Accidents are unexpected, and most often occur before one has the chance to react. The impact of such collisions and crashes can leave passengers, drivers, and pedestrians with injuries that can be either moderate or critical. Even after seemingly minor crashes, people feel pain and need time to recuperate.
Depending on the extent of harm and affected body part, you may need temporary treatment or intensive care. Since injuries have different symptoms, it’s important to understand them and seek professional help as soon as possible. Let’s discuss some of the most common injuries that car accident survivors often sustain.
Whiplash
Whiplash can occur after any type of car accident, but it’s most common in rear-end collisions. When a vehicle behind rams into the one in front, the force can cause the heads of the people in the car to jerk fiercely. As a result of the sudden back-and-forth movement, the tendons, muscles, and ligaments in the victim’s neck stretch, causing stiffness and intense pain.
The pain may begin lightly, but as it intensifies, it can spread from your neck to your shoulders, making it difficult for you to turn. Besides limiting movement, a whiplash can also cause severe headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, which may linger for days, weeks, or months.
Broken Bones
Accidents are tumultuous. As cars somersault and hit various objects, parts of your body may push against different parts of the car, like the dashboard or steering wheel. Depending on the angle and amount of pressure, your bones can easily snap as your body collides against barriers.
For example, your limbs can hit the door, leading to a fracture. Though wearing a seatbelt serves as a form of restraint, it can’t fully protect you from every impact. If you sustain a fracture, you’ll experience swelling, tenderness, and bruising. Depending on the complexity, your bone may even pop out of your skin, requiring surgery and physiotherapy to heal.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
There is a great tendency for multiple intense jolts during a high-impact collision. As your body lurches, the extreme force can make your brain move, causing a concussion, even without anything striking your head.
Apart from concussions, other forms of traumatic brain injuries are contusions and diffuse axonal injuries. Symptoms of these brain-related injuries include sensitivity to light and noise, confusion, memory loss, and disorientation, among others.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Drivers and passengers maintain a sitting posture. In the event of a crash, the spine absorbs most of the force. The impact can displace the tissues within the spinal bone, compress nerves, and dislodge bones.
Sometimes, victims of spinal injuries lose their mobility. If the other driver is at fault, you can work with experts like these Denver car accident lawyers to file a personal injury lawsuit and pursue compensation. Alternatively, you can hire a specialized attorney in your area to help you seek justice.
Cuts and Lacerations
Cars consist of metal, plastic, and glass. Since metal and plastic are malleable, they easily bend and twist upon forceful impact. In their distorted state, they often scratch and pierce the skin, leading to bruises, scratches, and cuts that sever flesh, connective tissues, and ligaments.
Broken glass from the windows can also lodge in the skin, causing serious lacerations. In accidents involving pedestrians, protruding components and parts can cause deeper cuts, since they lack protective coverings like seatbelts and airbags.
Endnote
Car accidents are dangerous and can lead to serious injuries like whiplash, fractures, TBI, spine-related injuries, and lacerations. If you’re involved in an accident, look out for symptoms of common injuries and get professional help immediately.
