The car and our network of roads, streets, and highways makes many aspects of modern life that we frequently take for granted possible. Without personal vehicles and the roads to drive on, we would be required to commit significantly more time to transportation. Some people would likely find that absent cars, trucks, and buses they could no longer live and work where they currently do. While cars, trucks, and other personal vehicles are extremely useful, they are not without their drawbacks. Aside from the cost and expense of operating and maintaining a vehicle, the largest downside to using a car or truck is the risk of an accident and the likelihood of a severe injury. While accidents are relatively rare in light of the number of vehicles on the road, when accidents do occur the high speeds of travel make the chances of a catastrophic life-altering injury or wrongful death more likely.
Why do Serious Car Accidents Occur?
The reasons behind every car accident are different. Car accidents are the product of numerous facts, circumstances, and characteristics all synthesizing into a sequence of events that results in an inevitable collision. While every car accident may be different, there are certain circumstances and factors that appear more commonly than others. Some of these more commonly reported factors include:
- Vehicle defect – the GM ignition switch defect, Takata airbag inflator defect, and the Toyota unintended acceleration glitch are only a few of the high profile vehicle recalls in recent years. Many vehicles are never repaired meaning that the risk presented by these problems can persist for many years.
- Distracted driver – A driver who does not have his or her eyes on the road is a driver who cannot react appropriately to changed circumstances or roadway hazards. While distractions while driving have always been a concern, the explosion in the number of electronic devices and in-vehicle entertainment systems has magnified this issue.
- Fatigued driver – Drivers who have not slept and are clinically fatigued perceive information and react more slowly than a well-rested driver. Fatigued drivers can experience deficits similar to those of a drunk driver.
- Aggressive driving – Drivers who fail to obey the rules of the road and drive aggressively or unpredictably increase the odds of an accident for all drivers. Drivers who speed, change lanes without signaling, or tailgate are engaging in aggressive behaviors that endangers the health and safety of all drivers.
The above are only a few of the causes and contributing factors for car accidents. Unfortunately factors that cause an accident can come together in an innumerable circumstances.
What types of Injuries Are Common After a Serious Car Crash?
Unfortunately car crashes, especially high speed crashes, are likely to produce serious injuries or even death. While the actual injuries inflicted are a result of the exact forces involved in the accident, there are certain types of injuries that are significantly more common than others. Some commonly occurring injuries after a car accident include:
- Whiplash – Whiplash injuries are extremely common being casued by the uneven effect of forces on the brain and connective tissues. Whiplash injuries can produce symptoms that range from mild to severe.
- Broken bones – the high speeds and violent forces involved in a car accient can easily cause broken bones. Bone fractures can range in severity from a simple break to a a complex or compound fracture.
- Burns – A fire that is started due to a fuel leak or spilled chemicals can cause a chemical burn. Burn injuries are particularly painful and can require years of medical care and therapy to recover.
- Traumatic brain injury – TBI injuries are particularly troubling because the brain is the control center of the body. Damage to the brain and its structures can cause increased aggression, difficulties with abstract concepts, trouble with orienting oneself to social situations, and impaired information processing.
The above are only a few of the potential injuries that can occur in a car accident. Other significant injuries or death is also a possibility.
Injured in a Norristown Car Accident?
If a reckless, careless, or negligent driver caused a severe accident that inflicted severe bodily injuries, that driver should be held financially liable for his or her actions. The experienced and aggressive personal injury lawyers of The Reiff Law Firm can fight to obtain compensation for you. To schedule a free and confidential consultation call our firm at (215) 709-6940 today.
