Injuries from car accidents are no laughing matter; they can range from whiplash to traumatic brain injuries or, even worse, life-altering paralysis. And the journey doesn’t end with healing; understanding what follows is vital.
Car Accidents in Buffalo, NY
Buffalo has a vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes. But like any city, it’s not immune to car accidents. New York State’s open data portal reveals many vehicular incidents every year. It’s essential to be aware of these incidents, as they can have grave consequences.
The Frequency of Car Accidents in Buffalo
Of the 200 cities across the United States included in the crash data analysis, Buffalo ranked 148th regarding driver safety. This study reveals that Buffalo drivers were in a car collision about every eight years.
Common Injuries From Car Accidents
Injuries from car accidents are a big deal for public health and safety. They can cause various physical and emotional problems, from minor to severe. Car accidents, with their high speeds and hard hits, can hurt people differently. These injuries can affect how people live, how they feel, and their future health. We will examine why the most common car accident injuries happen and emphasize the importance of getting medical help and legal support for those who are hurt.
Whiplash and Bone Fractures
Whiplash is the most common type of injury from car accidents. In contrast, minor injuries like strains, sprains, tissue damage, and bruises account for half of the injuries brought to the ER. It might start as neck discomfort but develop into chronic headaches or memory issues. Similarly, bone fractures may require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, when fractures do not fully heal, people may develop permanent disability or require ongoing physical therapy sessions.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Car crashes can cause long-term cognitive impairment due to TBI. Think about losing concentration at work because you’re constantly fatigued due to this hidden wound. Beyond impacting job performance, TBI can disrupt personal relationships by altering mood patterns.
Nerve Damage and Paralysis
A severe back injury from an auto accident could cause nerve damage, resulting in chronic pain or even paralysis. Imagine being unable to feel your legs, making simple tasks like walking a monumental challenge. Or worse yet, full-body paralysis could occur, leaving you reliant on others for the most basic needs.
Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury is a devastating consequence of a car accident, often leading to paralysis. This injury damages the delicate bundle of nerves within the spinal column, affecting motor and sensory functions below the point of impact. The severity of impairment can vary, from partial loss of sensation to complete paralysis, altering the victim’s life.
Back Injury
Back injuries sustained in car accidents can range from mild muscle strains to severe vertebral fractures. Injuries can cause severe pain and long-term discomfort or disability, which affect daily tasks.
Head Injury
Head injuries are a common outcome of car accidents and can vary from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. The consequences can include cognitive impairments, memory loss, and even personality changes, making it crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Soft Tissue Injury
Soft tissue injuries encompass damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries often result in swelling, bruising, and pain. Whiplash, a common soft tissue injury, can lead to persistent neck and shoulder discomfort.
Concussion
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. Victims may experience dizziness, confusion, and memory problems, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
Burns
Burn injuries in car accidents typically result from contact with hot surfaces, chemicals, or even fires. These injuries can cause excruciating pain, require extensive medical treatment, and often leave lasting scars.
Neck Injuries
Neck injuries can involve a wide spectrum of damage, from mild whiplash to cervical spine fractures. Such injuries can result in chronic neck pain, stiffness, and sometimes nerve-related issues.
Herniated Disk
A herniated disk occurs when the soft cushioning material between the vertebrae in the spine ruptures. This injury may cause severe back pain and, in more serious cases, pressure on the spinal cord, leading to symptoms related to the nerves.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding may not always be immediately apparent, but it can be life-threatening. Car accidents can cause damage to internal organs, leading to slow or rapid blood loss, which necessitates prompt medical intervention.
Internal Injuries and Abdominal Trauma
Internal injuries and abdominal trauma can include damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries may not display external symptoms but can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Victims may experience intense pain and, in severe cases, require surgery to address the damage.
Facial Trauma
Facial trauma from car accidents can involve fractures, lacerations, and dental injuries. Beyond the physical damage, these injuries may have long-lasting aesthetic and psychological consequences.
Blunt Trauma
Blunt trauma refers to injuries caused by forceful impact without penetration. Car accidents often result in blunt trauma injuries, such as fractures, contusions, and organ damage, which can lead to long recovery periods.
Knee Injuries
Car accidents can lead to various knee injuries, including ligament tears, dislocations, or fractures. These injuries can impair mobility and may necessitate surgery or rehabilitation.
Laceration
Lacerations are deep cuts that often occur due to broken glass or sharp debris during an accident. These injuries can be painful and may require stitches or even reconstructive surgery.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Car accidents can lead to psychological injuries like PTSD. Victims may experience flashbacks, anxiety, and nightmares, impacting their mental well-being.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains involve stretched or torn ligaments, while strains affect muscles or tendons. Both can lead to pain, swelling, and reduced joint mobility.
Crush Injury
Crush injuries often occur due to a collision. These injuries can lead to severe tissue damage and, in the worst cases, amputation. In the aftermath of a car accident, victims need to seek immediate medical attention and consult with legal professionals to understand their rights and options for compensation, particularly if the accident was due to the negligence of another party.
Legal Considerations After a Car Accident
When an unexpected car accident occurs, the legal implications of it can be as devastating as any physical injuries. There are also legal implications to consider. Understanding these complexities is crucial, as they play a role in how your claim will unfold.
Your Duty at the Scene
In Buffalo, NY, the law requires drivers involved in an accident to stop immediately. You must report the incident, exchange information with other parties, and give aid if someone is injured.
Negligence and Fault Determination
Determining the blame in a crash isn’t always easy to figure out. New York follows no-fault insurance laws. Your insurance company covers medical expenses and lost wages up to certain limits under Personal Injury Protection (PIP), regardless of who caused the accident.
If the damages are higher than the PIP coverage, or if there is a serious injury like fractures or a permanent limitation on using a body organ or limb, you can leave the no-fault system and sue the negligent driver.
Filing Your Claim: Time Matters
The clock starts ticking right after your crash. In New York State, there’s typically a three-year deadline from the crash date for filing personal injury lawsuits (New York Civil Practice Law & Rules section 214). But for no-fault insurance claims, you only have 30 days from the accident date to file a claim. So act fast.
Understanding Damage Caps and Compensation
In New York, there is no limit on the compensation you can receive in personal injury cases. However, the amount you receive may be influenced by your level of responsibility, if any. This principle is “pure comparative negligence.” Partially responsible individuals can still receive compensation, but the amount will reduce according to the degree of blame.
Suppose you’re held accountable for 20% of the mishap that resulted in $100,000 worth of damage. Under this rule, your compensation would decrease by $20,000. That means you’d end up with a total award of $80,000.If you’ve been in a car accident in Buffalo, NY, and need legal help, please contact us at Brown Chiari LLP. Our experienced car accident attorneys are ready to guide you through the legal process and help you secure the appropriate financial damages. Contact us today at (716) 681-7190 or reach out online to discuss your case. Your rights and well-being are our top priorities.
