Common Injuries After a Car Accident
Road traffic injuries are some of the leading causes of death in the United States for people between the ages of 1-54. Here’s some of the most common injuries drivers and passengers have after a car accident.
Injuries can vary from minor bruises to fatal consequences, depending on the intensity of the impact. Although fatalities are always possible, they’re not the most common outcome from a car accident.
Types of Injuries Following a Car Accident
Bruises
Both minor and major car accidents may cause bruises. For instance, as the seat belt tightens to protect the driver from harm, the seat belt may also leave a bruise that lasts a few days. Bruises do not usually require medical attention and may recover within one to two weeks.
Burns
Burns are possible for the driver or passenger, especially if the vehicle catches fire. Another common cause of burns include coming into contact with hot fluids, surfaces, chemicals or steam during or after the accident. Burns can range from first-degree, where there’s minimal damage to the skin, to fourth-degree burns, where the damage surpasses layers of skin and enters the bloodstream. Burns may heal and leave scarring within 2-3 weeks, depending on their severity.
Whiplash
Whiplash means a person sustains strains to muscle and/or ligaments after the body is jerked in an unusual manner at a high speed. when a person feels pain in their neck or back after impact, it’s possible they are experiencing whiplash. Although the pain usually takes a few weeks to recover and is debilitating, the injury is only temporary.
Back/Neck Injuries
Unlike whiplash, some back and neck injuries are not immediately apparent after an accident. Ruptures of discs in the spine are a more serious, yet common outcome of high impact collisions. Back and neck injuries can limit mobility and cause excruciating pain. One should seek medical attention to check if the injury is a herniated disc if the pain is persistent and more severe after a few days. Time is a key part of recovery after serious neck or back injuries. Damage is usually temporary, but physical therapy may be required.
Concussions
After a collision, it’s possible that the driver and passengers hit their heads on either the steering wheel, window, or other parts of the car. Such an intense impact can cause a concussion. Side effects of a concussion include memory loss, headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, and blurry vision. A person should seek immediate medical help upon experiencing any of the side effects listed.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can have long-lasting consequences. A person who endures a traumatic brain injury may lose the ability to control bodily functions, fail to remember events after or before the accident, experience a change in personality, and struggle to process their emotions. Treatment to traumatic brain injuries is a long-term process.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Aside from physical trauma, a person may experience psychological trauma post-car accident. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when a person experiences a shocking or dangerous event, leaving the person fearful. The condition may take months or years to recover from, but with professional help the consequences are not permanent.
Broken Bones
After a serious impact with another vehicle or object, a person’s bones may experience serious stress that it can’t withstand, which causes bone fractures. Rib fractures are the most common fracture people receive after a car accident due to the pressure and speed at which the seatbelt refrains the body from more serious injury. Fortunately, broken bones are rarely a life-threatening or permanent injury. However, broken bones do require urgent medical attention.
Internal Bleeding
Hemorrhaging occurs when a blood vessel is damaged inside the body, causing internal bleeding. Organs are delicate, and blunt force trauma from a car accident may rupture the organ and cause bleeding. Victims of high-speed collisions may experience internal bleeding. Internal bleeding is serious and requires immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening conditions.
Leg Injuries
Knee, foot, and ankle injuries are extremely common after a car accident. Leg injuries occur when the leg smashes into any part of the car. Severity of injuries can range from bruises to meniscus tears to sprains and more. Extreme cases may result in amputations, but amputation is considered the last resort.
Related: How Long Does It Take to Reach a Car Accident Settlement?
How to Avoid a Car Accident and Serious Injuries
Although drivers can’t predict when a car accident will occur, the driver should do everything in their power to evade it. Some helpful tips include:
- Do not drive under the influence
- Wear a seatbelt
- Keep distance from a car recklessly driving nearby
- Do not text and drive
- Do not drive fast, and/or
- Do not drive in poor weather conditions unless necessary and with proper training
Related: What Can You Sue for in a Car Accident Lawsuit?
What to Do If You Were Injured in a Collision
Personal safety is a priority. Call 911 when a driver or passenger endures any form of injury after a collision. Police officers and paramedics will respond promptly, assuring the safety of every party involved. After proper medical attention is given, all drivers should exchange contact information in order to settle any legal disputes with the insurance companies.
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If you or a loved one would like to learn more about the common injuries after a car accident, get your free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys in California today!