A car accident may prove so serious that injuries to passengers and drivers rise to a catastrophic level. Unless you have experienced that term before, you may not know what it means.

A catastrophic injury drastically changes your ability to go back to living the same way. It alters the course of your life and requires a great deal of medical care. Discover some of the ins and outs of these types of severe injuries.

What causes a catastrophic injury?

Any car accident can potentially cause a severe injury. However, the most common crashes that result in life-changing damage are those involving large trucks. Tractor-trailer accidents occur with some force and violence due to the physics of the crash, and they usually cause catastrophic damage and death more often.

What are examples of catastrophic injuries?

When categorizing serious injuries, some occur more frequently than others.

Traumatic brain injury

Anytime there is a knock to the head or forces imposed that cause it to jerk back and forth, the brain may suffer damage. While many minor brain injuries may heal with little to no lingering effects, some do not. A traumatic brain injury may result in a loss of movement, a dissipation of cognitive function and unstable emotions.

Crush injuries

Some car crashes result in vehicle compression and leave limbs crushed. The damage to these limbs may necessitate surgery to insert hardware to keep the bones together or in some instances, amputation.

Spinal cord damage

The spinal cord is second only to the brain in overall body function. If a crash causes damage to the vertebrae or spinal cord, paralysis or death may occur.

The cost of a catastrophic injury may mount beyond comprehension. Consult with a professional who can help seek compensation.