Car accidents in Maryland can cause all kinds of injuries, and if you believe that someone else’s negligence caused your accident, that person should be held accountable. Even a seemingly minor accident can result in missed paychecks and accumulating medical bills, so working with a Prince George’s County car accident lawyer to learn about your legal options and help you in the fight for the compensation you deserve is critical.
How Do Car Accidents Cause Injuries in Maryland?
With an estimated six million reported car accidents in the United States each year, injuries are likely to occur. When two vehicles collide at high speeds, the force of the impact is often more than the body can withstand, resulting in serious injuries. Even accidents that occur at lower speeds can happen with a force greater than the human body can handle.
What Types of Injuries Can Car Accidents Cause?
Two or more heavy vehicles colliding with one another may result in serious injuries. In Maryland, over 28,000 people sustain injuries in crashes on average each year. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycle riders have even fewer protections and may sustain serious or even fatal injuries. Victims can end up with injuries like:
Head and Brain Injuries
- Concussions
- Skull fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIS)
- Loss of consciousness
Neck and Spine Injuries
- Whiplash (common in low-speed injuries)
- Herniated discs
- Nerve compression
- Spinal cord damage
Chest and Torso Injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage (liver, spleen, lungs)
- Broken or bruised ribs
Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries
- Fractures in arms, legs, wrists, and hips
- Crushed limbs
- Amputations
- Joint injuries
- Long-term mobility issues
Burns
Those involved in car accidents may sustain burns from deployed airbags, friction, or even vehicle fires. Burns can be severe, and in some instances, may require grafting.
Soft Tissue and Nerve Damage
- Sprains
- Strains
- Neurophathy
- Chronic pain
Facial Injuries
- Lacerations
- Facial fractures
- Dental injuries
- Scarring or disfigurment
Psychological Injuries
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
Are Injuries Common Even in Low-Speed Accidents?
Some people walk away from a minor accident or low-speed collision and think that they’re fine, only for symptoms of injuries to make themselves known a day or two later. The unfortunate truth is that even a low-speed crash can cause injuries.
A common outcome is whiplash, a spine and neck injury caused by the head moving forward and then “whipping” back during a collision. Whiplash can cause pain, numbness, headaches, and even blurred vision.
However, low-speed collisions can also result in delayed symptoms for injuries like concussions and other TBIs.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Sue For After an Accident?
When you are injured in a collision due to the negligence of another person, it’s important to understand the legal options you have. Generally, you are eligible to recover compensation for the damages you have suffered as a result of their actions.
Economic Damages
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- PTSD
- Depression
- Anxiety
What If Injuries Cause Long-Term or Permanent Issues?
Unfortunately, some injuries may become chronic. It’s important to understand that you can still recover compensation for the costs you will incur in the future. Though it can be difficult, with the help of proper documentation and expert witness testimony, you may be able to recover compensation for the following future damages:
- Long-term rehabilitation
- Surgeries
- Medical equipment
- Work limitations
Will I Have to Go to Trial?
Many personal injury cases settle before they go to trial. Your lawyer will do the best they can to negotiate for a fair compensation offer before you have to set foot into a courtroom. If negotiations break down and you have to go to court, an attorney can prepare you for testimony and do their best to build a case that can succeed in front of a judge and jury.
Schedule Your Case Consultation
Sustaining injuries in a car accident due to the negligent actions of another person can be incredibly upsetting. Unfortunately, trying to navigate a personal injury claim on your own can be difficult, especially while healing. As such, if you are hurt, contact the team at McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P. We can offer you a free case consultation with no obligation. Call today to learn how we can represent you during these difficult times.
