Orange County Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become integral to daily transportation in Orange County and beyond. They’re quick, convenient, and often a smart choice for those avoiding the hassles of parking or navigating busy streets. However, as the popularity of these services grows, so does the number of accidents involving rideshare vehicles.

If you use Uber or Lyft, you need to know about the injuries that can happen in rideshare crashes. Here are some of the most common ones, why they happen, and what they can do to your health.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries include damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries are prevalent in rideshare accidents due to the sudden and forceful movements that occur during a collision. The most common types of soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and contusions.

• Sprains: Sprains happen when ligaments, which connect bones, are overstretched or torn. Ankles and wrists are particularly susceptible. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and reduced ability to move the affected joint.
• Strains: Strains are injuries to muscles or tendons, the tissues connecting muscles to bones. They often occur in the back, neck, or legs. Strains can cause pain, muscle weakness, and spasms.
• Contusions: Better known as bruises, contusions are caused by blunt trauma that damages blood vessels under the skin. They can be painful and lead to swelling and skin discoloration.

Although they might not seem as severe as other types of injuries, without proper treatment, soft tissue injuries can lead to chronic pain or ongoing mobility issues.

Head and Neck Injuries

Head and neck injuries are among the most serious consequences of rideshare accidents. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

• Concussions: A concussion is a mild form of TBI that can occur when the brain is jolted inside the skull due to a sudden impact. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory disturbances. While most people recover fully, repeated concussions can lead to long-term neurological problems.
• Whiplash: This neck injury occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, overstretching the neck muscles and ligaments. It’s a common occurrence in rear-end collisions. Symptoms can include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, and sometimes, numbness in the arms. Recovery can take weeks to months, and in some cases, chronic pain can develop.

Bone Fractures

The force of a rideshare accident can cause different types of bone fractures. These injuries are not only painful but also often require a lengthy healing process.

• Simple Fractures: These occur when the bone cracks or breaks but does not pierce the skin. Treatment typically involves immobilization with a cast or splint.
• Compound Fractures: In these more severe cases, the broken bone pierces the skin, creating an open wound. This type of fracture usually requires surgical intervention to realign the bone and prevent infection.

Fractures can lead to complications like delayed bone healing or bone infection, and they often require rehabilitation to restore full function.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are some of the most devastating outcomes of rideshare accidents. They occur when there’s damage to the spinal cord due to a forceful impact or penetration. The severity and location of the injury determine the extent of the impairment.

• Incomplete SCIs: These allow some degree of sensation or movement below the injury level. Recovery and rehabilitation can lead to significant improvements.
• Complete SCIs: This type of injury results in a total loss of sensation and motor function below the injury level, potentially leading to paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia).

SCIs often require long-term medical care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sometimes, lifelong assistance.

Understanding the nature and potential impact of these injuries is beneficial for anyone involved in a rideshare accident. If you or a loved one has experienced such an injury, seek immediate medical attention and legal advice to ensure proper care and compensation.