Did you know that, on average, 5 million car accidents occur each year in the United States alone?
Car accidents can be traumatic experiences that leave you feeling shaken up. They can also lead to a variety of injuries that may not become apparent until days or even weeks later.
In this blog post, we’ll explore seven of the most frequent common injuries suffered by those involved in vehicle collisions. So you can stay informed and take steps toward recovery if needed.
Read on to learn about the various common injuries that can result from a car accident.
Contents
1. Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries. The violent motion of the neck during a collision, or sudden stop of impact, causes the soft tissues to stretch beyond their normal range of motion. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain that radiates to the back, arms, and shoulders, headaches, jaw pain, stiffness, dizziness, fatigue, and blurry vision.
Sometimes, painkillers, physical therapy, and other treatments are good to use to relieve the symptoms of whiplash. Although most people recover from whiplash relatively, the symptoms can last for weeks or months.
The issue can take up to a year to resolve. It is beneficial for anyone affected by car accident injuries to seek medical advice as soon as possible. If you need legal help with an injury case, you can find a car accident lawyer in your nearest area to assist you in various situations.
2. Broken Bones
Broken bones can occur when the body is exposed to a sudden and unexpected force, like a car accident, resulting in a fracture. Common fractures seen after a vehicle crash include the ribs, pelvis, arms, legs, femur (thigh bone), and tibia (shin bone). The severity of the fracture depends on the force of the accident and the direction it is coming from.
In severe cases, broken bones can damage internal organs and cause massive blood loss. No matter the severity, medical treatment is the only option. If you suspect that you or a loved one have suffered a broken bone in a car accident, it is significant to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
X-rays and other imaging tests will be properly needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the injury. Once a broken bone is well identified, the standard course of treatment, like physical therapy, can help the patient regain strength and range of motion. Recovery times can take weeks to months, depending on the severity and location of the fracture.
3. Head Injuries
Head injuries are among the most common injuries suffered in car accidents. A head injury can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Head injuries can be traumatic and can lead to a wide range of cognitive, physical, emotional, and behavioral health problems.
Head injuries can also cause cognitive impairment. This includes memory loss, confusion, difficulty with concentration, and a slower processing speed. If an individual has suffered a head injury in a car accident, they should seek medical attention immediately, even if the symptoms do not seem severe.
4. Back Injuries
Back injuries are generally caused by a sudden, sharp jolt to the spine, can result in pain and discomfort, and result in a range of impairing symptoms. These can range from minor strains and sprains to more severe fractures and disk herniations. In serious cases, a person can experience paralysis and a long period of recovery.
Symptoms of a back injury can include lower back pain, numbness, tingling, reduced range of motion, muscle spasms, and even headaches. If you experience pain or discomfort in your back, neck, or head, don’t hesitate to seek medical help.
5. Burns
Burns to the face, chest, hands, legs, and feet are commonly seen in car accidents due to either direct exposure to a hot material such as hot oil/coolant or the ignition of flammable substances such as gasoline. Burns can also occur due to electrical sparks. Thus making it necessary to note the location and type of burns.
Furthermore, burn victims frequently endure excruciating agony as a result of the inflammation that a burn causes. To treat degrees of burns, such as those occurring from direct exposure to hot materials, can be well treated with over-the-counter burn ointment.
However, deeper or more severe burns may require medical attention or even skin grafting. Therefore, wearing a seat belt and safety harnesses during car accidents is the best way of injury prevention.
6. Chest Injuries
This can occur due to blunt force trauma, chest compression, or contact with nearby objects. These injuries range from slight to life-threatening. It depends on the severity of the impact, the involved vehicle’s size and speed, and the occupant’s position in the car.
Chest injuries are common, as occupants will often have their seat belts on, which tightly secures them to the seat. Increasing the risk of their chest impacting against the steering wheel or other components of the car.
Car accidents frequently cause broken ribs, split ribs, fractured sternums, and lung bruises. Depending on the condition of the victim and any other underlying medical conditions. Chest injuries can be dangerous, so it’s essential to get immediate medical attention immediately.
7. Cuts and Bruises
Cuts and bruises are some common car accident injuries for all passengers. When a person is involved in a car accident, they can suffer scrapes, cuts, bruises, and minor abrasions. A range of objects can cause these minor external injuries in the car, such as blunt impacts, broken glass, and sharp objects.
Cuts and bruises can also be caused by contact with the steering wheel or dashboard. In less serious cases, scrapes or bruises may heal on their own without medical treatment. However, for more serious cases, a medical practitioner may need to treat injuries.
Cuts and bruises from car accidents may cause great discomfort. It’s vital to note that even minor cuts and bruises can lead to more serious conditions if left untreated.
Know These Common Injuries From Car Accidents
Car accidents can lead to common injuries that can drastically impact a person’s life. Knowing these most common injuries of a car accident, such as whiplash, broken bones, head injuries, back injuries, burns, chest injuries, and cuts and bruises. This can help drivers become more aware of the risks and take steps to stay safe and reduce their chances of a crash.
Regardless of the situation, you can hire an attorney if you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident today.
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