Did you know that nearly 40,000 people die each year in the United States from car accidents?
Car crashes can be minor or severe depending on how strong the impact was, leaving damage to your car and body.
If you have been in an accident, you must understand the injuries that you could suffer from.
Continue reading to discover the most common car accident injuries that people experience from a crash!
1. Whiplash
One of the most common car accident injuries that people suffer from is whiplash.
Whiplash occurs when the force of the accident is strong enough to jolt your body. If you are feeling sore around your neck and back, or are just achy all over, you might have whiplash. These aches come from straining muscles and ligaments to the point of injury.
2. Bruising
If you have been injured in a car accident, you will likely notice bruises on your body.
Hitting a body part on a piece of the vehicle or slamming into the seatbelt can cause bruising. Depending on the impact, this bruising could be minor or severe. Most bruises heal within a week or two if they are treated properly.
3. Neck Injury
A common injury that people suffer from after accidents is a neck injury.
When you make contact with another vehicle or structure you will likely be jolted in your seat. If your head slams into your seat’s headrest, the window, or steering wheel you may suffer from neck injuries.
After an accident, make periodic checks on your neck and seek help if you are having a difficult time moving your head around. In most cases, people are just dealing with whiplash but it could also be something severe, like a herniated disc.
4. Back Injury
Back injuries are another common thing to see after auto accidents.
When your vehicle hits a structure, the impact goes directly to you and can harm your spine. Herniated discs are often reported after accidents and can be very painful if left untreated.
Although some medications might be able to relieve some of the pain, you should seek immediate help if your back is bothering you badly enough.
5. Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from car accidents can dramatically change the life of someone.
When someone’s head gets hit hard enough, they may suffer from TBI. Traumatic brain injury can impact how the brain functions. It can limit mobility and information processing. There are things you can do to help relieve TBI symptoms, unfortunately, there is no cure. Depending on the severity and impact on the brain, you may deal with lifelong challenges.
6. Concussions
Figuring out what to do after an accident can be overwhelming but you should always monitor for concussions.
If you were to hit your head on something during the accident, you increase your risk of getting a concussion. When hit hard enough, some people struggle to recall memories or feel like something is wrong. If you are getting headaches, seek help immediately to determine if you have a concussion.
Avoid taking naps if you have a concussion, as this could worsen symptoms.
7. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Although post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) isn’t an injury, it is something that many people suffer from.
PTSD can make it difficult for people to get back on the road and driving comfortably. This anxiety disorder can impact your ability to drive and put you in dangerous situations behind the wheel.
Untreated PTSD sufferers may experience panic attacks while driving or feel paralyzed at the wheel. Many people claim that cognitive-behavioral therapy can help relieve some of the symptoms.
8. Broken Bones
When a car accident is bad enough, broken bones almost seem inevitable to happen.
During a collision, if your body makes a hard impact with the vehicle you could fracture a bone. This often occurs when people are pinched in their cars, unable to move. Depending on the bone that breaks, you could be in a cast for a few weeks to several months.
Some of the most common places where people experience broken bones are their ribs, legs, and arms.
9. Internal Bleeding
One of the most severe injuries that people suffer from during accidents is internal bleeding.
When the organs are impacted during the accident, they can easily become damaged and begin bleeding. This can be difficult to identify if you don’t seek medical help. If you have been in a high-speed accident, get checked out by a medical professional before heading home.
Some people find out that they have internal bleeding days after the accident, which can be life-threatening.
10. Knee Injury
The spine and neck aren’t the only parts of your body that can easily get injured during an accident.
Knee injuries are quite common after accidents. Forceful twisting and hyper-flexing of the knee can cause serious issues. You can tear your meniscus, which is at the knee joint, or suffer from ligament tears. These injuries can make it difficult to walk and move around.
Bandages and braces can help provide support to your knee if you think you tore something. Ice, elevation, and rest are necessary for healing.
Common Car Accident Injuries to Avoid
By understanding the most common car accident injuries, you can better prepare yourself for the road.
Accidents happen all the time and it is hard to predict when you will be involved with one. If you have been in an accident, make sure that you go over this list to address any urgent medical needs.
Don’t be afraid to seek help even if you are feeling okay. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about auto accident help and navigating safely on your travels!