Common injuries that cause death in car accidents include traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries/bleeding, broken ribs, or spinal cord injuries. These types of injuries often occur as a result of head-on collisions, driver/passenger-side impacts, or rollovers. Auto accidents typically occur due to driver negligence or reckless behavior.
If you lost a loved one in a car accident and someone else was at fault, your family is entitled to compensation for your losses. A car accident lawyer can help you establish who was at fault and how the accident led to the death of your loved one.
Common Injuries That Lead to Fatality in a Car Accident
Some of the most common injuries that lead to fatality in a car accident include:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury is a blow to the head or penetration to the cranium. The impact disrupts brain function. In the most severe cases, the brains stop functioning when the impact pierces the skull and damages brain tissue. Mild cases may result in a decline in mental state or unconsciousness. Severe cases result in long periods of unconsciousness, coma, or fatality.
Spinal Cord Injury
A sudden impact from another vehicle or object can jar the body, leading to a spinal cord injury. There may be significant damage to the spinal cord or nerve endings. Spinal cord damage can lead to paralysis or limited body function. However, a complete severing of the spinal cord can also lead to death. Symptoms include loss of movement and difficulty breathing and coughing according to the Mayo Clinic.
Internal Injuries/Bleed
Internal injuries may not be identified until a patient arrives at the ER. A doctor may have to perform an exam to diagnose the injury and attempt to stop the bleeding. However, internal bleed can happen quickly, leading to a sudden fatality before medical treatment is available.
Broken Bones
Broken bones can cause if the pieces of the bone puncture an organ. For instance, a broken rib can puncture the lungs, heart, intestines, liver, or other vital organs. Like other internal injuries, identifying the puncture can be hard to identify. As such, a patient may not receive proper treatment for the injury in time.
After an auto accident, the primary concern should be to seek emergency medical treatment for the victim without delay. A fatality can occur any time after the impact. Calling 911 and getting immediate medical care could save the life of the victim.
What to Do After a Loved One Passes Away in an Auto Accident
Losing a loved one after an accident can be traumatizing to your entire family. Consequently, you may not know what steps to take or what legal options are available.
Seek Treatment Right Away
After an auto accident, your primary concern is to seek medical treatment for the victim. Even the person believes that they are okay, you should still visit the ER or see a doctor. Some injuries such as a traumatic brain injury can lead to death several days after the accident. Therefore, do not delay getting help for the injured person.
Keep Careful Records of All Accident-Related Expenses
You may incur a wide range of expenses or financial losses from the accident including:
- Pre-death hospital/medical treatment
- Property damage to the vehicle
- Funeral ceremony
- Burial costs
- Loss of household income
It is important to obtain all related documents and keep careful records of your expenses. Your attorney can use all records as evidence when establishing fault and liability.
Connect With a Car Accident Lawyer
Before you speak with the insurance company, you may want to consult a car accident lawyer. An attorney can discuss your case, answer your questions, and give you valuable advice on how to proceed with your wrongful death claim. They can also help you with your case in the following ways:
- Investigate the accident to establish the facts
- Identify who is at fault for the accident
- Estimate the actual value of your claim
- Formulate a legal strategy to help you win your case
- Negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company
- Represent you in court if you decide to file a lawsuit
An attorney can manage your entire case, allowing you and your family to grieve during this difficult time. Nothing can replace your loved one. However, your family should not have to pay for someone else’s mistake. A car accident lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Get Legal Help from a Car Accident Lawyer
Morelli Law Firm is dedicated to seeing that justice is served and that victims of auto accidents recover their losses. We can help you with your case. Call (212) 751-9800 to get a free case assessment with a member of our team.