According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, over 19,000 accidents occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2018, resulting in nearly 4,300 injuries. The most common car accident injuries in Birmingham reflect those from across the country: head, neck, abdominal, back, and chest injuries.
Suppose you sustained injuries in a car crash. In that case, you should seek medical attention to begin necessary treatment and document these injuries as you prepare to seek compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Birmingham and the United States
Specific types of injuries are common in certain car accident types. For instance, rear-end and T-bone accidents often involve particular patterns of injuries due to the forces of impact. Usually, the body propels forward in a crash when the car strikes an object or another vehicle. Then, the body could collide with objects inside the vehicle, such as a steering wheel or windshield. Finally, the organs inside the body can strike body cavities, such as when the ribs puncture the lungs.
Due to these forces of impact,StatPearls found some of the most common injuries that result from car accidents were:
- Head injuries, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Chest and abdominal injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Rib fractures, especially in side-impact crashes
- Pelvic and lower abdominal injuries, often related to improper seat belt use
- Flexion and hyperextension injuries, especially after rear-end accidents
Beyond those listed above, many other injuries could result from a crash. These include lacerations from sharp objects flying through a vehicle, burn injuries during vehicle fires, broken bones and features in the arms and legs, and other injuries.
Some Injuries May Be Invisible or Difficult to Detect Initially
Some injuries become immediately apparent after a crash, such as cuts or broken bones. However, other injuries can be more challenging to detect. For instance, internal or whiplash injuries might not appear until hours or days after the crash.
If left untreated, you could face dangerous complications from these kinds of invisible injuries. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention promptly after a car accident. A medical professional can examine you and identify if you suffered one of the more common car accident injuries. They can also run diagnostic tests to rule out more severe issues.
Additionally, documenting your injuries after a crash can be crucial for any injury case you pursue in the future.
For a free legal consultation, call 877-562-0000
What Should I Do After an Auto Accident in Birmingham?
After a car crash in Birmingham, you should consider taking these steps to protect your health and preserve your rights.
Report the Crash
First, report the accident to local police promptly. Of course, another party in the crash may need to alert the police if you sustained severe injuries. After the accident, you should notify your insurance company of your accident, even if you were not at fault.
You should keep your report brief and to the point. You should not admit fault or reflect on how your actions may have contributed to the accident—such statements could harm your potential financial recovery.
Get Medical Attention
As mentioned above, seeking medical attention after a car crash is vital for your health. Also, receiving medical care to treat your injuries can provide crucial documentation for your case.
When you file an insurance claim or bring a lawsuit after an accident, you will need to show that your injuries directly resulted from the car crash—and not some other incident. You can link your injuries to the accident and prove their severity by seeking medical care.
Be Wary of Accepting the First Offer
Sometimes, insurance companies will make a low initial offer soon after the accident. When they do so, they’re hoping that you haven’t yet hired a lawyer—and that you might accept this lowball settlement.
However, you should know that you don’t have to take the first offer you receive. In addition, you don’t have to feel pressured into accepting the number the insurance adjuster gives you. A lawyer can evaluate any settlement offers and tell you what a fair offer looks like. For example, you could seek a settlement that reflects all your losses, such as your past, present, and future medical bills, car repair bills, pain and suffering, and much more.
Get a Free Case Review From Cory Watson Attorneys
You can learn more about seeking compensation for your injuries after an accident in Birmingham, Alabama. Our team is available 24/7 to offer you a free case review. During your call, you can ask us more about the legal process, your next steps, and how our attorneys can help.
Call us today at (205) 328-2200 to learn more.
Call or text 877-562-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form