Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and each one is unique. In some cases, car occupants walk away uninjured from major crashes, and in other cases, a seemingly minor auto accident causes fatal injuries. In Tennessee, victims of car accidents are advised to go for medical evaluations even if they seem unharmed because serious injuries can remain hidden for weeks or even months.
Whiplash injuries are most common, and they occur whenever the head moves rapidly from side to side or back and forth. Initial stiffness of the neck and headaches can be experienced, and while some victims recover soon, others might develop complications. Brain cells could be damaged, and the location and severity of the damage will determine how the victims will be affected. Injuries suffered upon the impact of a collision could include damage to cervical bones, spinal discs, the spinal column, shoulder and collar bone. In severe cases, spinal cord damage can cause paralysis.
Crush or impact injuries can occur to joints and extremities, ranging from bruising to fractures and hip or shoulder dislocations. Accident victims who notice dark purple bruising might not even realize that they have suffered damage to internal organs like the lungs, kidneys, liver, aorta or heart. Without emergency care, the injuries could be fatal. Psychological injuries are also invisible, and without treatment, it could develop into post-traumatic stress disorder. This often happens when a loved one suffered severe injuries or died in the accident.
Auto accident victims in Tennessee might find comfort in knowing that they might have grounds to pursue a claim for damages. An experienced personal injury attorney can explain their legal rights and assist with establishing negligence and document financial and other losses before presenting the claim in the civil court. A successfully presented claim might lead to a monetary judgment to cover medical expenses, lost wages and other losses.
