Call Earley Before It’s Too Late!If you’ve recently been in a car crash, you’re probably still wondering what happened. Some injuries are instant and obvious, like cuts, bruises, or broken bones. Others sneak up over time, like soft-tissue damage or brain injuries. No matter how and when they arrive, these injuries can interfere with your ability to work, drive, sleep, and enjoy life.
Whether you were in a rear-end collision, got sideswiped, or were involved in a T-bone crash, knowing the most common car accident injuries and how they can affect you is vital. If something doesn’t feel right after your crash, trust your instincts — it’s worth seeing a doctor to make sure you get the care you need.
It’s also valuable to consult a Boston car accident lawyer. At Earley Law Group, we can advise you on your options for pursuing compensation after someone else injured you in a crash. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about how our law firm can help.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Boston
Some of the most common car accident injuries in Boston include the following:
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in car accidents, particularly in rear-end collisions. It happens when the head snaps forward and quickly back, stretching the neck beyond its normal range. This motion can damage muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Symptoms may not appear right away, but they often include stiffness, headaches, dizziness, or pain when moving.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A traumatic brain injury can occur when the head strikes the car’s frame or part of the interior, such as a window, steering wheel, or airbag. The force of the crash itself can also cause the brain to move inside the skull. TBIs range from (relatively) mild concussions to severe brain damage. Common TBI symptoms include confusion, memory problems, headaches, nausea, or mood changes.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The force of a car accident can easily break bones, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, or collarbone. Broken bones often happen when someone in a car strikes the vehicle’s interior in a collision. Fractures can also occur when someone’s body absorbs the impact or they become pinned in the vehicle. Some fractures are simple and heal relatively quickly with a cast, while others require surgery and months of recovery.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
The spine is highly vulnerable in a car crash, especially during high-speed collisions or rollovers. Back injuries can include herniated discs, sprains, or fractures. In more serious cases, damage to the spinal cord may lead to partial or complete paralysis. Even less severe injuries can cause chronic pain, numbness, or trouble walking or standing. The potential long-term effects of spinal cord injuries are partly why it’s crucial to get medical attention immediately after a car accident, even if you don’t notice back pain right away.
Soft-Tissue Injuries
Soft-tissue injuries affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which are crucial for movement and most physical activities. These injuries are extremely common in car crashes and can include strains, sprains, and deep bruises. A soft-tissue injury might not appear on X-rays but can still cause intense pain and swelling. You might not notice the full extent of the damage until hours or days later. Without proper care, soft-tissue injuries can lead to stiffness, ongoing discomfort, or reduced mobility.
Internal Injuries
The force of a car crash can damage organs inside the body, such as the liver, spleen, lungs, or kidneys. Internal injuries are extremely dangerous because symptoms aren’t always obvious right away. They may include abdominal pain, dizziness, or swelling, but some signs don’t appear until the situation becomes critical. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening and usually requires emergency surgery.
Burns
Burns can happen if a crash causes a fire or explosion, or if a driver’s or passenger’s skin touches hot metal, chemicals, or steam. Burn injuries range from mild to life-threatening, depending on how deep and widespread they are. Severe burns can cause nerve damage, disfigurement, and infections. They often require skin grafts, long hospital stays, and rehabilitation. Even minor burns can leave scars or limit movement, especially if they affect joints or the face.
Seeking Compensation for Car Accident Injuries
Massachusetts uses a no-fault insurance system, which means your insurance is your first option for recovering compensation after a collision. After a crash, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for your medical expenses and lost wages, no matter who caused the accident. PIP generally provides up to $8,000 in coverage.
However, if your medical expenses exceed $2,000 and you suffered severe injuries — such as broken bones, permanent disfigurement, or significant loss of a bodily function — you can step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
Filing a claim outside the no-fault system allows you to pursue compensation for pain, suffering, and other losses that PIP benefits don’t cover. Keep in mind, however, that Massachusetts law allows an injured party three years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. That means you must file your case within three (3) years of the crash date or risk losing your right to pursue compensation in court.
Talk to Our Boston Car Accident Attorneys Today
No matter what injuries you sustained in your accident, Earley Law can fight on your behalf for fair Boston car crash compensation. Our law practice has served Boston and other Massachusetts communities for over 20 years, and we have over 700 Google reviews from satisfied clients. One of our clients, Lisa D., had this to say about working with us:
“This firm offers the best of both worlds; the clout, knowledge and experience of a very large practice, with the individualized attention of a smaller boutique practice. I would HIGHLY recommend Attorney Chris Earley for a favorable outcome.”
Furthermore, we pride ourselves on our customer service, which we call The Earley Experience. That means you receive white-glove treatment throughout your case, and we’ll work to make your experience as comfortable as possible. We’ll provide regular, honest updates and spare no expense to help you recover maximum compensation. Finally, you don’t owe us any fees unless we have success in your case.
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