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Can Victims Recover Compensation for Common Injuries in a Car Accident?

Writer's picture: Tom FowlerTom Fowler

Car crashes happen unexpectedly, leaving victims not only shaken but often injured.


From minor scrapes to serious injuries, these accidents can turn lives upside down.


Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a major motor vehicle crash, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be immense.


When injured in a car crash, victims often ask, “Can I recover compensation for my injuries?” The answer is yes.


Compensation can help ease the burden, covering medical bills, lost wages, and more.


How Compensation Works After a Car Crash

How Compensation Works After a Car Crash


Recovering from car accident injuries is stressful enough without the financial burden.


Fortunately, victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. Here’s how it works:


Filing an Insurance Claim

The first step after being injured in a car crash is filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance.


This claim should include medical records, evidence of all external and other internal injuries, and proof of financial losses.


Proving Fault and Damages

In most cases, proving who caused the motor vehicle crash is crucial.


This might involve police reports, witness statements, or even dashcam footage.


Clear documentation of car accident injuries is also necessary to ensure victims get fair compensation.


Considering Legal Help

Sometimes, insurance companies may undervalue the plaintiff's claim or deny it outright.

A personal injury attorney can help fight for the compensation they deserve, especially if the injuries are severe or long-term.


Regarding the amount, a broken bone or a soft tissue injury might lead to lower compensation compared to traumatic brain injuries or serious internal damage. Our team can also consult on common injuries in a truck accident.


Other elements like the cost of medical treatment, long-term care, lost income, and pain and suffering also influence the final settlement amount.


Car accidents can change lives in an instant. It doesn't really matter how minor or major the injuries are. Getting the right treatment without wasting time is always crucial.


As for how things might work out in the long run - recovery might take time, but compensation can make it easier to focus on healing.


Typical Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Iowa


Motor vehicle crashes happen daily across Iowa’s roads and highways.


While some are unavoidable, many result from preventable factors. Knowing the common causes can help reduce the risks and keep roads safer for everyone.


Distracted Driving

Unfortunately, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car crashes.


Drivers who text, eat, adjust navigation systems, or even daydream take their attention off the road.


In those moments, accidents can happen. Iowa’s laws prohibit texting while driving, but enforcement alone can’t prevent every incident.


Speeding

On the other hand, speeding remains a common factor in motor vehicle crashes, especially on highways and rural roads.


When drivers exceed speed limits, they have less time to react to sudden changes.


Speeding not only increases the likelihood of a crash but also makes neck and head injuries more severe when accidents happen.


Weather-related Conditions

Iowa’s unpredictable weather plays a significant role in motor vehicle accidents.


Snow, ice, rain, and fog can make roads slick and reduce visibility. Many crashes happen when drivers fail to adjust their speed or behavior to match road conditions.


Drunk or Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a serious issue.


Intoxicated motorists have slower reaction times and poor judgment, making crashes more likely.

Iowa law enforces strict penalties for DUI offenses, but impaired driving still contributes to numerous accidents annually.


Reckless and Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving behaviors, like tailgating, frequent lane changes, or road rage, are dangerous. These actions create unnecessary risks and often result in serious crashes.


Five Common Car Accident Injuries


A car accident can happen in the blink of an eye. No matter the severity, it can leave victims with a range of wounds, including broken bones and facial injuries.


While every crash is different, certain wounds are more common than others. For more information, the best car accident attorney in Des Moines may be able to help.


Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in car accidents. It happens when the head is jerked back and forth, straining the neck muscles and ligaments.


This can lead to neck pain, stiffness, and even headaches. In some cases, whiplash can be severe, causing long-term discomfort and affecting daily life.


Other neck injuries, like herniated discs, can also happen in car accidents. These injuries may cause numbness, tingling, or even paralysis in some extreme cases.


Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBIs are some of the most serious injuries victims can suffer in a car accident.

Even a minor blow to the head can cause concussions or more severe brain injuries.


TBIs can affect memory, mood, and cognitive abilities, making it difficult for victims to resume their normal activities. In severe cases, such penetrating injuries can lead to permanent disability or even death.


It’s important for anyone involved in a car accident to seek emergency medical treatment immediately, even if there are no obvious signs of a head injury or internal bleeding.


Chest Injuries

The chest area is vulnerable during a car accident, especially with the impact of the seatbelt or airbags.


Broken ribs, bruised lungs, or other chest injuries can cause sharp pain and breathing difficulties.

In some cases, internal bleeding may happen, leading to more severe complications.


It’s crucial to seek medical help after a crash, as chest injuries may not always be obvious right away. Internal bleeding, for instance, could take hours or days after a car accident to show symptoms.


Soft Tissue Injuries

On the other hand, soft tissue injuries are often referred to as sprains, strains, or contusions.

These wounds happen when muscles, tendons, or ligaments are stretched or torn during a car accident. Common soft tissue injuries include back, shoulder, or knee pain.


Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Car accidents don’t only cause physical injuries. Many victims also suffer from emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).


PTSD can lead to anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks, making it difficult for victims to feel safe behind the wheel again.


Spinal Cord Injuries Can Be Fatal

Spinal Cord Injuries Can Be Fatal


Whether due to a car accident, a fall, or another traumatic event, damage to the spinal cord can have life-changing consequences.


The extent of the wound depends on where along the spinal cord the damage occurs.


Injuries higher up, near the neck, are typically more severe and can lead to paralysis or even death.

In a complete injury, the spinal cord is fully severed or damaged, and all sensation and movement below the wound site are lost.


On the other hand, in an incomplete injury, some nerve signals can still pass through the damaged area of the spinal cord.


This means that some movement and sensation may remain below the wound site, although it is often limited.


Final Words


Car accidents can change everything in a split second, leaving victims with serious wounds and a lot to deal with.


From knee injuries and soft tissue damage to head and brain injuries, victims deserve to be compensated for their pain, medical bills, and lost wages.


People who have suffered in a car accident should always take the necessary steps to protect their rights and ensure they get the help they deserve.


With the correct legal support, recovery is possible, and life can get back on track soon after.

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