Catastrophic injuries can be sustained in a wide variety of negligence-related incidents, including motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice instances, workplace accidents, falls, sports accidents, and construction incidents. Types of catastrophic injuries that you can sustain in an auto accident include:
- Amputations
- Bone fractures or breaks
- Burns
- Internal organ damage
- Loss of hearing or vision
- Loss of limbs or extremities
- Paralysis (or other nerve damage)
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
In our previous blog, “Medical Malpractice & Catastrophic Injuries,” we discussed the legal definition of catastrophic injuries and the types of catastrophic injuries caused by medical mistakes. Below, we will outline what types of motor vehicle accidents can lead to these injuries.
Types of Auto Accidents That Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries
A variety of factors, including the type of collision you are involved in, can affect the type and severity of the catastrophic injury sustained in an accident. Here are some of the common types of auto accidents you can be involved in:
- Head-on collisions. These accidents occur when both vehicles involved in the accident collide head-on, meaning the fronts of both vehicles hit one another. Head-on collisions can also involve only one vehicle that involves the front of the vehicle hitting an object in or around the road. These accidents are also called frontal-impact accidents and can be caused by roadway hazards (i.e. snow, ice, potholes, etc.), drug or alcohol impairment, traffic sign negligence, reckless driving, or drowsiness. If involved in this type of accident, a person can suffer spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, fractures, and concussions, and these injuries can be compounded if a person does not wear their seatbelt or helmet (if riding a motorcycle).
- Multi-vehicle accidents. These accidents involve three or more vehicles colliding with one another and are also referred to as pile-up accidents. These accidents often happen on freeways and busy roads and can lead to any number of catastrophic injuries or even death.
- Rear-end collisions. These accidents occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle and are often the result of tailgating or issues with the brakes. The car that is rear-ended can also cause the issue by braking suddenly, failing to signal, suffering a mechanical issue, or driving recklessly. Either driver can suffer from a concussion, bone fractures, whiplash, and ear and eye-related issues.
- Rollover accidents. These accidents occur when a car flips or rolls over after being hit or striking an object and can be caused by speeding or issues on winding roads.
- Side-impact collisions. These accidents are also referred to as T-bone accidents and can occur when a vehicle hits another vehicle’s side head-on—making a T-shape. While these accidents most commonly occur at intersections, they can occur anywhere on the road because of distracted driving, intoxicated driving, or reckless driving. Side-impact accidents often lead to TBIs, internal bleeding, lacerations, bone fractures, and spinal cord damage.
Get Legal Help
At the Law Offices of David Henderson, we understand how impactful car accidents can be on your emotional, financial, and personal life. Catastrophic injuries can affect a victim’s/survivor’s life in many ways. If you or a loved one have suffered catastrophic injuries in an accident, you may need continuous medical care, additional assistance to complete daily tasks and/or personal care, surgical interventions, financial assistance because of the loss of gainful employment, and/or additional help to handle the emotional and mental pain and suffering.
After suffering injuries in an accident, you should reach out to our attorney. Backed by over two decades of experience, we are equipped to help you calculate your damages, maximize your damages, minimize your liability, and navigate the case.
To discuss your legal options with a member of our team, complete our online contact form or call (888) 295-6566.