7 of the Most Common Car Accident Injuries
Did you know that road traffic accidents claim the lives of 1.3 million people annually?
At some point, most of us get into car accidents. They are part of our daily lives and are bound to happen to almost anyone who drives a car. The problem is that these types of accidents often have devastating injuries that impact one’s health for the rest of life.
If you’ve been in a car accident, you must know the most common injuries. This will help you better understand your medical options after you come back from the accident.
Keep reading to learn more.
1. Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by robust and rapid back-and-forth neck jerking. It usually happens when a person is rear-ended in a car accident. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, decreased movement in the neck and shoulder areas, headaches, dizziness, vertigo, and numbness in the arms and shoulders.
If left unaddressed, whiplash can cause long-term chronic pain, making it essential to seek medical attention if you notice any of these symptoms after a car accident. Diagnostic tests may include an MRI or X-rays, which can help doctors pinpoint the source of the pain and provide treatment.
Treatment options usually involve physical therapy, pain relief medications, and sometimes bracing trigger point injections or surgery.
2. Car Accident Fractures
They range from minor fractures, such as a broken arm, to more severe fractures, such as multiple rib fractures or a fractured skull. The most common sites for fractures in an auto accident are in the arms and legs, particularly the long bones of the arms and legs.
In some cases, fractures of the spine or neck may occur. If the accident is at high speed, major limb fractures can occur. Fractures of the face, skull, or spine can occur from the head being slammed into the steering wheel, dash, or blunt force trauma sustained during a side impact collision.
It is possible to suffer internal organ contusions, lacerations, and bleeding without any external signs of injury. It is essential to seek medical attention after an auto accident to rule out fractures, bruises, and oozing and to receive proper treatment.
3. Soft Tissue Injuries
This type of injury occurs when the force of the effect is too much for the body to absorb. Soft tissue damage can include ligaments, tendons, and muscles that get injured when an impact occurs in a car accident.
These injuries may involve essential strains, contusions, and sprains. In severe cases, soft tissue damage may affect torn ligaments or tendons, resulting in longer-term or permanent disability. Soft tissue injuries can also be powerful enough to cause radial nerve damage or stretching of nerves in the neck, arms, and shoulders.
When such car accidents involve soft tissue injuries, it is essential to be examined by a physician for a medical assessment and treatment. This is to ensure that the individual receives the best care.
4. Brain Trauma
The force of impact can cause brain injuries, the sudden movement of the body, the head striking something, or the advancement of a weapon. Brain trauma is one of the most common car accident injuries. Among the most serious, it can cause both short and long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities.
Common symptoms of brain trauma include:
- confusion
- memory loss
- impaired motor control
- inability to form new memories
- speech impairment
- depression
- behavioral changes
In extreme cases, brain trauma can result in coma, vegetative state, or even death. Regardless of the severity of the injury, anyone who has suffered brain trauma after a car accident should seek immediate medical attention and legal advice.
5. Spinal Cord Injury
With this type of injury, the body’s entire nervous system is compromised and can cause a range of sensations and disabilities. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury can range from a tingling sensation in the extremities, such as hands and feet, to paralysis.
Recovery from spinal cord injuries is immensely varied based on the impact of the damage. The type and extent of the injury and the resources and care available to injury victims significantly impact prognosis. Some spinal cord injury victims can regain some function and movement, while others lead to paralysis, chronic pain, and severe mobility issues.
6. Burns
Burns caused by car accidents can be particularly dangerous because of the risk of infection. Metal and engine parts can contain high levels of bacteria and cause complications if they come into contact with the skin. Motor vehicle fires are among the most common causes of burns because of the high temperatures and flames they emit during a crash.
Fire-related burns on the body can include first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree burns and range in size and severity. In any case, burns suffered in car crashes are severe and require immediate medical treatment to avoid infection and possible disfigurement.
7. Internal Organ Damage
Unfortunately, internal organ damage from a car accident is one of the most common injuries. It often results from blunt force trauma to the internal organs, either from the cart itself or flying objects thrown in the event of a crash.
This type of injury can range from minor bruising and bleeding to more severe organ damage that requires medical intervention and can lead to serious long-term medical problems. It is, therefore, essential to understand the signs and symptoms of internal wear, such as abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, and nausea, to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
It is also essential to wear a seatbelt whenever possible and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This can significantly increase the likelihood and severity of an internal injury.
If you experience some of these accident injuries, you may ask for the help of a car accident lawyer. To seek legal help, visit alphaaccidentlawyers.com.
Understanding the Car Accident Injuries
Overall, car accident injuries can be incredibly severe, if not fatal. It is vital to employ proper caution, be aware of other drivers, and drive defensively when driving a vehicle.
Ultimately, it is imperative to obey the speed limits, refrain from texting or talking on the phone, and always wear a seat belt for added safety. Nothing is more valuable than your safety.
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