Common Car Accident Injuries and How They Affect You

Millions of road accidents occur in the United States every year. They can result in different injuries, depending on the circumstances of each crash. Some of these injuries may require little or no treatment and resolve themselves within a few days. In some situations, the injuries might be permanent and result in physical disability, however.

Most Common Car Accident Injuries

Head Injuries

Depending on the head’s placement during the car accident, a head injury may vary from mild to severe. While some head injuries are minor, others are severe and can result in life-threatening conditions. They range from bruises, brain tissue damage, and serious concussions.

It may be difficult to diagnose a head injury at first because it can feel like a mild headache. That is why it is essential to get a full medical evaluation to determine the severity of your head injury after an accident.

Broken Bones

One of the most common results of a car accident is a fracture. It occurs when excessive physical force is applied to the bone. They are categorized into physical fractures, where the bone breaks without any physical wounds, and compound fractures, where the bone penetrates through the skin.

Broken bones can make it impossible or extremely painful to move a body part until it heals. Fortunately, a doctor can provide a quick diagnosis in case you experience a fracture during a car accident.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a common car accident injury that occurs when the neck experiences rapid and unexpected movements. It is typical of accidents where the vehicle is hit from the rear end.

Whiplash can result in pain, stiff neck, and headaches. You may fail to notice the pain from whiplash until a day or two after the accident. In most cases, the pain goes away after a week or two, with proper therapy and medication. However, in severe cases, it may last for several months or years.

Scrapes and Cuts

Loose objects inside the vehicle may be thrown about during a car accident, leading to cuts and scrapes if they come into contact with the passengers on impact. They include purses, cell phones, books, eyeglasses, mounted GPS systems, and more.

Sometimes, these cuts and scrapes are minor and require no medical treatment. In other cases, the injuries may be serious enough to result in blood loss, and they may need stitches.

Psychological Injuries

Although they are not physically visible, psychological injuries are typical to traumatic events such as car accidents. They include developing a phobia or aversion towards driving and depression, especially if some of the passengers involved in the accident suffered severe injuries or death.

Physical injuries, such as depression and anxiety, can lead to low performance and broken relationships. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help through psychotherapy sessions to get the support that can help you heal. Your car accident lawyer can refer you to a suitable psychotherapist.

What to Do After Experiencing a Common Car Accident Injury

It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after experiencing a car accident. The doctors will give you a diagnosis and help you understand the severity of the injuries. They can also advise you on the best action to take in terms of treatment and aftercare.

Car accident injuries can be terrifying and expensive to treat, especially if they are severe. That is why it is important to consult with a car accident lawyer to help you navigate the legal action that you need to take to receive compensation for your medical bills and other expenses.