What is Subrogation & How It Affects Car Accident Settlements
Posted in: Car Accidents
KNR Legal Blog
Car accidents happen every day, and the physical impact they have on the body can range from mild to life-threatening. It’s essential to understand how your body might respond to an accident and seek medical care even if you don’t feel pain right away, as untreated injuries can worsen over time.
Documenting injuries and receiving prompt medical attention supports your recovery and strengthens your legal case. Consulting a car accident attorney can ensure you receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care. Being proactive about your health and legal rights after a car accident is key to protecting your future well-being.
Understanding how a car accident affects your body begins with the basic principles of physics.
In a head-on collision, the impact is often severe because the speed of both vehicles combines, resulting in a significant transfer of force. The body is thrown forward into the seatbelt or airbags.
Common injuries include whiplash, broken bones (especially in the arms, legs, and ribs), and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from the head hitting the steering wheel or dashboard. The chest can also suffer from sternum fractures or internal injuries as the seatbelt exerts force to stop the body.
The vehicle is struck from behind in a rear-end collision, causing the occupants’ heads and necks to jerk backward and forward rapidly. This motion often results in whiplash, a soft tissue injury to the neck and spine.
More severe rear-end crashes can cause spinal disc herniation or nerve damage, as well as head injuries if the head strikes the headrest or dashboard.
Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone crashes, occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another. The side of the car has less protection, so the impact transfers more directly to the body. Injuries often include broken ribs, pelvic fractures, and spinal cord injuries.
Passengers sitting on the side of impact are particularly vulnerable to head injuries and internal injuries, as the force can cause organs to collide with the ribcage.
In a rollover accident, the vehicle flips over, and the occupants may be tossed inside the car, even if seatbelts are worn. These accidents often cause multiple broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and head trauma. Ejection from the vehicle can occur if seatbelts are not worn, leading to severe or fatal injuries.
In a car accident, your body undergoes a series of intense collisions, not just with the vehicle but also within your own body. These external and internal collisions can cause various injuries, some of which may be immediately apparent while others develop over time.
After a car accident, your body’s response to trauma can significantly affect how quickly you heal and what long-term impacts you might face.
When you sustain an injury, your body triggers an inflammatory response. Blood flow increases to the injured area, bringing oxygen and nutrients necessary for healing. However, this also causes pain, swelling, and heat, sometimes hindering recovery, especially in sensitive areas like the brain.
Pain is your body’s way of signaling that something is wrong. After an accident, pain may be immediate or delayed due to adrenaline masking your initial response. Ignoring pain, however, can be dangerous, as it may indicate deeper damage, like a fracture, ligament tear, or internal injury.
Inflammation is a natural part of the healing process, helping repair damaged tissues. But, excessive inflammation can reduce blood flow and cause secondary issues, especially in cases like traumatic brain injuries, where swelling can increase pressure in the skull, potentially worsening the injury.
If left untreated, injuries can lead to chronic pain, decreased mobility, and even lifelong disabilities. Untreated soft tissue injuries may cause long-term stiffness or weakness, while untreated spinal injuries or head trauma can result in permanent neurological damage.
It’s hard to know what to do after a car accident. But even if you feel fine after a car accident, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Many injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding, may not present symptoms right away due to the adrenaline rush masking pain. However, these hidden injuries can worsen over time, leading to serious health complications if left untreated.
A thorough medical exam can detect injuries early, allowing you to begin treatment before symptoms escalate. This helps prevent long-term damage, such as chronic pain, nerve damage, or mobility issues, and strengthens your legal case. Proper documentation of your injuries by a medical professional is critical when filing insurance claims or pursuing compensation. Early evaluation and treatment are key to ensuring your health and financial recovery.
After a car accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can help protect your legal rights and manage the complexities of dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care. They gather evidence, handle insurance negotiations, and ensure that all your immediate and future needs are addressed, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Insurance companies often attempt to settle claims for less than you deserve. An attorney will ensure that your compensation reflects the actual value of your medical treatments, ongoing care, and any loss of earning capacity. By having legal representation, you increase your chances of securing a fair settlement and avoiding undervalued claims.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Ohio, contact Kisling, Nestico & Redick for a consultation. As one of Ohio’s leading personal injury law firms with a proven track record, our team is here to help you explore your legal options and recover the compensation you need to move forward. Don’t face the aftermath of an accident alone.
With 12 offices across Ohio and a dedicated team of experienced attorneys, KNR has recovered millions for injured clients. Call us today at 1-800-HURT-NOW for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and fight for compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and more.