Blunt Force Trauma From a Car Accident – What You Need to Know

Car accidents happen all the time, even when doing your best to drive safely and follow traffic laws. Some collisions may only cause minor scrapes and bruises, while others may cause severe injuries. Blunt force trauma is just one of the can cause many serious injuries in a car crash.

In this article, we discuss what blunt force trauma is, how these injuries occur in car crashes and why you should seek medical and legal help right away.

At Arnold Law, our experienced vehicle crash lawyers in Sacramento have extensive knowledge of the law. We use that knowledge and experience to protect your interests and recover the maximum possible compensation.

Call (916) 777-7777 to request a free case review 24/7. We are here to help.

What Is Blunt Force Trauma?

Blunt force trauma refers to injuries caused when a blunt object or surface strikes an area of a victim’s body. In a car accident, this could occur when one vehicle collides with another vehicle or stationary object. It can also occur when a passenger is thrown against the interior of the car. This type of injury can also occur if a vehicle hits a motorcycle, bicyclist or pedestrian.

What Are Some Common Injuries Caused by Blunt Force Trauma in a Car Crash?

Blunt force trauma from a car crash could cause a number of different injuries depending on the severity and speed of the crash, among other things.

Severe Contusions or Bruising

Contusions are among the most common injuries associated with blunt force trauma. They occur when blood vessels under the skin rupture during the impact of the crash. This impact may result in visible bruising on the body, but it does not usually rupture the skin. While contusions are not usually life-threatening, however, they can be painful.

Fractures

Blunt-force trauma from a collision could cause one or more bones to break. Some of the more common fractures from car accidents may include facial fractures, broken ribs, arms and legs. Fractures are not only significantly painful, but victims may also experience limited mobility and endure a long recovery period. Some victims who sustain fractures in a crash may also develop post-traumatic arthritis, a painful medical condition that can further limit mobility or range of motion.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

If a victim strikes his or her head against the interior of the vehicle or an external object enters the cabin and hits them in the head, it could cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Some TBIs may only cause a mild concussion with a minimal recovery time. In more severe head injuries, however, crash victims could require hospitalization and immediate medical intervention. Some victims may suffer long-term consequences to their cognitive function, memory, and emotional well-being.

Internal Injuries/Organ Damage

Depending on where the damage occurred, blunt force trauma could severely damage a victim’s internal organs or cause internal bleeding. Both of these injuries could quickly become life-threatening without treatment.

Some of the most common organs injured in a crash include the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries can be life-threatening and may require immediate surgical intervention.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries resulting from blunt force trauma in a car crash can cause severe or even permanent damage. More severely injured victims may become permanently paralyzed. For victims who lose mobility and motor function, the long-term effects, both physical and emotional, can be devastating.

Seat Belt Injuries

Seat belts save thousands of lives every year, and they are an essential component for protecting victims during a car crash. However, they may sometimes cause blunt-force trauma. This can sometimes happen as a result of a victim who was not properly fastened in. For instance, if a victim only wore the lap belt and tucked the shoulder strap behind them. Seat belt injuries can also occur during severe crashes, such as high-speed collisions. Seat belt injuries may include chest and abdominal injuries where the belt restrains the body during a collision.

What Symptoms May Indicate an Injury Caused by Blunt Force Trauma?

After a car crash, victims are often in shock. This means they may not be aware of any pain or injuries. Sometimes victims who do not see any physical signs of an injury, such as cuts, gashes or bruising, may not go to the hospital right away. This is dangerous as it could allow your injuries to worsen. Crash victims should always seek immediate medical attention. If you sustained internal damage or head injuries, delayed treatment may lead to irreversible damage.

Symptoms of a blunt force trauma injury may include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Difficulty sleeping
• Slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness
• Headaches
• Blurry vision
• Pain and swelling in the affected area
• Difficulty communicating; slurred speech

If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to get immediate medical attention.

Why Seek Legal Help After Suffering a Blunt Force Trauma Injury

Although you will need to notify your insurance company about the accident and your injuries as soon as possible, we strongly recommend seeking legal help soon after the crash as well. There are a couple of reasons for this.

To start with, memories fade quickly after a crash. What you remember initially is fresher and you may also remember more details that could support your claim. Additionally, your attorney can begin to investigate the crash scene and your case right away. Waiting to call an attorney could mean losing critical evidence. Crash scenes get cleared away quickly and some evidence, especially camera footage, can get overwritten or lost. Even credible witnesses begin to forget important details that could provide additional insight into what happened.

At Arnold Law, we have the staff and resources to help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and negotiate a full and fair settlement on your behalf.

Contact Arnold Law Firm for Legal Help After a Crash

Blunt force trauma from a car accident can have severe and long-lasting consequences, both physically and legally. Understanding the nature of these injuries, seeking immediate medical attention, and consulting with a personal injury attorney are all vital steps after a crash.

Hiring an attorney means someone is on your side and fighting for you. Arnold Law Firm is here to help, and we are prepared to fight for the maximum possible compensation on your behalf.

We charge no out-of-pocket costs or fees. We do not get paid our fees unless you get paid for your damages.

We have a history of proven results. Call (916) 777-7777 today.