Do I need surgery after a car wreck?

In many cases, you may recover from a crash-related injury with long-term rest, pain medication, and physical therapy. Some injuries simply won't heal with minimal treatment or rest and require surgery.

Severe injuries that require surgery are common in head-on collisions, high-speed rear-end collisions, T-bone crashes, and pedestrian accidents. If you sustained a severe injury that requires surgery, this may leave you uncertain about your health and financial wellbeing. Not only won't you be able to work and earn a paycheck, but your medical bills will also add up.

It's important that you see a doctor as soon a possible if you were injured to get diagnosed and treated. Your doctor will need to perform a medical evaluation, CT scan, and/or MRI to pinpoint the site of your injury. After that, be sure to speak to an experienced Florida car accident attorney to learn about the legal options available to you.

Emergency surgery for life-threatening injuries

Emergency surgery is needed promptly after a car wreck to save a crash victim's life in some cases. This is often due to:

• Severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — Crushing blows or penetrating wounds to the head are often deadly. Those who survive severe TBIs often end up with permanent brain damage.
• Penetrating injuries — Sharp car parts may penetrate the check, abdomen, neck, or anywhere else where there are vital organs.
• Injuries to internal organs — Internal organs such as the heart, liver, spleen, or kidneys can be damaged by blunt force, penetrating injuries, or broken bones near these organs.
• Dangerous lacerations — Deep lacerations may damage nerves, arteries, and vital organs.
• Broken neck or spine — Severe blunt force trauma to the head or back can result in a broken spine. This can be deadly if not treated promptly.

Surgery for spinal injuries

Spinal injuries that usually require surgery include:

• Herniated or slipped discs — This type of spinal injury occurs when the gel-like discs that cushion the spinal vertebrae rupture and leak fluid onto the nerves.
• Slipped or fractured vertebrae — A fractured vertebra can cause serious pain, weakness and other complications when it pinches or compresses a nerve.
• Cervical radiculopathy — The nerves in the neck can become pinched or compressed by compression of dislodged vertebrae or discs.
• Whiplash — This is the most common and minor spinal injury and usually goes away with minimal treatment. Whiplash requires surgery in rare cases.

Broken bones and soft tissue injuries

Serious crashes often cause compound or multiple bone fractures. When this happens, the bones often become separated and need to be surgically placed back together. The bones are then held together with metal plates, pins and screws until they fully heal.

Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can become torn or damaged during a crash. Soft connective tissue often needs to be surgically melded together until it heals.

Physical therapy is often needed after surgery for bone fractures and soft tissue injuries to regain strength and flexibility.

Contact a Florida car accident attorney to pursue financial damages

Surgery is one of the most expensive medical procedures that crash victims undergo. If you're worried about the cost of your recovery, just know that you have the right to recover your losses through a car accident claim. This includes current and future medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages linked to your crash.

The insurance company that represents the other driver will likely try to pin the blame on you or trick you into accepting a lowball settlement. If you speak to the other driver's insurance company or accept a settlement offer, you may not be able to recover all financial damages you're entitled to. That's why it's important to speak to an experienced Florida car accident attorney who can deal with the insurance companies for you.

Contact the Law Offices of Brent C. Miller, P.A. and schedule your free consultation. Our law offices are based in Tavares, Inverness, Clermont, and the Villages.