Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Some motorists involved in crashes in the District of Columbia are fortunate enough to sustain only minor damage to their vehicles, but others suffer significant harm. Many injuries can arise out of car accidents, but some are more common than others, and people who cause crashes should be held responsible for the harm that ensues. If you were hurt in a collision, Washington, D.C. car accident lawyer John Mesirow at Mesirow & Associates, PLLC, can advise you on your potential claims and help you seek any compensation recoverable under the law. Mr. Mesirow is familiar with the common injuries in car accidents and can gather and present evidence to prove all of your damages.

Many people involved in collisions suffer harm to the neck and back, including whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and compression fractures. The impact produced by crashes frequently causes traumatic brain injuries as well, like concussions, hemorrhages, and coup contrecoup injuries. In many instances, brain trauma causes permanent harm, leaving a person unable to work or live independently. Fractures of the legs and arms also often occur due to car accidents, usually because a part of the car crushes or strikes the person's body. In addition to physical harm, people can suffer psychological trauma because of crashes, and they may develop anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

People hurt in car accidents often need to be hospitalized, and their treatment may include surgery, physical and occupational therapy, in-home care, and the use of assistive devices. In some cases, they may need psychological counseling as well.

People injured in accidents often try to pursue damages from the party responsible for the crash via a personal injury lawsuit. Typically, collisions are caused by the careless actions of a motorist. They can also be caused by poorly designed roads or defective vehicles. Regardless of the exact reason why a crash occurred, a plaintiff will typically assert a negligence claim against the defendant.

In Washington, D.C., to establish negligence, a plaintiff must show that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty to act with the care that a reasonable person would employ under the circumstances. The plaintiff also needs to prove that the defendant's behavior demonstrated a departure from the standard and that the accident occurred because of this breach. Finally, the plaintiff must show that the breach proximately caused the plaintiff to suffer actual harm. In other words, the defendant's actions were a primary force in bringing about the injuries sustained, and they would not have occurred if the defendant had abided by the standard of care.

In many cases, a defendant will not admit liability for a crash but will attempt to blame the plaintiff to avoid paying damages. Under Washington, D.C.'s contributory negligence law, a plaintiff deemed even partially at fault for a collision will be barred from recovery, with few exceptions, such as cases involving bicyclists or pedestrians struck by vehicles on a highway. A plaintiff who proves that a defendant is entirely at fault for a crash may be awarded a variety of damages, including the cost of any past and future medical treatment, lost earnings, and compensation for the mental anguish, suffering, and pain endured because of the injuries caused by the accident.

Common injuries in car accidents often cause lasting physical and emotional trauma that can be costly to treat. If you were harmed due to a collision caused by another person's negligent acts, you could be owed damages and should speak to a lawyer. Attorney John Mesirow at Mesirow & Associates, PLLC, possesses the skills and experience needed to help you pursue justice for your losses. If you engage his services, he will fight tirelessly on your behalf. Mr. Mesirow assists injured people with claims in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. You can contact the firm via the online form or by calling 866-463-0303 to set up a meeting.