Two Vehicle Collision in North Highlands
A two-vehicle collision at Ernestine Way and Gilman Way in North Highlands on March 25 resulted in injury. According to a report issued by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the car accident involved a Chevy Monte Carlo and Nissan Versa. It happened shortly after 11:00 in the morning. No details are available on why the two-vehicle collision happened. However, all the parties involved were transported to a local hospital with injuries. Tow trucks removed the vehicles from the area. The CHP is investigating the cause of the crash in order to assign fault.
Types of Injuries
A two-vehicle crash can lead to a wide range of injuries. Some are more serious than others and may involve hospitalization. Most injuries result in some degree of pain, which can last for days, months or years. The bottom line is that your life is no longer normal. Working with an experienced injury lawyer can help you recover the costs associated with the accident and your injuries. Some of the more common types of accident injuries are:
- Spinal strain and sprain: One of the most common injuries, this is referred to as whiplash. It is caused when the head is jerked forward and backward. It usually happens in a two-vehicle collision where one car hits the other from behind. Muscle, tendon and ligament damage in the neck and upper back may not become symptomatic right away. Sometimes, it takes up to 72 hours. Most people recover within several months. Others may take a year or more to recover. Common treatments used are pain relievers, heat or ice and physical therapy. For more intense pain, the patient is usually evaluated for nerve or vertebral damage. While most sprain and strain injuries are from a rear end accident, others may happen in multi-vehicle accidents.
- Lacerations: Cuts are caused by flying debris or objects within the vehicle. They may require treatment by a physician. Lacerations can pose the risk of infection if not treated properly.
- Fractured ribs: Ribs are broken when they impact the steering wheel, dash or other interior areas in a two-vehicle collision. The ribs overlie the heart, lungs, spleen and other organs. Ragged edges of the bone can also damage the organs. This can cause bleeding and loss of function.
- Broken bones: The bones of the face, arms, and legs, pelvis and spine can all be broken. Some, like a pelvic or femur fracture, can require surgery. It depends on the nature of the fracture. Some are simple and heal after a cast is applied. Others are shattered into multiple pieces and require surgery to heal.
- Traumatic brain injuries: Injuries to the brain can result in catastrophic damage. They range from a simple concussion that usually resolves within 6 months. Others are caused by a collection of blood on the brain. which is called a hematoma. Because this puts pressure on the brain, surgery is usually required. In some people, the brain damage is so severe that they will not be able to live life as they once did. The injury may require continual medical attention.
- Herniated disks: Vertebrae make up the bony column that houses the spinal cord. The vertebrae are separated from each other by a soft cushion. An injury can cause the cushion to move out of place. This puts pressure on the nerves traveling between the vertebrae. The pressure causes pain and, in some cases, severe disability. This injury may require surgery to fuse the vertebrae.
- Internal bleeding: Internal bleeding occurs when an organ is injured. Blood can accumulate in the body cavity, and the loss of blood can throw the person into shock. It is not always possible to know internal bleeding is occurring. If the person’s blood pressure drops or they pass out, it is important to get them to the hospital immediately.
- Knee trauma: The knees often strike the dash in an accident. This type of accident injury is called dashboard knee. In some cases, the injury causes significant damage. This interferes with walking. Physical therapy, medical devices, and surgery are used to treat this injury.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder: Not all injuries are physical. The trauma of an accident may result in emotional and psychological pain. Anxiety and worry can affect routine tasks. Receiving treatment by a mental health professional can be useful.
North Highlands Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a North Highlands car accident lawyer. Injury in a car accident often requires the help of an experienced lawyer. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can reach me online too.
I’ve helped residents of North Highlands recover compensation after many types of accidents. These include those that cause brain injuries and wrongful death and many types of car accidents.
I belong to the Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. The first affords membership to those who win more than $1 million for a client. The second adds only members who practice legal excellence.
To learn more about my practice, go to the following links:
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