What Types of Accidents Cause Blunt Force Trauma?

Accidents are an unfortunate reality of life, and they often lead to various types of injuries. One of the most severe results of accidents is blunt force trauma. While motor vehicle collisions are the primary culprits, other types of accidents can also result in these types of injuries.

Below, we discuss some of the most common types of accidents that may cause blunt force trauma and how you may be able to seek compensation for your damages.

If you suffered a blunt force trauma injury after an accident, our New Jersey personal injury lawyers are prepared to help. We can discuss your legal options during a free consultation. If we validate your claim, we do not charge you anything up front.

What is Blunt Force Trauma?

Blunt force trauma is a type of injury that occurs when a significant force is applied to the body over a broad area without penetrating the skin or body cavities.

Unlike penetrating injuries, where an object or projectile pierces the body, blunt force trauma results from the transfer of kinetic energy to the body’s tissues and organs upon impact. The force involved in blunt force trauma can be immense, leading to severe or life-threatening injuries.

The severity of the injury depends on various factors, including the magnitude of the force, the part of the body affected and the overall health and age of the individual.

Common Injuries Resulting From Blunt Force Trauma

When a blunt force hits the body, the tissues and organs absorb the energy, causing them to compress and deform. This compression can lead to various types of injuries, including the following:

• Contusions (bruises)
• Fractures and dislocations
• Internal organ damage
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

What Are the Symptoms of Blunt Force Trauma?

In some cases, the extent of injuries caused by blunt force trauma is not immediately apparent. Therefore, it is important to get medical attention right away, especially if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Sleep issues
• Sensitivity to light
• Pain and swelling
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness

Types of Accidents That May Cause Blunt Force Trauma

Blunt force trauma can be caused by any number of incidents. However, the most common causes are the following:

Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of blunt force trauma to the body due to the significant force involved when vehicles collide.

Vehicle occupants may be propelled in the collision and their head may collide with a hard object inside the vehicle. Objects in the vehicle or those entering the vehicle due to the force of impact may also result in blunt force trauma injuries.

Additionally, safety features in a vehicle may not always work as they should. Although modern vehicles are designed to protect occupants as much as possible, there are certain limitations to safety features. In some cases, even these protections may cause an injury. For example, a driver may experience a blunt force trauma injury if his or her head or face collide with the airbag.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians are at a significant risk of blunt force trauma when involved in accidents with motor vehicles. The human body is no match for the weight and speed of a car, making pedestrians extremely vulnerable to severe injuries.

Blunt force trauma may occur in one of three ways during a pedestrian vs vehicle accident. The first being the impact from the vehicle itself. The second is impact with the ground and the third would be if the pedestrian gets thrown into another object, like a tree or park bench.

Bicycle or Motorcycle Accidents

Although technically in a vehicle, bicyclists and motorcyclists lack the protective metal framework of a car. This leaves these individuals just as vulnerable as pedestrians to blunt force trauma in a collision.

These individuals may suffer blunt force trauma from the impact of the vehicle by hitting the ground or colliding with another object in addition to being hit by their own bicycle or motorcycle.

Slip and Fall Accidents

While car accidents tend to dominate discussions about blunt force trauma, slip and fall accidents can also lead to severe injuries, especially in older adults.

Falls on hard surfaces can cause fractures, especially in bones like the hips, wrists and ankles. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries from blunt force trauma.

Can I Recover Compensation For Blunt Force Trauma Injuries?

You may be able to recover compensation for blunt force trauma injuries if they are a result of another party’s negligence. However, the process for doing so may depend on how the accident occurred.

For motor vehicle or motorcycle accidents, you will need to file a first-party insurance claim through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This coverage generally covers the costs of medical bills and other economic damages. If you exhaust your PIP benefits, then you may be able to pursue compensation from the liability insurance of the driver who caused the collision.

If you suffer a blunt force trauma injury as a pedestrian, you may also be able to recover compensation through your PIP insurance on your vehicle. If you do not have a vehicle, but someone in your household does, then you may be able to file the claim through that person’s policy, as you should be covered under it. If you have no insurance of your own, you may be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault party’s liability insurance.

In case of blunt force trauma injuries due to a slip and fall accident, you may be able to pursue compensation from the property owner whose negligent actions resulted in your fall and subsequent injuries.

We Are Ready to Help. Call Us Today

You may have several legal options when pursuing compensation for blunt force trauma injuries. Therefore, it may be in your best interest to work with an experienced attorney.

Our lawyers have decades helping accident victims recover compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages and other damages.

Let us help you through the legal process. Call 800-518-0508 today.