Three common car crash injuries and potentially costly treatment

Some injuries are obvious following a car crash and some are not. Some people, especially those without insurance, may be aware of an injury but hesitant to seek medical help.

Here are three common car crash injuries that require treatment in order to prevent even more serious problems. How will the victim of a vehicle accident pay for medical care?

Neck injuries

Even a minor car crash such as a rear-end collision causes a violent impact that will make the victim’s head snap back and forth. This, in turn, can result in a neck injury or damage to the cervical spine. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, balance problems or nausea. Rest and medications are usually prescribed for lesser injuries, but more serious neck or spinal issues require ongoing medical care.

Brain injuries

Car crashes are a leading cause of traumatic brain injury, or TBI. The impact can cause the driver’s head to hit the steering wheel or windshield. Depending on the severity of a brain injury, treatment might only require monitoring, but significant injury can lead to permanent damage and lifelong care.

Shoulder fractures

Shoulder fractures are complex because the damage usually occurs in more places than one in the shoulder area. Surgery to repair the breaks is usually followed by a program of physical therapy, but the patient will often have to live with reduced shoulder mobility.

Managing medical expense

The victim of a vehicle crash has the right to expect financial compensation to cover medical costs, lost wages, even pain and suffering. In addition, having an advocate to assist in obtaining funds from the negligent party’s insurer often results in a larger settlement than the victim could obtain personally.