The following is a list of the most common types of injuries that people claim for when involved in a car accident. A recent report by the Motor Accident Insurance Commission states that 71.3% of all claims made in 2016 were for minor injuries, comprising 36,816 claims.
The amount of compensation in each case is usually impacted by various factors including the severity of the injury, your age, your level of health prior to the incident, your lifestyle prior to the incident and your occupation.
Whiplash
Whiplash claims are among the most common. Whiplash is typically defined as a minor spinal injury. People often experience stiffness, headaches, tenderness or pain in the upper shoulder or upper arms and neck pain. It is also not uncommon to experience tingling or numbness in the arms. Less common symptoms may include nausea, blurred vision, sleep disturbances, dizziness, depression and memory loss.
More severe spinal injuries
More severe spinal injuries may result in total or partial paralysis, chronic neck pain and other complications. Those sitting in the front and back centre seats of a vehicle are most at risk of spinal injuries.
Brain and head injuries
Head and brain injuries are among the most serious result of a crash, possibly resulting in long-term or permanent disabilities.
Psychological injuries
While physical injuries are the most obvious, not all injuries in a car accident are physical. The psychological and emotional trauma of a crash can cause various mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
In fact, serious car accidents are the leading cause of PTSD in Australia, according to SANE Australia. Symptoms may include flashbacks of the event and intrusive memories or nightmares and feeling anxious or ‘jumpy’ for no reason following the event. It is a myth that only soldiers get PSTD, and it can develop over time.
If you have been hurt in a car accident in Australia, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your medical bills, lost earnings and range of other expenses associated with the crash. To find out if you are entitled to make a claim, speak too ne of our car accident lawyers at Cairns Compensation Lawyers.