Storm Lake Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can unexpectedly impact lives. During these difficult times, car accident injury lawyers are essential allies. They specialize in representing individuals harmed by the negligence of others, ensuring fair compensation. This article delves into the critical role these lawyers play, guiding people through the intricacies of their claims and aiding in their recovery.

Fractured Vertebrae after Car Accident

Fractured vertebrae are severe injuries resulting from significant trauma to the spinal column, often due to car accidents. These injuries can lead to serious complications, including damage to the spinal cord, which can result in long-term impairment or paralysis. The vertebrae, the bones that form the spinal column, play a crucial role in protecting the spinal cord, and any injury to them needs immediate medical attention.

Types of Vertebral Fractures

The University of Iowa Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation identifies five serious vertebral injuries:

- Compression Fracture: The spinal column is forced forward and down, often resulting from being hit by a vehicle from behind.
- Burst Fracture: A part of the vertebra shatters, potentially penetrating the spinal cord, leading to severe consequences.
- Subluxation: The joints in the back of the vertebrae weaken, causing abnormal movement of the bones.
- Dislocation: The vertebrae become misaligned.
- Fraction-Dislocation: The vertebrae not only dislocate but also fracture.

All spinal injuries require serious consideration and prompt medical intervention.

Causes and Symptoms of Crushed Vertebrae

A vertebral compression fracture typically results from a significant trauma, such as a severe car crash. Symptoms include intense pain at the injury site, which can radiate to other areas like the neck, hips, stomach, and thighs. Additional symptoms may include tingling, weakness, numbness, and in severe cases, paralysis.

Treatment for Vertebral Fractures

Treatment varies based on the severity and type of fracture. Conservative treatments include rest, a back brace, ice/heat therapy, and medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants. Severe cases may require surgery, followed by physical therapy to strengthen muscles and prevent further injury. Recovery can be prolonged, especially for serious injuries, with the possibility of long-term complications.

Calcaneus Fracture from Car Accident

A calcaneus fracture, or heel bone fracture, often occurs due to trauma to the feet in a car accident. This injury can be extremely painful and may lead to long-term complications.

Symptoms and Types of Calcaneus Fractures

Common symptoms include heel deformity, pain, bruising, swelling, and inability to bear weight on the heel. Fractures may be stable, displaced, open, closed, or comminuted (where the bone shatters into multiple pieces), with comminuted fractures being the most severe.

Treatment and Complications

Treatment depends on the fracture's severity. Nonsurgical options include casting, immobilization, physical therapy, and pain medication. Severe fractures may require surgery, such as open reduction and internal fixation or percutaneous screw fixation. Complications can include infection, nerve damage, chronic pain, joint stiffness, and long-term issues like tendon and nerve irritation.

How Drunk Driving Defenses Affect Civil Injury Cases

Drunk driving accidents often lead to severe injuries, and victims have the right to pursue legal claims for damages. The outcome of a criminal DUI case can significantly impact the civil case against the drunk driver.

Common Drunk Driving Defenses

To convict a driver of DUI, the state must prove the driver was under the influence while operating a vehicle. Defendants might challenge the arrest's legality, the accuracy of breath, blood, or urine tests, or argue that food or medication affected test results.

Impact on Civil Cases

A DUI conviction can strengthen a civil case by demonstrating the defendant's negligence. Even without a DUI conviction, evidence of the defendant’s intoxication can support a civil claim. However, plaintiffs must still prove the drunk driver caused the accident and resulting damages.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Seeking legal counsel from experienced Iowa car accident attorneys such as those at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can provide invaluable support in filing insurance claims or pursuing personal injury lawsuits. With a comprehensive understanding of Iowa law, their team can help gather evidence, establish liability, and secure the compensation deserved by accident victims.

Suffering from the aftermath of a car accident shouldn't impede your pursuit of justice and fair compensation. The Iowa injury lawyers at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies.

That's why we provide this FREE book; The Legal Insider's Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 641-792-3595 to order your free accident book today.