Common Car Accident Injuries
![car with damaged driver side door and wheel](https://www.shultzlegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/8-1024x538.png)
Car accidents are among the most common forms of personal injuries that our firm helps clients deal with. They can range from minor bruising to loss of life. According to a May 2020 press release from the Maryland Department of Transportation,
Motor vehicle crashes on Maryland roadways claimed 530 lives in 2019, an increase of 3.7% compared to 512 deaths the previous year. Pedestrian fatalities declined 7.5%, with 123 last year compared to 133 in 2018.
Also, it is worth noting that 183 people die every year in Maryland from distracted driving crashes, and more than 27,000 more are injured, as stated by Maryland's Zero Deaths initiative.
Keeping this information in mind and wanting readers to avoid bodily harm, we provide an overview of common injuries stemming from car accidents and ways to prevent them.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accident injuries vary in terms of seriousness and outcomes. Here is a list of the most common ones broken down by severity:
Minor Injuries
- Scrapes and minor cuts
- Bruising of soft tissue
- Muscle soreness in different areas: back, neck, shoulders, lower body
Severe Injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and heavy blood loss
- Amputation of limbs
- Crushed limbs
- Brain damage
- Burns
Ways to Protect Against Accident Injuries
- Wear a seat belt that is properly positioned with the diagonal strap across your chest and the height set right.
- Service your car regularly: oil changes; tire pressure checks; under the hood check by a mechanic; light checks.
- Drive defensively by not tailgating and driving at the posted speed. Also, make sure to check your blind-spots when switching lanes and turning. Lastly, slow down in bad weather.
- Keep your windows clean
- Invest in blind-spot mirrors if your vehicle did not come with them already. These small, stick-on mirrors keep you facing forward and from turning into objects next to you.
- Drive without minimal distractions by keeping audio at a reasonable level so you can hear the outside. Also, avoid using your phone while driving.
- Do not drink and drive. Use a car service app or phone a friend when you have been consuming alcohol or other substances.
How We Can Help
Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer offers you access to extensive knowledge of the legal system and the ins and outs of Maryland car accident laws. Additionally, our team provides a tailored approach to match the uniqueness of your situation and its needs.
Feel free to contact our office for a case consultation. Call (410) 401-1799 or submit a written request using our contact form.