It’s hardly a secret that being in a car accident can result in serious injury. Many people know that this kind of accident can result in broken bones and bruises, but some car accident injuries aren’t so obvious.
Though uncommon, some car accident injuries are severe and can lead to long-term health issues. Knowing about these injuries helps drivers avoid them.
Here is a quick list of the common auto accident injuries that you should watch out for if you happen to get into an accident.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a type of neck injury caused by the abrupt jerking of the neck. When a person is involved in a car accident, the sudden jerking of the neck can damage the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, resulting in whiplash. Symptoms of whiplash can range from headaches and neck pain to stiffness, dizziness, and fatigue.
In some cases, whiplash may also involve nerve damage, numbness, and tingling in the limbs. Prompt treatment can help reduce the symptoms, which may include rest and physical therapy.
Some cases may also require medication or surgery to ease the symptoms. It is important to visit your doctor as soon as possible after any types of car accidents to receive an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
Scrapes and Cuts
Scrapes and cuts are among the most common auto accident injuries. These injuries occur when skin, usually on the face or arms, comes into contact with the broken glass and metal that go with a vehicle collision.
Mild scrapes, also known as road rashes, can be painful but may not require extensive medical treatment. But, deep abrasions can result in significant bleeding, infection, and permanent scarring.
Regardless of the severity of the cut, it’s important to have them evaluated by a medical professional. Treatment may involve antibiotics, sutures, and/or skin grafting, depending on the location and extent of the wound.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) are a common and serious type of car accident injury. TBI is the result of an impact on the head and can vary in severity, ranging from mild to severe.
Be aware of midbrain damage symptoms. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, disorientation and confusion, vision disturbances, memory loss, and difficulty communicating, understanding, or making decisions.
In more severe cases, TBI can cause coma, permanent disability, or even death. It is dangerous as it can also result in long-term cognitive impairments, physical impairments, and behavioral changes.
The effects of TBI can vary widely and can be difficult to diagnose and treat. This makes it a major challenge for individuals affected by the injury and for medical professionals. It is important to take safety precautions and to wear proper protection when driving and riding in a car to prevent head trauma from occurring and mitigate the risk of TBIs.
Head Injuries
At the moment of impact from a car accident, the impact on the head can be severe and potentially life-threatening. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention after any car accident or head injury. Some of the more common head injuries to look out for are concussions, TBI, swelling of the brain, skull fractures, and even coma.
Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, headaches, and drowsiness. Also, some dizziness, confusion, tinnitus, memory loss, and even trouble with balance. With quick action and response to any head injury, the chances of recovery and reversing the effects of head injuries are much higher.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis, are some of the most severe and life-altering car accident injuries someone could suffer. It is an injury to the spinal column caused by trauma or accident.
When the spinal cord is damaged, it can disrupt the normal functions of the body. The person’s ability to move, feel, and control the muscles below the site of the injury can be greatly impacted. Depending on the severity of the injury, paralysis can result.
Paralysis can be total, affecting the whole body. Or it can affect just a few areas, causing partial paralysis. If an individual has suffered a spinal cord injury, they should receive medical attention as soon as possible to prevent further nerve damage or paralysis.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding can occur after experiencing a severe impact on the body. It may occur inside the skull or abdomen. It can also happen in the organs such as the liver, kidneys, and spleen.
Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, confusion, and shortness of breath. It is important to seek medical attention if any of these symptoms appear, even if the injury appears to be minor.
Unfortunately, these injuries can be difficult to diagnose, and treating them can be especially difficult. If internal bleeding continues, it can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is caused when the connective material between two vertebrae weakens. When part of the disc’s nucleus pushes through the vertebral wall.
Symptoms include pressure on the sciatic nerve leading to pain, tingling and weakness in the lower legs and feet. Also, some numbness in the affected area, and sharp pain in the lower back, legs, and/or buttocks.
Car accidents increase the risk of a herniated disc. This is because the sudden jolt often compresses the spinal column, placing pressure on the discs and tissues.
The best way to protect yourself from this is to make sure you are wearing your seatbelt. If a car accident is unavoidable, then by wearing a seatbelt the force of impact is spread out across the body and not concentrated in the back.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The injuries range from physical to psychological, with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) being one of the latter. Individuals who’ve experienced a traumatic car accident may experience PTSD. This is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent symptoms such as flashbacks, anxiety, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
This chronic and pervasive form of anxiety can prevent individuals from enjoying activities they used to. This leads to disruptions in daily functioning and impairs social relationships with family and friends. They can be made worse when the individual avoids talking about the incident or feels fearful of driving.
If left untreated, car accident-related PTSD can become disabling. This can impact a person’s life for months or even years.
Be Aware of Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can result in serious car accident injuries, both physical and mental. It is therefore critical to take all measures necessary to avoid them. Drivers should always be aware of their surroundings and obey the rules of the road. Regular maintenance should be done on all vehicles to ensure their safety.
To ensure that your car is safe, be sure to visit a reliable automotive professional. Remember, safety first. Whenever you’re faced with auto accident injuries and you need legal help. The best way to help is by hiring a lawyer.
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