The Impact of Catastrophic Injuries From Car Accidents in Virginia

WSLS News 10 is reporting that an injury accident took place on Thursday morning, January 9. At approximately 9:25 a.m., the incident was confirmed to have occurred at the busy intersection of Atlanta Avenue and Wards Road. The police indicated that the accident was significant, involving three cars. As a result of the crash, two people sustained injuries and required treatment at the hospital. 

Although the types of injuries sustained were not released by authorities, one man required extrication as he was trapped inside his car. This male victim suffered severe injuries, but is expected to survive. A female victim who was an occupant in a different car was also among those that required hospitalization. She sustained non-life-threatening injuries but the severity of her damages was not confirmed. The driver of the third car involved was a female and she did not sustain any injuries as a result of the crash.

The Lynchburg Police Department has not released the details of the crash. They have confirmed that the accident remains under investigation. The accident scene was blocked off and there were delays in traffic as a result. The public was told to avoid the area if possible.

How Many Injury Accidents Occur in Virginia?

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, in 2018 there were 131,848 crashes in the state. Out of all of these crashes, 777 were fatal crashes resulting in 819 people dead. There were 42,922 injury crashes which lead to 66,523 individuals sustaining bodily harm. Campbell County saw 834 crashes in which eight people lost their lives and 316 sustained injuries.

What are the Most Common Causes of Vehicular Accidents?

Every time a driver is on the road, he or she is at risk of being involved in a car accident. Across the country, there are over six million crashes each year. Approximately 2.35 million people will have to endure serious, disabling injuries as a result. There are many causes of crashes. The most common include:

• Distracted driving
• Driving while intoxicated on drugs or alcohol
• Speeding
• Driving while drowsy
• Poor weather conditions
• Reckless driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted a study in which they found that an astounding 80% of all accidents are due to distractions while behind the wheel. Distractions can be from almost anything including other occupants in the car, eating or drinking in the car, putting on makeup, texting or looking at one’s phone, or even daydreaming. Participating in any behavior or action that takes your attention off of the road is considered distracted driving. Unfortunately, distracted driving is a growing and dangerous problem on American roadways.

Speeding is so common that more than 75% of drivers admit to knowingly speeding while they are on the road. When one is inebriated, operating a motor vehicle puts everyone on the road at risk, including the intoxicated driver. Sadly, a life is lost due to a drunk driver every 53 minutes. When you have been in an accident in which a negligent and reckless driver was the cause, you deserve to have your legal rights protected. The seasoned Lynchburg car accident attorneys at the Straw Law Firm will help you with your personal injury claim and look out for your best interests when it comes to taking on the insurance companies.

What Injuries do Victims Suffer After a Vehicular Accident?

Accidents can cause a range of injuries from minor to catastrophic depending on the circumstance surrounding the accident. Some of the most common injuries that victims sustain after a bad accident include:

• Head and traumatic brain damage such as concussions, internal bleeding, fractures to the skull, lacerations, vision loss, and disfigurement
• Neck and back injuries from whiplash, herniated discs, bulging discs, spinal cord damage leading to paralysis, sprains, and strains
• Burn injuries which can cause disfigurement, extreme pain, and require extensive skin grafting with scarring.
• Soft tissue injuries occur when the tendons, muscles, and ligaments are damaged.
• Broken bones
• Emotional trauma requiring intensive therapy and support

After an accident when catastrophic injuries are sustained, the victim will have a difficult time returning the quality of life he or she had prior. The process of seeing multiple doctors and needing intensive treatment such as surgery is not only time-consuming, but it is stressful and expensive. 

Catastrophic injuries often mean that the victim will need exhaustive treatment and care, rendering them unable to work. These victims have to focus full time on recovering and healing. The impact that has on a person’s life is immense. Relationships with loved ones can become strained, and as the victim is trying to heal, they may begin to develop mental fatigue with the process. This mental fatigue can lead to other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. The accident experience itself may also leave the victim with considerable mental trauma making way for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to ensue.

Catastrophic injuries are highly associated with life-long damages. Inability to communicate, cognitive problems, chronic pain, loss of motor functioning, loss of feeling in the skin, loss of bodily movement, digestive problems, and breathing ailments can be so considerable that they may never fully heal. These outcomes are devastating to victims who have to face an uncertain future.

How can You Obtain Compensation for Your Catastrophic Injuries in Virginia?

There is no denying the absolute need to obtain compensation when you have been the victim of catastrophic injuries at the hands of a negligent party. The expenses accumulate rapidly and the burden should not be on a victim’s shoulders. Catastrophic injuries will make you unable to work and earn a paycheck. 

Lack of income not only affects your life but also your family’s. The missed compensation will hit your home hard, and the extra responsibility your family and loved ones will need to take on will be impactful, as well. Some of these tasks include driving you to your appointments, being caretakers, and helping pick up the extra duties you once covered. The stress is spread to all others in your life. 

Obtaining the compensation you need can be a long process, it is important not to wait when you are considering filing a personal injury suit. The Virginia catastrophic injury lawyers at the Straw Law Firm will take on the complex legal challenges on your behalf so that you can focus on healing and improving your well-being.
Call us at (434) 595-3581 and speak to one of our highly knowledgeable Virginia personal injury attorneys today during a free consultation.