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Injuries from Car Accidents in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs Personal Injury Law Firm
Every year, one million Americans are hospitalized due to vehicle collision injuries, and an estimated $18 billion in medical expenditures and $33 billion in lost wages are incurred.
Having been in a vehicle accident yourself, you know how terrifying and startling it can be. However, you may be surprised to learn that automobile collisions may result in a wide range of bodily and psychological ailments.
When it comes to automobile accidents, you’ll learn about 16 of the most frequent injuries, how they’re caused, and what you should do when you or someone you know has been harmed.
A car collision may cause a variety of ailments. If you’ve been injured, here are a few things to remember.
Whether you’ve been hurt in an accident or are wondering whether you’re eligible for compensation, our Colorado automobile accident attorneys are here to assist.
To talk with an attorney about your injury claim, call 719-300-1100 or email us.
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Injuries from Colorado Springs Car Accidents
From small scratches and bruises to more severe and life-threatening problems, automobile accidents may cause various injuries. Our injury attorneys have decades of expertise and can tell you that each person is affected differently by a car accident.
Car accident victims most often suffer from whiplash. Broken bones account for fewer than 5% of all ER visits, yet they account for half of all hospitalizations. In contrast, minor injuries such as strains, sprains, tissue damage, or bruises account for half of all ER visits.
Broken bones and significant soft tissue injury are possible outcomes of an automobile accident. Additional dangers to the eyes and brain might result from facial injuries. Any collision, no matter how slight it seems (or how little damage it may have), may result in traumatic brain injury and paralysis in the neck, hands, and foot joints.
In addition, in a violent crash, hot substances or automobile components might burn you, resulting in disfigurement. Our car accident lawyers can assist if you or someone you know has been hurt in a vehicle accident and you feel you may be entitled to compensation.
Approximately 900 people are killed in vehicle accidents each year in the state of Colorado, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
300 passengers, 270 pedestrians, 140 motorcycle riders, and 50 bicycles were killed in automobile collisions in 2019 alone (while another 300 deaths were unspecified in the accident reports).
Fortunately, the number of people killed in car accidents has decreased over the last several years.
Car accidents result in 137,000 trips to the emergency department every year and 12,500 hospitalizations.
Males and those 65 and older had the greatest mortality rates, followed by those aged 20-24 and those in the middle age bracket (in general).
The fourth greatest cause of injury-related mortality and the second main cause of hospitalizations is motor vehicle traffic accidents (after falls). 14 percent of all injury-related fatalities are the result of these mishaps.
Speeding and drinking alcohol were the most prevalent causes of these collisions. Even if you’re a cautious driver who follows the laws of the road, you can rest assured knowing that everyone else is doing the same. Many aren’t, unfortunately.
When they do occur, bruises usually do not cause long-term complications. In a vehicle accident, a seat belt may injure you while protecting you from more serious injuries.
Even while most bruises aren’t harmful, it’s important to keep an eye on them if you’ve been in a car accident. What if it’s something more sinister? Some bruises are so bad that they go to the bone.
A bruise can indicate internal bleeding in an accident victim. If a hematoma or contusion forms, it may be a symptom of more serious injuries lurking under the surface. Examine any bruising on the head carefully. Signs of brain damage, which may progress rapidly, may be seen.
Some of the warning signs of a more serious injury include:
Pins and needles that feel “asleep,” “numb,” or “weak.”
Increased edema or discomfort
Vomiting and stomach cramps
Throbbing headaches and blurred vision are common symptoms.
Nothing has changed in a week, and it seems to worsen.
urinating with blood
A pounding heart, a fever, or a blurry vision
Loss of range of motion, especially in the legs
Any head injuries
Any kind of abdominal injury.
Scars from facial injuries & burns may alter a person’s look. As a result, they may need extensive surgical procedures to correct or eliminate. When an accident victim is in a client or audience-facing role, facial disfigurement may restrict their future employment opportunities.
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Scars might induce melancholy and anxiety in the long run.
Certain scars constrict as they heal, making it difficult to move about. If left untreated, a scar may develop into a big elevated region known as a keloid. Scars may become infected and inflamed while healing and need further medical attention.
Broken bones may be difficult to notice immediately after a collision, such as a vehicle accident, which can cause them to break or fracture. You’ll only know something’s wrong if you’re in pain or have additional issues down the road.
Seat belts may potentially cause serious injuries to the chest and ribs. (Even though seat belts save lives and save injuries from becoming worse.)
Types of bones Fractures:
- A dislocated fracture is one in which the bone is broken apart and moved about in the body.
- Bone fractures that don’t move are called non-displaced fractures.
- Closed Fracture – the bone is fractured, but the skin is not damaged.
- An open fracture breaks and escapes the skin.
- Hairline crack is caused by a stress fracture.
- A fracture that only partially penetrates the bone is called a partial fracture.
- These are some of the most prevalent ways to describe a bone fracture. Other categories describe a bone’s position or its break.
Car accidents still result in many fractured bones, despite advancements in vehicle safety.
Having a facial injury is a challenging situation to handle. Here you’ll find both the brain and several of the most important sense organs of the body. The eyes, nose, mouth, and ears all contain sensitive components that might be harmed by stress.
Bone fractures – face bones may shatter, resulting in deformity, and may not heal adequately.
A laceration is a serious facial cut that requires stitches and might leave a scar.
Eye injuries may be caused by debris or physical force and result in permanent vision loss.
Disruption of normal function and deformity may result from injuries to the tendons, cartilage, muscles, and ligaments, amongst other soft tissues.
Burns may produce scarring and discoloration if they are severe enough.
Facial abnormalities – any of the injuries mentioned above may permanently alter the look and functionality of the face.
Dental Work is a frequent remedy for tooth loss.
The neck is a flimsy foundation for such a large, weighty head. The muscles, tendons, cartilage, and some other soft tissues of the neck may be damaged by jarring the body.
A rapid forward or backward movement of the neck is the cause of whiplash. The jerking motion is reminiscent of a whip. Whiplash and other types of injuries may take months to heal or lead to a lifetime of pain, even if they are not evident.
The average person’s head is roughly 11 pounds. Many neck injuries occur when the head is not held in an upright position after an accident. This may cause the head to feel as if it weighs 60 pounds. Additionally, the steering wheel & airbags may injure the neck and need medical treatment.
According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately 120,000 individuals suffer from whiplash each year. Rear-end accidents are the most prevalent cause of whiplash in an automobile accident. Within a few weeks, whiplash may be a serious and debilitating injury.
In addition to these symptoms, whiplash may cause:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck
- Pain worsens when the neck moves.
- Neck loses range of motion.
- Headaches
- Pain in the upper back, shoulder, or arm
- Numbness and tingling
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Other possible symptoms include:
- Distress or a shift in character
- An inability to concentrate
- Problems with short-term memory
- Vision is blurry
During a concussion, the brain’s rapid movement suddenly stops. Anxiety may cause the brain to jerk around within the skull, twisting and stretching. As a result of the trauma, the brain’s chemistry alters, which might lead to other issues.
There is a chance that every concussion might be life-threatening or even fatal. BrainIn contrast to a broken bone, brain damage cannot be seen with the naked eye. Although you may believe it’s simply a bump, you may have a deep wound in your skull. Bruising, bleeding, or tearing in the brain may result from a TBI.
Damage to the brain may be worsened over time by repeated concussions.
In the event of a concussion, there is no urgent need for a brain scan. Learning, focus, memory, and problem-solving abilities should be closely monitored. Changes in movement, sensation, personality and cognitive function may result from long-term brain damage. Depression and other major mental diseases might result from it.
A collision with an automobile might expose individuals to sections of the vehicle they ordinarily avoid. Hot engine components or sprayed substances may cause severe burns. A whole vehicle can catch fire, resulting in severe burns to huge areas of the body and even death.
There are many different kinds of burns.
Skin is red but not blistering in the first degree.
Second-degree wounds, which include blistering and thickening of the skin, may take up to two weeks to heal.
It takes many months to recover from a third-degree burn, and the victim may never regain full function of their body. The burn appears rigid and leathery white or brown.
Fat, muscle, and bone may all be penetrated in the fourth degree; it can lead to the amputation of a limb or even death.
A jolt to the system, such as a vehicle collision, might result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While driving, you may experience flashes of your vehicle accident and be haunted by your memories. Doing what you love might be hindered by post-traumatic stress disorder. As a result, many people suffer from sleep disorders, nightmares, and even more serious mental health issues like depression.
If you don’t have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you may be scarred for life by a vehicle accident. If you’ve had an accident, it’s natural to seek help from a psychologist or other mental health professional.
You might get a broad range of back injuries in a vehicle collision. Back pain is one of the most debilitating forms of pain that a person may suffer from. Car accidents often result in back injuries that leave individuals unable to work.
- Some individuals risk a life of handicap if they cannot return to work.
- Back injuries may encompass a variety of different things.
- Injuries to muscles and tendons result in strain, sometimes described as “a pulled back.”
- A sprain occurs when the ligaments in the back are torn or stretched, resulting in pain and discomfort.
- When a vertebra falls out of its socket, it exposes the delicate inner tissue protected by the bone.
- A ruptured disc is a vertebra that has been injured or broken open.
- Pressure on a nerve causes severe pain and restricted mobility.
- Injuries to nerves may produce severe pain that can be devastating.
- Paralysis may result from a significant injury to the spinal cord and other vital organs.
Below the site of the damage, there may be partial or complete paralysis. Nearly half of all spinal cord injuries are the result of car accidents. Dislocation or fracture of the vertebrae and ripping or bruising of the spinal cord are the most common causes of paralysis after a blow to the back.
Spinal cord damage is incurable. Surgery, physical therapy, pain management, and the need for a wheelchair or other mobility apparatus for the rest of one’s life are potential outcomes.
Some of the additional consequences of paralysis include the inability to move one or both arms or legs:
- Loss of feeling and touch
- Loss of experiencing heat or cold
- Loss of movement
- Spasms
- Large reflex actions
- Infertility
- Breathing problems
- Chronic pain.
Injuries to the muscles, bones, organs and others under the skin may be caused by a blunt force that does not penetrate the skin but instead injures those beneath it.
There are several reasons why a person injured in an automobile should go straight to the emergency department, even if everything seems alright.
Bruising on the lower abdomen should be taken very carefully. The seat belt can injure various internal organs if applied incorrectly. Immediately seek medical attention if you see any resemblance to an abdominal hematoma.
An accident may leave you physically and emotionally scarred for a long time. After a vehicle accident, you’re more likely to suffer from depression and worry, which may harm your sleep. In addition to limiting many of your regular activities, pain may also affect your sex life and other pleasures.
Distracted and irresponsible driving is a major cause of accidents in our state. Intoxication, whether from legal or illicit substances, is a frequent cause of car accidents. Road conditions and inexperienced drivers may contribute to accidents.
Cars are dangerous weapons with tons of steel, heated engine components, and gas.
Distracted driving is a regular occurrence.
For many drivers, a stop sign is only a suggestion, and blinkers are superfluous. Being careless might mean the difference between your own and someone else’s death when you’re behind the wheel of an automobile.
Distracted driving is a problem in our country. While driving, many of us make calls, listen to the radio, eat breakfast, and even participate in Zoom meetings, all of which may lead to near-fatal incidents.
It is just as dangerous to drive when tired as to be distracted.
In November 2021, distracted driving caused more than 2600 accidents in Colorado Springs (out of 9200). Failing to yield is responsible for twice as many accidents as following too closely.
Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you avoid an accident:
- Use speaker mode or Bluetooth to connect your phone while driving so that you can maintain both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
- Do chores that would otherwise occupy your attention with someone else.
- Stop and park by the side of the road to deal with an urgent matter.
- Make a playlist if you often switch stations during commercials.
Many traffic accidents are caused by people who are inebriated while driving. Accidents involving boats, bikes, and other large human-operated machines are also common.
The most prevalent intoxicant is alcohol, but as more states legalize cannabis, more people are getting behind the wheel and causing collisions. The response times of a driver may be slowed or sped up by using any substance, whether it is legal or illicit.
Check the prospectus for adverse effects and cautions before taking any new medication.
Before trying to drive while under the influence of a new medication, wait at least a few days to observe how it affects you.
Driving conditions are dangerous.
Accidents are most often caused by ice on the road. “Black ice” is a thin film of ice that seems completely undetectable on the road. Accidents may happen in the rain, snow, fog, and sleet. Please use care and turn on your lights before continuing. It’s advisable to avoid driving altogether if hail is falling.
It is possible to lose sight due to localized circumstances, such as smoke or smog. Depending on the time of year, deer pose a substantial risk. The deer you can’t see is one of several around. Every year, between October and December, residents of Colorado kill 65,000 deer.
Other big and tiny creatures, such as moose, cows, and chicks, might cause harm to your vehicle. Distracted driving is a contributing factor in car accidents caused by distracted drivers.
Car accidents result in serious injuries and even death for many individuals every day.
If you’re a bike or pedestrian in Colorado, you’re in danger of being injured in a car accident, even if you don’t have a vehicle.
Car accidents might make you anxious and unclear about your next steps.
After a vehicle accident, dealing with the aftermath may be quite stressful. We can assist if you’re unsure of your legal choices or have concerns about your legal rights.
If you’ve been injured in a vehicle accident, an experienced lawyer at Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm can advise you on whether or not you have a case and how to proceed.
After a car accident, you need a team with more than three decades of expertise to help individuals like you obtain the compensation you deserve. Because we don’t charge a fee for our case reviews, you have nothing to lose by contacting us.
The insurance company may try to get you to settle for less money than you deserve after an accident.
For a free consultation with an injury attorney, call us at 212-268-3222 or email us online.
At Warrior Law in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jeremy D. Earle, JD is the founder. The last 8 years have seen him earn the confidence and trust of clients, jurors, and judges alike for his skill and integrity as a powerful lawyer. Colorado Magazine and Super Lawyers have honored Andrew as one of Colorado’s “Top Personal Injury Litigators” and “Top Rated Personal Injury Attorneys in Colorado,” respectively.
Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Collisions
In Colorado, the most prevalent forms of vehicle accidents include:
Driving too close or not paying attention to the road may lead to rear-end collisions, which can be quite dangerous. The resulting injuries may be rather severe. Whiplash, back injuries, and face injuries are frequent outcomes of this collision.
In a head-on collision, there is a high risk of serious injury or death. When an inattentive or tired motorist crosses the median, they are more likely to be at fault than someone driving the opposite way down the street. It is not uncommon for head-on accidents to result in severe injuries or even fatalities.
Injuries from T-bone collisions, more often known as side-impact collisions, occur when one vehicle fails to yield to another at an intersection. T-bone collisions may also be caused by a car making an incorrect turn. T-bone collisions are more likely to result in significant injuries due to the lack of structural support on the car’s sides.
A rollover occurs when an automobile flips onto its side or roof. More people die in rollovers than in any other automobile accident, making them one of the most hazardous. Although most rollovers are caused by a single car, another motorist is often to blame. If a vehicle quickly changes lanes or swerves to escape a reckless driver, he or she may roll over in the process.
Single-vehicle accidents are those in which only one vehicle is damaged. There are times when the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident is not necessarily to blame. Another driver’s negligence and other factors like a road problem or a car defect may all contribute to an accident. Single-vehicle accidents may allow passengers to file a claim against the driver’s insurance coverage.
The most common causes of car accidents
Discovering the reason for an automobile accident is critical to recovering compensation from the party responsible. An automobile collision may be caused by a combination of variables, such as a distracted driver and a fast motorist. Multiple persons may be liable for an accident if one of these circumstances occurs.
In Colorado, the most prevalent causes of vehicle accidents are:
- Speeding
- Driving while distracted
- Drowsiness in the driver’s seat
- Driving carelessly
- Tailgating
- Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI)
- A risky method of lane change
- Failing to give way to a motorist ahead of you.
- Disobedience to traffic signals and signage
- Turns that are either not allowed or done incorrectly
- The inability to slow down in bad conditions.
- Roads that pose a danger
- Defects in the vehicle or insufficient maintenance
- Emergency medical situation
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