Can Minor Car Accidents Cause Serious Injuries?
Minor car accidents may result in less vehicle and property damages, but the human body tends to be more fragile. People can still suffer significant injuries from minor car accidents like rear-end collisions. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries from almost all types of car accidents, minor or major. Head trauma is often the second most common injury, whether the head trauma involve a concussion or traumatic brain injury. If you suffered any kind of injury from a car accident caused by a negligent driver, be sure to talk with a New York Personal Injury Lawyer about options for compensation.
The Effects of a Closed-Head Injury
Closed-head injuries happen when the brain impacts the side of the skull and results in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This type of injury is not severe enough to crack the skull or break the skin, but can still result in some serious neurological and physical symptoms. Some people can recover in a few days, but others may experience symptoms for months or years.
Mild TBIs tend to heal faster and involve headaches, confusion, dizziness, blurry vision, and fatigue. 
Some people may encounter problems with sleep or mood changes. Cognitive impairments in memory, concentration, and attention may also be experienced and can affect school or work performance. Depending on the severity of the cognitive impairment, some people may have to take off work until their condition improves. This can lead to lost wages.
Moderate to severe TBIs involve nausea, vomiting, seizures, slurred speech, numbness, weakness, difficulties with walking, restlessness, and disabilities. Depending on the type of damage, some people may have deficits in communication, sensation, or movement.
Whiplash Can Become Serious
Whiplash is one of the most well-known and common car accident injuries. Many people already know that whiplash causes neck and back pain, but not everyone realizes what other symptoms can come with this condition.
Other symptoms experienced with whiplash include:
- Fatigue
- Insomnia from the discomfort
- Headaches
- Stiffness of the neck
- Numb or tingling arms
- Depression
- Memory or concentration difficulties
- Irritability
- Blurry vision
For many people, whiplash pain goes away with rest and treatment. However, some people have to live with chronic whiplash pain for years, at the expense of their job and social relationships. The stress of chronic pain can make life almost unbearable, putting excessive strain on all aspects of life. Something that seemed like a minor injury grew into a serious condition of impairment.
Car Accidents Lawyer in New York
Dealing with the long-term effects of injuries after a minor car accident can be stressful and debilitating. Try talking to a Syracuse Car Accident Lawyer if you have struggled with serious injuries like a TBI or chronic whiplash pain from a car accident caused by another driver. You could be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
At Gattuso & Ciotoli, we have years of experience with car accidents that involve serious personal injuries. Contact us at (315) 314-8000 today for a free consultation. We are located in Central New York, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, Syracuse, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn. Our team of lawyers will work with you to defend your rights.