Each year more than three million people are injured as a result of car accident in the U.S. This is according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, there are various types of injuries that can occur in a car accident, not just one. Injuries to every part of the body can occur from everything to minor bruises to more severe injuries such as internal bleeding. It can take hours or days for symptoms to develop sometimes. However, a medical professional can help with spotting the signs of delayed symptoms. If you have a severe injury, you should avoid delaying medical attention.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Common car accident injuries can range from minor scratches and bruises to more severe injuries. Bodily injury is referred to as physical damage resulting from a car accident. Even a minor fender-bender can result in bodily injuries such as a contusion or an abrasion.
Sprains and Strains
Soft tissue damage is referred to as tears and stretches in your ligaments, tendons, and muscles. A sprain is a tear within a ligament or muscle. A strain is a tear in a tendon. These types of injuries can occur anywhere in the body. Most commonly they occur in the shoulder, thigh, groin, or neck. They can result in swelling, pain, and muscle spasms.
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Neck pain following an auto accident can indicate a whiplash injury. These types of injuries are especially common after rear-end collisions. Whiplash occurs when parts of the neck are forced forward and backward, or side to side forcefully. This can result in damage to the bones, joints, and soft tissues in the neck.
Head Injuries
It is also common for head injuries to occur following an auto accident such as a traumatic brain injury. This occurs when the brain moves inside the skull violently. It can damage brain tissue and cells. A concussion, on the other hand, is a minor type of brain injury that can result in momentary loss of consciousness.
Burns, Lacerations, Abrasions
Accident trauma can burn, damage, and slice the skin. When the top layer of the skin has been scraped away, it is known as abrasion. When broken glass or other projectiles within the vehicle causes a deep wound in the skin, it is considered a laceration. Another common injury in vehicle accidents are burns. This occurs when components of the vehicle catch fire or overheat.
Bruises or Contusions
A contusion is just the medical term for a bruise. This type of injury can occur when the force of impact causes blood vessels to rupture beneath the skin. This occurs when your body comes into direct contact with the steering wheel, window, or dashboard during an accident.
Next Steps After a Car Accident Injury
It is important that following a car accident, you do the following:
- Receive medical treatment- Treating your accident injures beings with a complete and accurate diagnosis. You should make sure that you adhere to any recommended treatment plans after visiting a doctor and receiving a diagnosis.
- Contact insurance company- Once you are able, you should contact your insurance company or adjuster to inform them about the accident and your injuries.
- Gather all damages- All expenses that you’ve incurred from your car accident should be organized, including medical bills and repairs to your vehicle.
- Contact a lawyer- A car accident attorney will gladly assist you with every aspect of your case and help you obtain fair compensation.