When an individual suffers personal injuries in a car accident, insurance adjusters often only consider the information that is expressed in an injury victim’s medical records. They fixate solely on the medical terminology and often-incomplete diagnoses within those records to value a claim. Unsurprisingly, an adjuster’s first offer to an injury victim is typically much lower than the actual value of the claim, as damages such as physical and emotional pain and suffering are completely ignored.
At Torgenson Law, our experienced Phoenix car accident lawyers eagerly accept the challenge of fighting these insurance adjusters and their lowball offers. However, as experienced personal injury attorneys, we understand the value and benefit of complete and accurate medical records in a personal injury case. Accordingly, it is vital that you thoroughly report each and every injury or physical discomfort throughout the medical diagnosis and treatment period following a car accident. For your benefit, we have listed the five most common injuries one may incur following a car accident.
In almost all crashes, the force of the collision causes the driver or his passengers to bounce forward, backward, or side-to-side. Due to the shock of the impact, you may not notice what parts of your body were actually harmed during the crash until you notice a new scrape or bruise that appeared following the accident. While these injuries may be minor, they should be calculated into your damages if you file a personal injury claim. It is prudent to receive medical attention even for these minor injuries, as they may be signs of more severe underlying injuries.
Head injuries can never be ignored. In a crash, your head may slam into the steering wheel, the airbag, the door, or even the headrest. Any contact with enough force can cause a concussion. Concussions can range from mild to severe, but they can be difficult to diagnose because car crash victims are unable to articulate how they are feeling. The long-term effects of concussions, including post-concussion syndrome, can be dangerous to one’s mental health and stability. Thus, if you hit your head during a car accident, allow a medical professional to examine you for concussion-like symptoms, so proper treatment can be given.
The violent jolt associated with car accidents can also lead to neck or back strains commonly referred to as a whiplash injury. These injuries can restrict movement and cause significant pain in the neck or back area. Most whiplash injuries resolve themselves within a few days. If the crash is more serious, it could lead to more severe injuries such as spinal disc injuries, spine fractures, and even paralysis due to a spinal cord injury. These devastating damages could significantly restrict your mobility and your overall enjoyment of life.
Bones or torn ligaments in the arms and legs may be broken or torn during a car accident. The combination of the crash and the driver’s arm placement on the steering will could lead to shoulder dislocations or rotator cuff tears. Additionally, because your legs are generally unsecured on the floorboards, they may swing or become pinned causing knee and ankle sprains or even torn ligaments. Extensive physical therapy and surgery may be required for injuries to your extremities.
Adjusters are most skeptical when an accident victim claims damages of emotional pain and suffering. These injuries are not visible, and adjusters assume they are fabricated or exaggerated for compensation purposes. However, the truth is, there are psychological injuries that manifest themselves after a crash. Some car crash victims experience anxiety while driving or riding in a car. Others experience depression due to their lasting physical pain, inability to perform normal daily activities and even strained personal relationships. Nonetheless, you are legally entitled to compensation for these types of emotional injuries when they are directly caused by the car crash.
If you suffered personal injuries as a driver or passenger of the car, call Torgenson Law at (602) 726-0747 for your personal injury needs. With years of personal injury experience, we, at Torgenson Law, know how painful and emotionally taxing a car crash can be on personal injury victims. We fight every day to ensure our clients receive appropriate compensation for all of their injuries, visible and invisible.
