Car accident scene with EMT workers.

What Are The Most Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries?

Motor Vehicle Accidents: Top Cause of Catastrophic Injuries

A catastrophic injury profoundly impacts a person’s life and well-being. It can leave them with permanent disabilities, chronic pain, and emotional trauma. Unfortunately, catastrophic injuries are not rare, and they can happen to anyone.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the injury statistics related to motor vehicle accidents and the types of crashes that are the top contributors to catastrophic injuries.

Study Findings about Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries

Spinal Cord Injuries

A 2017 study by the National Library of Medicine found that spinal cord injuries are prevalent in cases of motor vehicle accidents, “The chance of sustaining serious spine and associated multiple injuries in car accidents is quite high in our today’s society. This may be due to the low level of standards for car manufacturing, absence or inadequacy of appropriate safety measures in cars, and poorly designed roads and problems in quality of driving to mention some reasons.”

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

In addition to falls, firearm-related suicides, and assaults, TheCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that motor vehicle accidents are among the top contributors to TBIs. TBIs can cause different health issues for various lengths of time. While a mild TBI or concussion may show short-term symptoms and resolve within a few weeks or months, a moderate or severe TBI can have long-term or lifelong effects.

Most Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents

The most common types of motor vehicle accidents that are related to catastrophic injuries are:

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are among the most common motor vehicle accidents, especially in heavy traffic. They occur when one car hits the back of another vehicle. Rear-end collisions often result in whiplash and neck and head injuries.

Rollovers

Rollover accidents happen when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof. This type of accident is prevalent with SUVs and trucks due to their high center of gravity. Rollovers can cause severe head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage.

Side Impacts

Side impacts, also known as T-bone collisions, occur when one car crashes into the side of another vehicle. This type of accident can happen at intersections or when drivers fail to yield the right of way. Side impacts can cause catastrophic injuries, mainly if they occur on the driver’s side.

Motorcycle Crashes

Motorcycle crashes are particularly dangerous due to the lack of protection that motorcycles provide. Riders are often thrown from their bikes and can suffer catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and limb loss.

Truck accidents

Truck accidents are often catastrophic due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. They can cause severe injuries or death to passengers of smaller vehicles. Catastrophic injuries sustained in truck accidents often include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and severe burns.

Contact Our Denver Car Accident Lawyers Today for Help

If you or a loved one has sustained a catastrophic injury in a motor vehicle accident caused by someone’s negligence, seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can help you recover compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Remember, you are not alone and have the right to fight for justice and accountability.

Contact Denver Trial Lawyers® today at (303) 647-9990 for a free consultation. There are no fees unless we win.

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