Five Types of Accident-Related Injuries
You can be injured in any number of ways in an accident caused by the negligence of another. They’re only limited by the force that hits you, from what angle, where it hits you, and how healthy you were at the time. Whether due to a brain injury or your emotional response to your injuries, you may also suffer psychological injuries.
Orange County personal injury lawyer Aaron Hicks can help you cope with your severe physical injuries, medical bills, psychological harm, wrecked car, and lost income. Make him part of the team that puts your life back together.
Call our office at (949) 541-9944 or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule a free consultation concerning your vehicle accident with Mr. Hicks directly today.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are damage or trauma to soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. Common types include:
- Strains occur when a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn.
- Sprains involve stretching or tearing of ligaments, which are the tough bands of tissue connecting bones to each other around joints.
- Contusions or bruises result from direct impact or trauma to the soft tissues, which cause blood vessels to break and blood to pool under the skin.
- Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, a fibrous connective tissue attaching muscle to bone.
- Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, tiny fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles near joints.
Soft tissue injuries can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, bruising, and reduced range of motion. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, elevation, pain management, and physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair torn tissues or stabilize joints.
Broken Bones
Broken bones, or fractures, happen when there’s a crack or break in the bone. There are several types, including:
- A closed (simple) fracture occurs when the bone breaks
- An open (compound) fracture develops when broken bone pierces through the skin
- A transverse fracture occurs horizontally across the bone
- An oblique fracture occurs at an angle across the bone
- A comminuted fracture results when a bone shatters into pieces
Symptoms of a broken bone may include pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, inability to bear weight or use the injured limb, and sometimes an audible snap or grinding sound at the time of injury. Treatment for broken bones depends on the severity and location of the fracture. They may involve surgery, immobilization with a cast, splint, or brace to allow the bone to heal correctly.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) range from mild concussions to severe, life-threatening damage. There are two main types:
- Closed head injury: The skull remains intact, but the brain may be injured due to sudden acceleration or deceleration forces. This can cause the brain to bounce or twist within the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, or tearing of brain tissue
- Penetrating head injury: An object penetrates the skull and directly damages the brain
Symptoms of a TBI may include:
- Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Confusion or disorientation
- Lost consciousness
- Lost memories
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Sensory problems (blurred vision, ringing in the ears, loss of taste or smell)
Severe TBIs can cause long-term complications, including cognitive impairments, motor deficits, seizures, and changes in personality or mood. TBIs can also be fatal. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. In the worst cases, surgery may remove blood clots, repair skull fractures, or relieve pressure on the brain.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries result in temporary or permanent changes in the function of the spinal cord (a nerve bundle running from the brain down the back, protected by the spinal column’s vertebrae). These injuries can have significant and devastating effects on a person’s mobility, sensation, and bodily functions.
Spinal cord injuries are classified as:
- Complete: There is a total loss of sensation and motor function below the injury
- Incomplete: There is some function below the injury. This may include partial sensation, movement, or both. The impairment varies on the injury’s location and severity
The symptoms of a spinal cord injury are based on the location and severity of the injury and may include:
- Lost movement or paralysis
- Lost sensation, including the ability to feel touch, temperature, or pain
- Coughing or difficulty breathing
- Lost bowel or bladder control
- Spasms or exaggerated reflexes
- Sexual function changes
- Back or neck pain or discomfort
Treatment for spinal cord injuries focuses on stabilizing the spine, preventing further harm, and maximizing recovery. Depending on the severity of the injury, individuals may need ongoing medical care, assistive devices, and support services to help them adapt to their new circumstances.
Psychological Injuries
Psychological injuries, or psychological trauma or emotional injuries, are the psychological distress or harm experienced by someone exposed to a traumatic event or situation like a violent accident. They can have a profound effect on a person’s mental and emotional well-being, often leading to significant distress, impairment, and changes in behavior or functioning. Psychological injuries can be caused by the person’s disability and loss of function.
Symptoms vary widely and may include:
- Flashbacks or intrusive accident memories
- Avoiding accident reminders
- Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle responses
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Mood swings or indifference
- Changed sleep patterns or appetite
- Feeling guilt, shame, or worthlessness
- Social withdrawal or isolation
Treatment often involves psychotherapy, and medications may also be prescribed to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. Support from friends, family, and support groups can be invaluable in the healing process.
Aaron Hicks is an Orange County Personal Injury Attorney You Can Trust
If another party injured you or a loved one, Aaron Hicks at the Hicks Law Firm can help. He is an experienced personal injury lawyer representing clients throughout Southern California and Orange County, including Costa Mesa, Irvine, Tustin, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Nashville.
Aaron Hicks has assisted many injured plaintiffs in Orange County and looks forward to helping you, too. Call us at 949-541-9944 or complete our online contact form so our personal injury attorney may discuss your case.
Aaron Hicks is a civil trial attorney and founder of Hicks Law Firm, based in Orange County with offices in San Diego and Tennessee. His practice includes representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, dog bites and wrongful death. Mr. Hicks is and AV Rated attorney, Super Lawyer and is currently on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association where he serves as 1st Vice President.
