Just about everyone has experienced being in a car accident at some point in their driving career: dealing with insurance companies (yours and the other driver’s), assessing damages, getting repairs done, and on top of all of this, not feeling your best—or even worse, being hospitalized.
Carr & Carr Attorneys at Law is experienced at dealing with auto accidents and resulting injuries. We can help you wade through the associated hassles and obtain the best possible outcomes. In business since 1973, and serving the entire state of Oklahoma, we have the experience to offer the best counsel available.
Neck and Back Injuries
Neck and back injury are the most common injuries associated with car accidents. These injuries can take many forms:
- Neck strain – Torn or stretched muscles result in a neck strain. This can occur with a sudden impact from behind, or a vehicle coming to a sudden stop.
- Neck sprain – Ligaments are tissue bands that connect bones and stabilize joints. When those neck ligaments are torn or extended, the result can be a sprain, which can bring about stiffness and an aching pain. The common term for this injury is “whiplash.”
- Cervical Radiculopathy (pinched nerves) – An irritated or pinched nerve does not do its job correctly. Weakness and numbness result. These symptoms of radiating pain are called cervical radiculopathy.
- Herniated Disc – When neck motion puts too much pressure on a disc, a herniated disc may result. Sometimes these are called “slipped discs” or “ruptured discs.” Similar to a jelly donut, the jelly is squeezed out of the donut. If the tear is beside the spinal canal, the “jelly” can press against the spinal nerves, causing numbness, weakness and pain along the nerve. It is also believed that chemical from the ruptured disc may aggravate the nerve’s root, causing additional pain.
Injuries to Upper and Lower Limbs
Limbs and extremities are frequently injured in car accidents. Fractures to forearms, hands, arms, shoulders, fingers and wrists occur and require splints and casts as treatment. Sometimes surgery is necessary. Therapy may follow either of these to increase range of motion and strength.
Car accidents often involve injury to the rotator cuffs. MRI scans diagnose rotator cuff problems; these tests are expensive, so doctors typically wait for completion of physical therapy before ordering an MRI. Shoulder reconstruction surgery is needed for severe shoulder injuries.
Lower limbs
Ankles, feet, legs, hips, knees and heels are also vulnerable and frequently injured in car accidents. Ankle sprains, Achilles tendon injuries, ligament damage and stress fractures are common. Fractures of the femur, tibia, patella, hip or ankle could necessitate a cast or surgery. Occasionally, total hip replacements or knee arthroplasty may be required.
It is clear that driving an automobile makes us vulnerable to a variety of injuries. As we deal with the aftermath of these accidents, having legal experts on our side can be a tremendous benefit. Carr & Carr’s years of experience assisting car accident victims can help you as you assess your post-accident situation. Please contact our office today to schedule your accident injury consultation.
