Injuries Commonly Suffered in South Carolina Vehicle Accidents

Burns:

Not only a fire or gas tank explosion but also contact with hot parts of the car like the engine or muffler can cause serious burn injuries.

Fractured, broken, or crushed bones:

Bone injuries, which are common in car crashes, must be properly treated in order to heal correctly and may require surgery.

Joint injuries:

Damage to knees, shoulders, wrists, ankles, or elbows can include strains, sprains, and breaks, which are very painful and debilitating if not treated promptly and properly.

Lacerations:

Cuts from glass or sharp objects inside the car are often minor, but they can be very serious if you’re cut deeply, or a sharp object penetrates the brain or the heart.

PTSD/emotional trauma:

The experience of having a bad wreck can have long-term effects on your daily life, occupational performance, and personal interactions. A car crash victim might be left with a fear of driving/riding in a car or intense anxiety when a loved one travels by automobile.

Amputation:  

An arm, leg, hand, or foot might be too badly damaged in the accident to be saved.

Death:

Unfortunately, many car crashes on South Carolina’s highways are fatal. 

See a Doctor Right Away

Some of the injuries described above might not be evident to you immediately after your accident. The adrenaline produced by the body in reaction to the trauma of a wreck could mask symptoms of bodily damage. For this reason, it’s very important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after your accident, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured.

A doctor’s exam and diagnostic tests can reveal hidden problems that require fast treatment to heal completely. A visit to your doctor or even to a hospital emergency room also provides documentation of your injuries, which is vital to your insurance claim against the at-fault driver for your damages:

• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Lost wages due to time off work
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional/psychological trauma

Insurance Companies Don't Want You to Have Legal Representation

If your accident is minor and results in no serious injury, you might be able to file your own claim for damages against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If, however, you suffer one or more of the serious injuries listed above, your medical bills for current and future treatment could be very high, resulting in an expensive claim for the insurer, which might dispute your claim or offer you an unfairly low settlement. If you have no attorney, the insurer may think you are unlikely to negotiate a better settlement or file a lawsuit.