Some people believe automobile collisions are one of the leading causes of injuries in the United States. Millions of people suffer car accident-related injuries every year. Many reside here in Colorado.
What are some common car accident-related injuries? Are these injuries always noticed immediately following the event? What compensation is available if hurt in an auto collision?
Common injuries: physical and psychological
There are so many different types of injuries that can result from a car accident. Every case is unique. However, the following physical injuries are most common:
- Head
- Brain
- Back
- Neck
- Chest
- Broken bones
- Damage to nerves
- Torn ligaments
The list can go on. You may also experience psychological injuries from such an event. While not talked about as frequently, car accident victims may suffer post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. All of these can have a profound impact on your life and the lives of your loved ones.
Delayed onset injuries
Not all injuries suffered in an auto collision are noticeable right away. Delayed onset injuries are very real and can be very damaging if people wait to seek out treatment. The truth is, damage to the body may take hours, days or even weeks to fully reveal itself. The sooner you seek help after symptoms appear, the better.
Seeking compensation as a victim
If a car accident has left you with injuries, you may seek compensation for your losses. Your ability comes down to fault. If another person’s negligence contributed to your injuries, you may seek relief by filing claims with their insurance provider. If the relief offered is insufficient, you may reject it and negotiate for more. In some cases, litigation may prove necessary to seek maximum compensation. You may recover economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment
If partial fault lies on you, you may still seek compensation. Comparative negligence laws allow for this. How much you can get depends on what percentage of the fault is yours. As long as your degree of the fault falls below 50%, you may seek damages. Again, you can do this through negotiations or, if necessary and appropriate, litigation.
No one should have to shoulder the losses suffered in a car accident alone. Thankfully, the laws of Colorado allow victims to seek compensation they need to recover.