4 Common Types of Injuries Victims of Car Accidents Sustain : If you or a loved one has been the victim of a car accident, then you know how painful and overwhelming the aftermath can be. In addition to financial and emotional distress, there are physical injuries that many victims will have to suffer.
From whiplash to broken bones, the types of injuries caused by a car accident can range from mild to severe. Unfortunately, these conditions may require expensive treatments, such as physical rehabilitation and long-term medication, for full recovery.
In this blog post, we will discuss the four common types of injuries victims of car accidents sustain, along with the steps needed for proper treatment. Our goal is to provide insight into the risks drivers face on the road so everyone can take extra precautions when behind the wheel.
Whiplash
Whiplash, a common car accident injury, results from the sudden jerking motion of the head, akin to a whip being cracked. It primarily damages the ligaments, tendons, facet joints, discs, and muscles in the neck.
Symptoms
- Neck pain and stiffness: Immediate discomfort in the neck area
- Aggravated neck pain with movement: Exacerbation of pain when moving the neck
- Restricted neck motion: Limitation in the range of motion in the neck
- Headaches: Persistent or recurring headaches
- Dizziness and fatigue: Feeling lightheaded or tired
Risk Factors
- Rear-end collisions: Commonly occur in accidents from the rear
- High-speed crashes: More likely in accidents with higher speeds
- Greater distance between heads and headrests: Increased risk when the head has more space during impact
Potential Long-term Impacts
- Chronic, fluctuating neck pain: Ongoing and variable neck discomfort
- Pain radiating through the shoulders and arms: Discomfort spreading to other areas
- Severe headaches: Intense and persistent headaches
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
These injuries range from back strains and sprains to disc slips and spinal fractures. Symptoms vary based on the location and severity of the injury.
Symptoms
- Back pain: Persistent pain in the back
- Leg weakness and tingling: Reduced strength or tingling sensations in the legs
- Limited spine mobility: Difficulty moving the spine
- Loss of bladder and bowel control: Inability to control bodily functions
Risk Factors
- Rollover accidents: Increased risk during vehicle rollovers
- Ejection from vehicles: There is a higher likelihood when occupants are ejected
- High-speed collisions: More probable in accidents with higher speeds
- Collisions with pedestrians, bicycles, or motorcycles: Common in specific types of accidents
Potential Long-term Impacts
- Chronic and severe back pain: Ongoing and intense back discomfort
- Irreversible loss of mobility: Permanent reduction in the ability to move
- Permanent loss of bladder and bowel control: Inability to control bodily functions permanently
- Circulation and respiration problems: Long-term blood flow or breathing issues
Head and Brain Injuries
Car accidents rank as the third-leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the U.S., They range from minor to severe, with symptoms dictated by the point and force of impact.
Symptoms
- Cognitive symptoms: Issues with memory, concentration, and perception
- Behavioral symptoms: Mood swings, increased anxiety, and irritability
- Physical symptoms: Fatigue, nausea, balancing and coordination problems, and headaches
Risk Factors
- Rollovers, head-on collisions, and serious crashes: Higher risk in severe accidents
- Ejection from vehicles: Increased likelihood when occupants are ejected
- Collisions with larger, heavier vehicles: More severe injuries in collisions with larger vehicles
- Collisions with pedestrians, bicycles, or motorcycles: Common in specific types of accidents
Potential Long-term Impacts
- Permanent impacts on perception, speech, and coordination: Long-lasting effects on cognitive functions
- Inability to live independently: Challenges in living without assistance
Fractures
Common in auto accidents, fractures occur when a bone breaks or is cracked. There is a risk of broken bone shards puncturing internal organs.
Symptoms
- Severe pain and bruising: Intense and visible bruising in the affected area
- Limited mobility: Difficulty in moving the affected body part
- Swelling and tenderness in the affected area: Inflammation and tenderness in the injured area
Risk Factors
- Side- and front-impact collisions: Increased likelihood in specific types of collisions
- High-speed crashes: More probable in accidents occurring at higher speeds
- Ejection from vehicles: There is a higher risk when occupants are ejected from their vehicles
- Collisions with pedestrians, bicycles, or motorcycles: Common in specific types of accidents
Potential Long-term Impacts
- Permanent mobility limitations: Long-lasting restrictions on movement
- Chronic pain: Ongoing and persistent pain
- Nerve and tissue damage: Lasting damage to nerves and tissues
Conclusion
It is important to remember that victims of car accidents are people who have families, friends, and plans. Their lives can be changed in a split second. Tragic cases of catastrophic injuries or wrongful death can leave those involved with grief, loss, and suffering.
Therefore, if you or someone you know has suffered any type of injury due to a car accident, it’s always important to get help as soon as possible from medical professionals and qualified personal injury lawyers. Don’t try to go through this process alone; there are support services out there that can provide legal advice and assistance throughout your journey.
4 Common Types of Injuries Victims of Car Accidents Sustain