Although you will never intentionally use your luxury SUV for reckless driving, even though you have the power and protection of a tough SUV to help you outsmart other cars on the road, there may be times when you’re not paying attention or taking unnecessary risks.
According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) there is an extremely high rate of fatalities on the road each year. Statistically, there are 40,000 accidents every year; a person dies every 13 minutes. Generally speaking, the effects of automotive accidents fall into four common types of injuries:
1. Whiplash. Whiplash is the most common injury after a car accident. A car collision can cause the head to quickly move outside its usual range of motion, straining ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Since no bones are broken, this is referred to as a soft tissue injury. Whiplash can range from discomfort that heals after a few weeks to paralysis, either partial or full.
2. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). When a person slam their head against a hard surface after a collision, say, the dashboard or door, it can cause a Traumatic Brain Injury. This blow to the head can cause damage to the brain, causing it to swell. The extent of the injury depends on how severely the brain swells. The injury may be a temporary one or it may never heal. It can range from a mild concussion to permanent brain damage, which is marked by an inability to concentrate, difficulty in remembering, volatile emotions, blurred vision, or impaired speech.
If someone has severe TBI after an accident, they will show some of the following symptoms:
· recurring headaches or prolonged headaches,
· feeling nauseous much of the time
· frequent vomiting
· slurred speech
· seizures
· difficulty waking up after sleep
· tingling in the limbs
· numbness in the limbs
· enlarged pupils.
3. Upper Body Injury. A collision can damage either the chest or the abdominal and hip area. Chest injuries are usually broken ribs or a broken sternum. Abdominal injuries are usually damage to the kidneys, spleen, or liver—and these usually occur if the collision was a front or side one. Hip injuries could be a dislocated or broken hip. The increased use of seat belts or airbags has done a considerable amount to reduce the number of upper body injury.
4. Lower Body Injury. Legs, knees, or feet may suffer from lacerations, bruises, or fractures. Knee damage usually occurs when the cartilage is twisted abruptly while foot damage can be fractured or sprained ankles or toes. Usually, bicyclists or motorcyclists suffer this type of damage.
Understanding the Legal Implications of an Accident
Naturally, as either a driver, passenger, or other person involved in an accident, it is essential to get a lawyer’s advice on the legal implications of personal injury as soon as possible. Usually, it is best to seek a lawyer in the state the accident occurred in to get the most relevant advice. For instance, if the accident occurred in Albuquerque, the best advice will come from an Albuquerque injury attorney who is familiar with the personal injury laws of that state.
Conclusion
It’s wonderful to have a great car, a top-of-the-line SUV or other luxury vehicle, but with great power comes great responsibility. Numerous accidents can be avoided by simply paying attention or not taking unnecessary risks when turning or speeding. Your number one responsibility as a driver is to ensure that you understand the principles of safe driving.
Article Submitted by Community Writer.