Types of Car Accident Injuriesin Michigan

In any collision, the brain can strike the inside of the skull or experience rapid acceleration and deceleration. These events lead to injuries that aren’t always apparent right away. That’s why it is of utmost importance to receive thorough medical evaluation, which may include imaging such as CT scans or MRIs.

Read on to learn more about head and brain injuries and their symptoms:

• Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): For proper diagnosis, it’s essential to undergo neurologic exams and imaging, such as CT scans or MRIs. Some symptoms appear immediately, while others may not show up for days or weeks. TBIs can have long-lasting cognitive effects, greatly impacting mood and even personality. Symptoms may include headaches or pressure in the head, dizziness, confusion, speech problems, sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, vomiting, or even mood changes.
• Skull Fractures: In high-impact crashes, direct blows to the head can cause skull fractures. These require urgent medical attention and imaging tests to assess damage to bone and brain tissue. Long-term consequences may include chronic pain, neurological issues, or seizures.

At Fieger Law, our car accident lawyers have seen our share of neck and back injuries. In fact, the following types of injuries are among the most common in Detroit and the surrounding areas:

• Whiplash and Cervical Strain: Whiplash occurs when the neck is jerked rapidly forward and back. It may not show symptoms for hours or days, but it can lead to persistent pain, stiffness, headaches, or reduced range of motion. Diagnosis often involves physical exams, X-rays, and sometimes an MRI to rule out more serious soft-tissue or spinal damage.
• Herniated Discs and Spinal Cord Injuries: More severe crashes can cause disc herniation or damage to the spinal cord. Symptoms may include pain radiating to the arms or legs, numbness or tingling, loss of strength or mobility, or partial or complete paralysis in severe spinal cord injury cases.

Spinal injuries are typically diagnosed using MRI or CT imaging and may require long-term rehabilitation, home modifications, assistive devices, or surgical intervention.

The force involved in car crashes often results in broken or fractured bones. Common break and fracture sites include:

• Arms and wrists
• Legs and ankles
• Ribs and pelvis
• Facial bones

Usually, X-rays can confirm if bones are broken. Treatment may include casting and bracing, or surgical repair with plates, screws, or rods. Even with proper treatment, fractures may lead to arthritis and mobility issues.

A forceful impact with a steering wheel or dashboard can fracture ribs or injure organs such as the liver, spleen, lungs, or heart. Also, the tightening of the seat belt and deployment of airbags, while designed to save your life, can cause some injuries in the process.

Symptoms may include:

• Sharp pain when breathing
• Bruising or swelling
• Coughing up blood or difficulty breathing

Internal bleeding, pulmonary contusions (bruising of the lungs), and other organ injuries often require imaging (ultrasound or CT) to be seen. These injuries can be life-threatening and may require surgery to treat.

Soft tissue injuries include sprains, bruises, and strains of muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries may not appear severe initially, but they can cause long-term pain and limit your mobility.

Physical exams and imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, are needed to diagnose soft tissue injuries. Treatment may include rest, physical therapy, injections, or surgery in severe cases.

The physical injuries from a crash are only part of the pain. Many survivors experience emotional and psychological impacts such as:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety and depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Fear of driving or being in vehicles

These conditions may require therapy and psychiatric intervention. Treatment for these damages is a legitimate and compensable part of a car accident claim.

Some car accident injuries resolve with treatment and rehabilitation, but others can lead to chronic pain and permanent disability. For example:

• Spinal cord injuries may result in lifelong mobility challenges
• Severe TBIs can affect cognition, memory, and behavior
• Chronic neck and back pain can limit work and daily activities
• Organ damage or internal injuries may require ongoing monitoring

These long-term consequences should be documented early in treatment. They play a significant role in both medical care planning and your legal claim.

If you are injured in a car crash, doing the following is essential to your overall well-being:

1. Call 911 and get medical care immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Michigan’s no-fault insurance requires prompt and thorough documentation of injuries for benefits.
2. Follow all treatment plans and attend follow-up appointments.
3. Document all symptoms, treatment, and expenses.
4. Keep copies of medical records and imaging results.

Speak with a car accident lawyer before giving statements to insurers.

Insurance companies often try to lowball their customers and attribute injuries to other causes. Their goal is to limit the amount you get for your injuries, and a good lawyer won’t let them do that.

An experienced Michigan car accident lawyer can:

• Investigate the crash and collect evidence
• Work with medical experts to validate injury claims
• Negotiate with insurers for fair compensation
• Advise you on Michigan law, including no-fault and comparative negligence

Go to court if necessary

Car accident injuries are disruptive to the lives of victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash in Detroit, Southfield, or anywhere in Michigan, you deserve experienced legal help to fight for the compensation you need and deserve.

Contact Fieger Law today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.