7 Common Injuries After A Car Accident

injuries after a car accident

Injuries sustained after a car accident can be both excruciating and can significantly mess up your life, including the financial stress to you. During an accident, any damage is expected to your vehicle; however, depending on the severity of the car accident, you may be injured yourself. Injuries sustained after an accident can result in missed work, huge medical arrears, and, in worst-case scenarios, significant life changes.

Injuries After A Car Accident

Generally, there are steps to adhere to following a car accident. As soon as you’re out of harm’s way and you’ve received the necessary medical care, that’s the perfect opportunity to hire a lawyer. An attorney will help you understand your legal rights in documenting claims for damages and work out a settlement with insurance firms and the accused so you can get the right deal to get your life back on track.

Whether the accident is considered minor or major, all accidents will most likely result in injuries, in one form or another. At the end of the day, even though airbags or seat belts might play a significant part in preventing loss of life, you’ll have to take necessary precautionary measures and checks before you get on the road. That said, below are 10 of the most common injuries following a car accident:

1) Superficial Wounds

Car accidents involve broken glass, chemical leaks, and even fire. In a car accident, a person can get deep cuts and injuries to the face and upper body resulting from head-on collisions. Furthermore, gas leaks could burn your skin, leaving permanent scars. These may often leave wounds in an accident, which may be superficial and or leave marks for the rest of your life.

2) Neck Injuries

The neck is perhaps the most vulnerable part during car accident injuries (if not the most), as it’s mainly susceptible to severe twisting movements primarily caused by a sudden impact (whiplash). The human neck allows adequate forward and back movements and quick turning; however, sharp movements at abnormal positions during accidents can trigger lasting pain and stiffness. This might last for months or even decades, if not given the correct medical treatment.

3) Broken Ribs

Characteristically, the thoracic cage is meant to shield the organs inside it—i.e., the lungs and heart. However, the rib cage is also flexible to allow breathing. This means that the bones aren’t very strong and can be easily crushed in a car accident. Minor fractures may heal quite fast, even with mild pain and discomfort. However, major injuries may injure the internal tissues, making respiration agonizing.

4) Bone Fractures And Joint Injuries

The automatic defense reaction of the body is to be prepared for impact. Therefore, you’ll find yourself subconsciously stiffening your limbs and arms. At the time of the crash, this can cause cracks in the long bones or displacements of weak joints—for instance, the elbow.

Moreover, in a car accident, it’s also possible to crush your knees. Resultant injuries could include minor discolorations, major multiple broken bones, and, in worst cases, amputation of the leg. Knee cartilage could also crack in the event the knee is twisted suddenly in the accident.

5) Back Injuries

Back injuries are devastating. Minor ones may come with just a few niggles, but major ones might leave you unable to fully use your body for the rest of your life. Common minor back injuries include strained muscles, ligaments tears, and damaged nerves. Serious injuries, on the other hand, may come in the form of a broken spinal column or slipped discs, which may lead to long-term difficulties that might cause significant changes in your way of life and require constant medical observation.

6) Concussions

When you suffer a blow to your head during a car accident, in severe cases, you may suffer a concussion. This injury may significantly affect brain function in the long run, if not treated immediately. Minor signs comprise headaches, sight and hearing challenges, and, at times, incapacity to reason clearly. Studies say severe trauma to the brain often leads to memory loss and lasting brain impairment.

7) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder And Other Psychological Trauma

What’s worth noting is that not all injuries are physical. Sustaining major, traumatic physical injuries can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many experts believe that post-traumatic stress disorder can affect your life, with the potential to cause difficulties in your private life and career as specific triggers may bring you back to the traumatic state, instigating an incapacity to function in your daily activities.

Apart from PTSD, car accidents, along with its physical consequences, can prompt complicated feelings. Feelings of severe despondency and dejection, guilt, and nervousness are prevalent. Most times, physical injuries are treatable; however, pain and grief can linger as you try to heal or find a means to deal with lasting changes caused by a car accident. Pain and grief can ruin lives and careers.

There’s no one right treatment for PTSD, but a mix of psychotherapy, medication, and alternative treatments may help you take control over your life.

Conclusion

Car accidents can certainly be frightening and costly and can bring you physical, mental, emotional, and psychological pain, not to mention the financial burdens that come with it. However, the aftereffects of a car accident aren’t insurmountable. If you’ve been involved in a car accident and suffered injuries, get the necessary legal and medical help so you could get your life back.

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Posted - 05/17/2021