Proving Invisible Injuries Resulting from Car Accidents
Whenever we take a closer look at injuries stemming from motor vehicle accidents, some of you will probably think of easily identifiable problems, like fractured bones, cracked ribs, and a variety of lacerations. However, while these injuries can be potentially deadly under varying circumstances, some of the most life-threatening situations are not easily recognizable at first.
On the other side of the field, people can suffer from “invisible injuries,” which, as the name suggests, inflict the person in such a way that his or her condition is not immediately identified. Soft tissue injuries and forms of traumatic brain injury typically fall into this category. Ultimately, you might have a hard time proving some of this damage in a case, but witness testimonies and medical reports can easily help you win. Here is a closer look at a variety of invisible injuries and how they can be proven in court.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: Silent Attackers
A common occurrence in severe car crashes, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when a person sustains an overwhelmingly forceful blow to the head, resulting in temporary or permanent brain damage. As a result of the impact, the brain is tossed like a peanut inside a shell. In the end, victims can suffer from severe cognitive impairment or physical problems.
The most common and the mildest type of TBI is the concussion, which can result in headaches and drowsiness.
Facts about Soft-Tissue Injuries
In essence, “soft tissue” refers to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Typically, injuries to these parts of the body take place during sports and exercise, but a simple slip and fall in the home can also trigger these uncomfortable incidences.
In general, soft tissue injuries fall into one of two categories:
- Acute injuries are triggered by severe force such as a blow or a sharp twist. Examples include sprains and strains.
- Overuse injuries are, as the name suggests, occur when people repeat an activity so often that the soft tissue does not have time to repair itself. Examples include bursitis and tendonitis.
Testimonies Are Everything
In the case of soft-tissue, TBI, and other invisible injuries, testimonies can make or break your case. In the event that a victim suffers from a TBI, he or she may not be physically or mentally capable of creating a viable defense in court, meaning a witness will have to step up to the plate and speak on their behalf. Friends, coworkers, family members, and any other people who can provide a grade-A piece of evidence that proves your injury is real are essential.
Seeking a Personal Injury Lawyer in New York
In the blink of an eye, a simple drive down the road or major highway can turn into a fight for your life (or the life of your loved one). Without warning, you and those you care about can become victims of deadly motor vehicle accidents and will have to reap the consequences, which can include hefty medical bills and an overloading cost of vehicle damages. Still, no one should have to suffer through these problems, particularly if the accident was triggered by negligence or malicious intentions.
Although this might be difficult, though, you must remain calm. With the assistance of a lawyer who is experienced with personal injury cases, you can gather viable resources to create a strong case in court.
Here at Gattuso & Ciotoli, our attorneys have more than 50 years of combined legal experience and deliver the some of the most high-quality legal services to victims of a wide variety of accidents in the vicinity of Syracuse, New York. We value your perspective on your case and your goals for the future and ready to help you receive the justice you deserve. For more information on our four practice areas or your legal matter, contact us at (315) 314-8000 today.