There are over 6 million car accidents each year. Car accident injuries can range in severity and can take years to recover from. Understanding the most common car crash injuries could help you to be prepared in the event of a crash and could inspire you to drive a little safer.
In this simple guide, we will cover the top 7 most common injuries from auto accidents. So, if you are ready to learn more, then let’s get started!
1. Broken Bones
In the event of a crash, your body undergoes stress that it cannot withstand, which results in injury, including broken bones. This can occur from your body colliding with parts of the vehicle, other people in the car, or as the result of being ejected from the vehicle. Even if you are wearing your seatbelt, you can still break bones in a car accident.
In fact, seatbelts can sometimes cause injuries of their own, including fractured ribs. This type of injury is rarely life-threatening, though, and in most cases, bones heal within a few months at most.
2. Whiplash
When you are traveling in a vehicle, your body moves at the same speed as the car. So, when you are abruptly stopped due to an accident, your body continues moving at that speed. If you are wearing your seatbelt, this causes you to jerk forward and then back into place.
This can also occur if you are at a standstill and hit from behind. When this happens, it causes an injury known as whiplash. Whiplash results from your neck being pushed forward rapidly, which causes strains and tears to your muscles and ligaments. 75% of people who experience whiplash with reduced neck movement have pain that lasts over a year.
3. Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding is a serious injury that can require surgery. This type of injury is more common in high-speed accidents, and it needs to be treated immediately. Unfortunately, many people do not realize they have internal bleeding until it is too late.
Waiting to receive treatment for this injury could result in death. Having a reputable lawyer on your side for injuries like this is crucial to your needs.
4. Concussion
During even the slightest collision, you can hit your head, and when you hit your head, you’re at risk of having a concussion. There are three different grades of concussion, and some concussions can cause life-threatening complications. If you are involved in a car accident, you should pay close attention to signs and symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Loss of Consciousness
- Fatigue
- Headache
These are a few of the many signs that you could have a concussion. It is essential that you get the care you need after an accident, even if you think you are okay.
Being seen by a professional is the only way to know that you are not at risk of complications. If you are worried about medical costs…don’t be. Your lawyer will work with you to get the treatment you need to be covered by the responsible party.
5. Bumps and Bruises
Bumps and bruises are minor injuries; however, they are the more common injury in an accident. This type of injury usually heals within a few days or weeks; however, this type of injury could be more severe for someone with anemia or a blood clotting issue. Even in a minor car accident, a seatbelt can leave painful bruising on the neck and chest area.
6. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Around 8 million adults have PTSD each year. Car accidents are a cause of PTSD in many people. Accidents can be violent and deadly, and if one person survives and the other does not survivor's guilt and PTSD are quite common.
Difficulty driving or being in a car are common side effects of PTSD that can make it difficult to complete daily life tasks. This injury is not a physical injury; however, the effects of PTSD on mental health cannot be overlooked. This type of injury cannot be healed with a cast or stitches, and in many cases, it takes a lifetime to recover.
7. Back Injury
Back injury is common, especially during high-speed collisions. Like whiplash, when your body moves at high speed and then suddenly it is stopped, there can be soft tissue damage, tears, and strains. The spine can often suffer from life-altering injuries that could cause issues like paralysis.
Other injuries include herniated discs and ruptured discs. Some injuries may heal on their own; however, surgery is needed to fix the problems caused by the car accident in many cases.
What to Do in an Accident
Getting in a car accident is scary, but being prepared will help you take the right steps after the crash. The first thing to remember is to remain calm. Check yourself for injuries and make sure others involved in the crash are okay. Be sure to get to a safe place if you can.
Call 911 even if the accident seems minor. Be sure to exchange all of the appropriate information with the person you were involved in the accident with. When you are safely home, this is the time that you should contact your car accident lawyer.
Understanding Car Accident Injuries
These are the top 7 most common car accident injuries; however, the stress and complications that arise from an accident don’t stop at the injuries. Navigating a case involving auto accidents is lengthy and difficult. That is why you need an advocate on your side.
Having an expert car accident attorney ready to fight for you is crucial when an accident occurs. A reputable lawyer will be able to eliminate your stress post-crash and get you the settlement you deserve.
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