West Palm Beach Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Victims involved in a car accident often must deal with long-term treatment for their physical injuries, as well as coping with the emotional and financial impact of such an accident. Common injuries in car accidents range from mild scrapes and bruises to more permanent, debilitating harm, including some injuries that may be fatal. The West Palm Beach car accident lawyers at Donaldson & Weston have experience representing victims in recovering the compensation necessary to aid in their healing processes. Our firm can assist with all of the legal issues associated with a car accident, from insurance company dealings to any necessary litigation. If you need an injury lawyer to guide you through the process, contact our office today to find out more about your legal rights and options.

As West Palm Beach residents enjoy their weekends, Saturdays and Sundays are also the days when the most car accidents occur in the area. Rush hour in the morning and afternoon also increases the risk of automobile collisions, especially as commuters utilize highways like Interstate 95 to get to and from work. Drivers and passengers can sustain serious injuries as a result of any kind of collision, regardless of whether a crash initially looks bad. Common injuries in car accidents include:

• Lacerations and bruises


• Soft tissue injuries, such as muscle tears, sprains, or strains


• Back injuries


• Broken bones or fractures to a victim’s ribs, arms, legs, or wrists


• Injuries to the spinal cord that may lead to paralysis or nerve damage


• Whiplash


• Head injuries, such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries


• Severe burns or disfigurement

The most serious collisions may result in a fatality, especially when a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In 2014, 17 fatal accidents occurred in the West Palm Beach area. Sometimes insurance policy amounts are not enough to cover the costs associated with a life-altering injury, and further legal recourse is necessary.

Car accidents can be caused by an array of conditions, including inclement weather, defective car parts, or hazardous road conditions. However, most often, it is a driver’s negligence behind the wheel that causes injuries to other motorists. Negligence refers to when a person breaches their duty to act as a reasonable and prudent person would behave in the same, or a similar, situation. For instance, a driver who is recklessly weaving in and out of lanes and strikes another vehicle probably will be found to have acted unreasonably. It must also be shown that a defendant’s negligent act caused the victim’s injuries and resulted in damages. The compensation available to victims depends on the extent of their injuries, since permanent, debilitating injuries leave a greater impact on a victim and their finances.

Damages awarded in a personal injury claim may include past and future medical costs, compensation for time off from work, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering. If a victim has died as a result of a collision, their estate may file a wrongful death case to recover support for burial or funeral expenses as well as loss of consortium.