The most common injuries resulting from a car accident are contusions (bruises), abrasions, and lacerations. Though these injuries often are rather minor and heal quickly, they also can be very severe, especially if left untreated.
Contusions
A contusion, or bruise, is a blunt injury that causes damages to the skin and underlying soft tissue, but does not involve a break in the skin. Contusions are usually caused by trauma, as with a car accident. Blood leaks out of the damaged blood vessels and is collected by surrounding tissue, causing black and blue marks beneath the skin.
The contusions often are relatively minor, people with bleeding disorders or other problems with coagulation (blood-clotting) are at high risk for serious complications resulting from contusions.
Though hospitalization is often required for individuals with lung and brain contusions, the common treatment for contusions often involves the “RICE” method.
- R: Rest
- I: Ice
- C: Compression
- E: Elevation
Though muscle and bone contusions are the most common form of contusions, serious injuries, often resulting from car accidents, may cause contusions of internal organs; such as the lungs, heart, kidney, spleen, and brain.
Abrasions and Lacerations
Abrasions and Lacerations, also relatively minor in most instances, often result from auto accidents. Abrasions, a milder form of injury compared to lacerations, involve the scraping away of a layer of the skin, usually caused by friction with a rough surface. Lacerations (wounds) are more severe, and deeper tears of the skin. However, both can be equally severe in auto accidents, especially if left untreated or improperly treated.
The most common complication resulting from abrasions and lacerations is an infection. Numbness, tingling, pain, and excessive bleeding are common signs that the wound may be infected, or becoming infected. Other common signs of infection include:
- Pus draining from the wound
- Fever
- Chills
- Swelling of the wound
- Severe/Excessive pain
Though infection is the most common abrasion/laceration complication, other problems include:
- Scarring
- Nerve damage
- Tendon damage
- Penetration of veins and/or arteries
- Long-term pain
All of these complications may result in very costly medical expenses. If you suffered any of these injuries as the result of an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation from any at-fault parties.
Contact the Law Offices of d’Oliveira & Associates
If you or a loved one has suffered from a contusion, abrasion, and/or laceration as a result of an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation. By contacting an RI auto accident attorney, you can ensure that your legal rights are protected. The law offices of d’Oliveira & Associates handle many of these cases on a regular basis. Remember, there is no fee unless you receive an award or an auto accident settlement. Call us today at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form for a free legal consultation.