
- Spinal injuries: Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis, extreme pain, loss of control of bodily functions, and more.
- Broken bones: Broken bones and fractures can result from the impact of the crash and can require surgery and extensive care.
- Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma from the crash can cause internal injuries like bleeding or organ damage.
Any of the above, whether minor or major, requires medical evaluation. If you sustained an injury in a car accident you may be able to pursue compensation and damages. Reach out to an experienced attorney today for more information.
