Car Accident Lawyers in Lexington Kentucky

Kentucky was ranked sixth on the list of states with the most dangerous roads. The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety reports that, in 2022, nearly 700 people died from roadway accidents in the state. This means for drivers in the state that collisions, and therefore injuries, are not uncommon. Lexington has the second largest population of any city in the state, and that means Lexington has plenty of bad drivers who don’t yield the proper right of way, don’t use turn signals, and who don’t stop their vehicles when they should.

If you’ve been injured in a Lexington car accident or have lost a family member in a fatal crash, you need professional guidance unless both the liability insurance provider and all Under-Insured Motorist insurance providers pay out the policy limits for their at fault insureds. The Morrin Law Office helps Kentuckians in personal injury and car accidents in Lexington, Kentucky. Working with our team of professionals ensures you will have a dedicated and knowledgeable Lexington injury lawyer on your side through this difficult time.

Emergency Rooms

The emergency room may indicate that you don’t need emergency treatment. This does not mean you won’t need any further treatment. They only evaluate you for your immediate need for emergency medical care. For example, if you hit your head against the windshield or steering wheel then the emergency room doctor will likely order a catscan (CT scan) on your head to make sure you don’t need immediate brain surgery. Just because the CT scan comes back normal does not mean you are in the clear. If you have persistent symptoms then you should go to your primary care physician after an accident to get reviewed for all treatment needs. You can have a normal CT scan and still have a brain injury that effects your daily living. The brain injury will show up on an MRI but MRIs aren’t usually conducted in emergency departments because the swelling prevents the MRI from being as accurate as it should be. MRIs are usually conducted later once the swelling goes down.

Your discharge papers from the ER will tell you to follow up with the emergency department or your primary care physician after a number of days if the symptoms do not resolve on their own. Pay attention to the time given in the discharge papers and make sure you get follow up care immediately if your symptoms do not completely resolve within the time given.

Car Accident Injuries

While many motor vehicle accidents involve only property damage and do not cause injuries, data shows that there are a significant number of crash-related injuries reported each year. In 2020, there were over 1.5 million car crashes that resulted in injuries in the United States.

Even seemingly minor accidents like a rear-end collision can lead to injuries that require medical attention. While the type of injuries someone may sustain after a car accident are varied and extensive, there are some that are more common than others.

Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of injury that impairs the functions of the brain. A TBI can be caused by a penetration injury or a bump or jarring of the head, the latter of which is often the case in car accidents. TBIs can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, which means symptoms and the injury’s effect can vary significantly.

Facial Scarring and Injuries

Injuries to the face can cause long-term and severe consequences, from permanent scarring to vision impairment. Even facial damage that is not considered severe or permanent is often traumatic and impacts the victim’s life until full recovery is reached. Bruising, lacerations, and broken bones are especially difficult to deal with when they are on the face.

Concussion

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury[1] commonly caused by a violent impact on the head. Symptoms include headaches, memory issues, balance and coordination problems, and inability to concentrate. The effects of a concussion can be temporary or permanent, and the severity of symptoms ranges from mild to severe.

Broken Bones

Broken bones throughout the body can easily occur from the impact that occurs in motor vehicle accidents. Fractures in the ribs, arms, legs, and clavicle are some of the most highly-occurring types of breaks. Depending on the type of fracture and the extent of the break, recovery can take months to years to complete, and some people may never regain full function or range of motion.

Soft-Tissue Damage

Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments are classified as soft-tissue injuries. Sprains and strains can occur during a car accident through sudden force. Examples include the force of slamming on the brakes or the movement that occurs when the body is jolted around after impact. Bruising, pain, and loss of function are common with soft-tissue damage.

Loss of Limb

The loss of a limb can occur directly from trauma received in the accident or as a necessary medical intervention brought on by injury complications. Either way, this type of injury is guaranteed to impact a collision victim’s life. From post-operative care and physical therapy to prosthetics and other adaptive equipment, losing a limb takes a significant financial and emotional toll.

Psychological and Emotional Trauma

When injuries can be seen and measured, they are more likely to be taken seriously. However, the psychological effect of a traumatic incident like a car accident cannot be overlooked. Counseling and medication may be necessary to recover from the emotional pain sustained from a car accident.

Regardless of the type of injury you sustain, you will need help from professionals on your road to recovery. Most people experience significant challenges as they try to get back to normal after an accident. In addition to the physical and emotional difficulties, the financial aspect can take a toll on crash victims. A Lexington accident lawyer is a good resource to get answers to some of your questions about car accident claims and personal injury lawsuits, as well as a powerful advocate in your fight for justice.

Property damage and medical bills can quickly climb into the tens of thousands, and even people with good jobs can struggle to handle these expenses. That’s because broken bones, concussions, and other car accident injuries make it difficult, if not impossible, to work. Hospital stays, surgeries, follow-up appointments, ongoing treatment, and chronic pain can lead to a significant amount of missed work. When your injuries lead to missed work and lost income, the best Lexington injury attorneys will know how to help you get the fair compensation you deserve.

Mayo Clinic. Concussions. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/symptoms-causes/syc-20355594