Car accident injuries can range from minor scrapes to life-altering conditions. You might walk away from the accident feeling fine, only to realize days later that you’ve suffered whiplash or a back injury that makes it hard to get through your day.
It’s easy to assume you’ll just “bounce back” after a crash, but many common injuries from car accidents don’t fully reveal themselves right away. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to your body and seek medical care as soon as possible.
We know it’s not easy to figure out what to do after an accident. Between the shock of what just happened and the growing to-do list in front of you, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process.
At David R. Price, Jr., P.A., we know how challenging this process can be because we’ve helped many people in similar situations. Whether you’re facing ongoing medical treatments, missed work, or an uncooperative insurance company, we will fight to get you the compensation needed for your recovery.
Overview of Common Injuries From Car Accidents
While some injuries are minor and heal quickly, others can have long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences. From minor bruises to long-term injuries, the effects can vary greatly, but one thing is consistent: every injury can disrupt your life in ways you didn’t expect.
Here’s a closer look at some of the most common injuries people suffer in car accidents:
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Whiplash is one of the most well-known car accident injuries, and for good reason. Even a minor fender bender can cause your head to snap forward and back, damaging the muscles and ligaments in your neck. At first, it might feel like a stiff neck, but over time, untreated whiplash can lead to chronic pain and restricted movement that disrupts your daily life.
Head and Brain Injuries
The human brain is sensitive to trauma, and even a mild collision can cause a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI). You don’t need to lose consciousness to have a brain injury—symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or memory problems could appear hours or even days later. Severe TBIs can have lifelong consequences, impacting everything from your ability to work to your relationships with loved ones.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Your back is the literal backbone of your body, and car accidents often put it at risk. Herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or spinal cord damage can leave with chronic pain or even result in paralysis. These injuries are not just physically debilitating; they can also take a toll on your mental health and financial stability, especially if they limit your mobility or ability to work.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are a stark reminder of the sheer force involved in car accidents. Whether they occur in a person’s arms and legs to ribs and collarbones, fractures can vary in severity and can be very painful. While some fractures might heal with a brace or a cast and with time, others may require surgery and months of rehabilitation, affecting your ability to perform everyday tasks.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are often silent threats in car accidents. Blunt force trauma can damage organs like the liver or spleen, or cause internal bleeding that isn’t immediately obvious. These injuries are life-threatening if not treated promptly, which is why prompt medical evaluation is crucial—even if you feel fine at first after a collision.
Importance of Immediate Medical Attention for Car Accident Injuries
Even if you feel fine immediately after a wreck or think your injuries are minor, a thorough medical examination can uncover hidden injuries that could have serious consequences if left untreated. These injuries might not show symptoms for hours or days. When you visit a doctor immediately, you help ensure that these injuries are diagnosed early, which can prevent them from becoming more serious or even life-threatening.
What’s more, a doctor will provide a professional assessment of your health, ensuring that any injuries are properly documented from the start. This medical record serves as a foundation for any insurance claim or legal action. It links your injuries directly to the accident and demonstrates your commitment to your health, which is essential in proving your case and securing the compensation you deserve.
Insurance companies often scrutinize the gap between an accident and seeking treatment to assess claim validity. A prompt medical evaluation helps strengthen your claim, showing that the injuries were significant enough to require immediate attention.
Steps to Take if You’ve Suffered Injuries From a Car Accident in South Carolina
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and your rights:
- Call 911: Report the accident and ensure a police report is filed.
- Seek Medical Attention: Go to the ER or see your doctor as soon as possible.
- Document Everything: Take photos of your injuries, the accident scene, and any property damage.
- Exchange Information: Get contact and insurance details from the other driver.
- Consult a Lawyer: Our Greenville car accident lawyer can guide you through the process of filing claims and pursuing compensation.
How a Greenville Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
We understand what you’re going through because we’ve helped countless people in Greenville and across South Carolina rebuild their lives after serious car accidents. Here’s how we can help you:
- Providing Clarity During a Confusing Time: Every car accident is unique and so are the circumstances surrounding it. We’ll take the time to listen to your story, explain your rights, and outline your options for moving forward.
- Investigating the Details of Your Accident: Determining fault in a car accident isn’t always straightforward. We’ll dig deep into the details—examining police reports, gathering witness statements, reviewing medical records, and even working with accident reconstruction experts if needed. Our goal is to build a strong case that proves who was at fault and how their actions caused their injuries.
- Handling Insurance Companies: Insurance companies aren’t always on your side. Their goal is to pay as little as possible, and they may use tactics to downplay your injuries or shift the blame onto you. We know how to deal with these strategies. We will handle all communication with the insurance company, fight for a fair settlement, and make sure you’re not taken advantage of.
- Calculating the Full Value of Your Claim: You might be entitled to more than just reimbursement for medical bills. Our personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any long-term effects of your injuries.
- Fighting for You in Court, If Necessary: While most car accident cases settle out of court, some require litigation to achieve justice. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re ready to take your case to trial. With years of courtroom experience, we’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers in South Carolina
One of the most important things to remember is that time is not on your side when it comes to filing a claim for your injuries from a car accident. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is usually three years from the date of the accident.
While that might seem like a long time, delays can hurt your case. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may forget critical details, and insurance companies may use any gap in action to weaken your claim. That’s why it’s essential to act quickly and seek legal advice as soon as possible.
If you’ve suffered injuries from a car accident in South Carolina, now is the time to act. Let us handle the legal aspects so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Contact us at 864-271-2636 for a free consultation, and let’s start working toward the justice and compensation you deserve.