Car accidents are traumatic and can change a victim’s life forever. It leaves them with emotional and physical injuries that can take a while to bounce back from. Which is what concerns people when they are involved in these types of accidents. It’s important to understand the most common injuries that individuals may sustain after a car accident that way you know what to look out for. You don’t want to assume you’re fine if there’s an injury that goes unnoticed. The best driving practices are the ones that keep you safe.
Whiplash: A Sudden Jerk to the Neck
Whiplash is a typical injury that happens in car accidents. This occurs when the sudden impact jerks your head back and forth. The reason this injury hurts people is the lack of preparation when you are impacted. The movement hurts your neck and ligaments in the process. Leaving you with stiffness or pain that sometimes occurs hours after the crash. While whiplash is typically associated with rear-end collisions, it can happen in various accident scenarios.
Broken Bones:
Your body can also be affected by the extreme pressure that the force of the impact exerts on it. This typically leads to broken bones or fractures. Fractures are seen more in the arms, legs, and rib areas. These depend on how severe the impact from the other vehicle was, some can be mild while others can be severe. Sometimes even requires surgery to help heal the injury. It also depends on where the fracture or bone broke for recovery time. Some can take weeks while others may take months of recovery time to heal.
Head Injuries:
Head injuries are taken seriously after a car accident. Concussions are another common injury; this happens when your head moves back and forth suddenly. Causing the brain to get bruised up against the skull. Sometimes these are mild and require just taking it easy for a few days. Some concussions require surgery to relieve pressure from the brain to reduce possible swelling. Even if you feel fine, don’t take the risk. Make sure to be assessed by a medical professional and let them tell you you’re alright.
Tissue Injuries:
Soft tissue injuries are common in car accidents due to the sudden impact that stretches and damages muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Sprains and contusions fall under this category. These injuries might not be immediately noticeable but can lead to chronic pain if left untreated. They can also get worse over time if you don’t let them heal properly. Don’t assume it’s not a big deal, if you’re dealing with chronic pain get the area checked out.
Cuts and Abrasions: Contact with Debris
Loose debris, either from inside the car or outside, can cause injuries during an accident. Even if you are secured, items inside the vehicle are not. They will be thrown around during impact, and if they are going the right speed, they can hurt you. A medical professional will be able to dress your wounds and make sure you’re alright. That way infection can be avoided, and you can heal in peace.
Chest Injuries: Impact and Airbag Deployment
The chest area is out in the open while you are driving a car. Which can be an issue when an airbag is deployed suddenly. These are designed to protect you; they can harm you in the process. These airbags can lead to chest fractures and bruises that require time out of your day to heal from. Make sure to get proper medical care to deal with the pain.
Psychological Trauma: Emotional Impact of Accidents
While you can receive physical injuries from a car accident, you shouldn’t forget about the emotional toll it puts on you. You still can develop anxiety or depression after a car accident. When your body goes through that amount of stress it can weigh heavily on your mind. There are times when you can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), making it harder to live your everyday life. Make sure to seek out counseling to talk about these issues and get the help you need to heal.
Car accidents can lead to devastating consequences, especially if you aren’t expecting it. Understanding what common injuries come from these accidents can help you cope with the aftermath. You don’t want to make anything worse by assuming you’re fine. Always get yourself checked out by a doctor and have them tell you that you’re all good. These injuries can get worse over time so it’s best to take care of yourself after a car accident. Allowing yourself to recover reduces the risks of chronic injuries or disabilities.
Also Read: Can a Pedestrian Be Held Liable for a Car Accident