Injuries sustained in car crashes range from cuts and bruises, to broken bones to whiplash, to internal injuries, spinal cord injuries or head injuries. The types of injuries sustained depend on the type of crash, the speed involved, whether or not the victim was wearing a seatbelt, the speed of the vehicle, the safety features in the vehicle and whether there were loose objects in the car.
There are five basic types of collisions and each type of collision is associated with a pattern of injury.
Head-on collision
A head-on collision occurs when the front the vehicle collides with another vehicle or object. In these collisions, the victim is either thrown “up-and-over” the steering wheel or “down-and-under” the steering wheel.
In “up-and-over” collisions, the victim may strike his head against the windshield and hit the steering when with his body. This can cause concussion, traumatic brain injury, cuts, bruises, neck injuries, chest injuries, breathing problems, broken ribs, crushed lungs and internal organ injuries. These accidents are most severe when the victim is not wearing a seat belt.
In “down-and-under” collisions, the victim strikes his knees on the dashboard. The force of the impact can cause crushed and broken bones and other leg, hip, and knee injuries.
Rear-end collisions
Rear-end collisions occur when a vehicle is struck from the rear. These often result in a jerking to the body while the head stays still. The jarring motion may cause whiplash, other neck injuries and head injuries. After the body is jerked forward, the head may also come forward striking the windshield and resulting in injuries similar to those sustained in an “up-and-over” head-on collision.
Side-impact collision
Side-impact crashes occur when a vehicle is broadsided or t-boned. Upon impact, the head of the victim remains still and the body is pushed to the side. The jarring may cause neck injuries. If the head, chest, abdomen, pelvis or thighs are struck or hit the side of the vehicle, the victim may sustain broken bones, internal injuries, spinal cord injuries or head injuries.
Roll-over collisions
Roll-over collisions occur when a vehicle flips one or more times. In these accidents, there is potential for multiple injuries to the person inside the vehicle as they are impacted over and over. Anyone not wearing a seat-belt may be ejected from the vehicle and thrown into the roadway. Loose objects may strike those inside the vehicle causing additional injury.
Rotational Impact Collisions
These accidents occur when a vehicle spins from the impact of a collision with an object or vehicle. The spinning results in multiple impacts as the vehicle strikes other vehicles and objects before coming to a stop. As in roll-over collisions, those not wearing a seat-belt may be ejected from the vehicle and loose objects may strike those inside the vehicle. These are among the dangerous of crashes. Both types of wrecks can result in multiple severe injuries and injury types.
Car crash injuries can be very severe and may lead to lifelong disability that affects the victim’s ability to work, to maintain personal relationships, and to enjoy life.
The Chester Law Group represents victims of injury in Akron and throughout Ohio. If you or a loved one has been injured in an Ohio car crash, request our free informational DVD: What You Should Know About Motor Vehicle Injury Claims. This DVD can help you deal with the insurance companies and get a fair settlement. If you need any help, contact our personal injury attorneys at 800-218-4243 and schedule a free consultation.