Rideshare accidents can happen when you least expect them to. There is a real chance of getting injured whether you are a rider or a pedestrian. Some injuries aren’t too bad and heal quickly. Others could leave you in pain, with limited mobility, or with complications for the rest of your life.
It is important to get medical help as soon as possible if you are injured. Then, think about whether you need to hire a rideshare accident attorney. Having a lawyer by your side can make all the difference in getting the compensation you’re owed. This piece will discuss the different types of injuries you might sustain in a rideshare accident.
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
When people use rideshares, whiplash is one of the most common accidents. It happens when your neck jerks back and forth all of a sudden. This could damage the neck’s muscles, tendons, and joints. The first symptoms might not show up for hours or even days.
Pain and stiffness often start in the neck and move to the shoulders. In some cases, people get headaches or feel dizzy. Without the right care, whiplash can cause neck pain that won’t go away.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Head injuries can range from mild concussions to serious brain damage. Your head could hit the seat, window, or door even if the car wasn’t moving very fast. This impact could lead to a TBI, which affects how the brain works.
Some common symptoms are feeling confused, losing your memory, and nausea. Some people get dizzy or have trouble seeing. Severe brain injuries might require surgery and long-term care.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are another common injury that happens in rideshare accidents. Some of these are broken collarbones, ribs, arms, or legs. How bad the break is, is determined by the force of the crash.
Some types of fractures are:
- A simple fracture is when the bone breaks but the skin stays together.
- Broken bones that go through the skin are called compound fractures.
- Oftentimes, compression fractures happen in the spine.
- Complete fractures, in which the bone breaks in half.
Broken bones need to be treated immediately so they can heal properly. Some people might need surgery or physical therapy.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is very important to the body. If you damage it, the consequences could last a lifetime. A rideshare accident can leave you with anything from mild back pain to total paralysis.
What the pain feels like depends on where the injury is. Both the arms and legs may be affected if the upper back is hurt. On the other hand, when the lower spine is injured, it may only affect the legs. In either case, nerve damage could happen.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Accidents like this often injure muscles, tendons, and joints. At first, sprains and strains might not seem like a big deal. However, they can cause long-term pain and reduce mobility later on.
Some common soft tissue injuries are:
- Torn ligaments
- Pulled muscles
- Bruised tendons.
Moving around can make the pain worse. It can take weeks or even longer to recover without rest and therapy.
