What Happens to Your Body in a Car Accident?

The force of the impact of a collision can cause severe injuries to your body in a car accident. Even low-speed crashes can result in injuries that may require medical treatment.

Car Accidents Can Cause Serious Bodily Injuries

When a car collides with another vehicle or object, the force of the impact can transfer to the vehicle’s occupants. The resulting jolt can cause injuries and throw the body against the vehicle’s interior. Additionally, the impact could drive parts of the vehicle inward, crushing those inside.

You may think a car accident has to happen at high speeds to cause significant injuries, but that is untrue. According to Florida Atlantic University, the force of a rear-end collision at even 5 to 10 mph can result in neck and back injuries, including whiplash. Other severe and fatal car accident injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries
Whiplash
Neck and back injuries
Spinal injuries
Organ damage
Severe bruising
Cuts and lacerations
Facial injuries
Broken, fractured, or crushed bones
Internal bleeding
Loss of hearing or vision

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), more than 10 people per hour sustained a motor vehicle crash injury in Illinois in 2019. During the same period, nearly three people died per day in traffic accidents.

Accidents Can Also Lead to Mental and Emotional Distress

Often, the effects of a car accident go beyond physical injuries. Accidents are traumatic, and the experience can affect your mental and emotional health, as well as your physical wellbeing.

According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), car accident victims can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fear, and depression. You may also have anxiety about driving or riding in a car. Your injuries can also influence your mental and emotional state, especially if they prevent you from working, interacting with loved ones, or enjoying hobbies and activities.

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What Is the Average Cost of a Car Accident Injury?

Car accident injuries can be expensive. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average crash-related emergency department visit costs more than $3,000. The average cost of an accident-related hospitalization is nearly $60,000 over a lifetime.

There are also indirect accident costs, such as lost wages, earnings, and benefits, and reductions in your quality of life. The CDC estimates that car accidents cost Illinois nearly $1.7 billion in work loss in 2018.

Seeking Compensation for Your Car Accident in Illinois

You can seek awards from the liable party in your auto accident. You could recover the costs of:

Doctor visits
Medications
Medical devices and equipment
Emergency department treatment
Hospital stays
Medical procedures
Rehabilitation
Long-term and in-home care
Lost wages
Loss of earning potential (if you have a permanent, disabling injury)
Vehicle repair or replacement costs
Physical pain
Mental anguish
Emotional suffering
The wrongful death of a loved one

According to 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you generally have two years from the time of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages. You also generally have two years to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit, according to 740 ILCS 180/2. These time limits do not apply to making an insurance claim, but an expired statute can negatively affect your chances of securing a settlement.

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How Can Our Personal Injury Lawyers Help with Your Case?

You must prove that the driver or other party liable for your crash caused your accident with their wrongful or negligent behavior. This may include:

Driving under the influence
Speeding
Tailgating
Running red lights or stop signs
Failing to yield
Making an improper turn
Driving in the wrong lane

Liable parties may also include a vehicle or auto parts manufacturer if a vehicle defect (blown tires, faulty engine, defective airbags) contributed to your injury. You may have a case against a government entity or other roadway owner if problems with the road (potholes, poor lighting, lack of snow and ice removal) led to your accident. Our lawyers can help you identify liability and:

File your insurance claim or lawsuit
Submit all case paperwork per established deadlines
Enlist help from medical professionals and crash reconstruction experts
Locate and interview eyewitnesses
Obtain your medical bills and records
Track down available photographs or video footage of your crash
Review your settlement offers and negotiate for fair compensation for you and your family
Represent you in court if needed

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