(Newswire.net — August 2, 2023) — When you are involved in a car crash, your body can be subject to severe force, often leading to injuries. While some injuries are minor and can heal on their own, others require medical care such as extended rest, surgery, rehabilitation, and other types of treatment and recovery. According to Maki Legal, 1,161 people died in car accidents in California in 2021.
On this page, we highlight some of the common injuries after car accidents.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents. You can suffer from whiplash if your head is forced to jerk back and forth due to the forceful impact of the crash. The name “whiplash” comes from the similarity of a sudden jerk of the neck to the cracking of a whip. Whiplash injury can damage the muscles, tendons, discs, and ligaments of the neck.
The most symptoms of whiplash include headaches, feelings of dizziness or fatigue, stiffness or pain in the neck, or difficulty in moving the neck. In some cases, the pain from the neck area can extend to the shoulders or arms. The symptoms of whiplash can take a few hours or even days to become evident.
You have an increased risk of suffering a whiplash injury if you get into a rear-end collision or if your head is further away from the headrest when the crash happens. Some individuals can also suffer long-term pain in the neck due to the whiplash.
Head injuries
Car accidents often lead to head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The range of head injuries can vary from minor to major. While minor head injuries may heal on their own within a few hours or days, major head injuries can have life-long consequences
The most common symptoms of head injuries include headaches, dizziness, loss of coordination, balancing problems, excessive fatigue, and feelings of nausea. Some victims might also offer cognitive symptoms such as difficulty speaking or concentrating. Risk factors for head injuries include being involved in a head-on collision and a rollover accident or being involved in a crash with a much larger and heavier vehicle.
Back injuries
In high-velocity accidents, there is also a risk of spinal fractures, which can be particularly serious and potentially result in long-term complications or paralysis. These spinal injuries pose significant risks to an individual’s mobility and overall well-being. The sudden impact and violent jolts during a collision can be very serious. A vertebral fracture is where the bones of the spine break or crack. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, it can result in compression of the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis below the injury site.
Another common spinal injury is a herniated or ruptured disc, where the soft cushioning between vertebrae slips out of place and presses against the spinal cord or nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs.
That’s not all, though. There is a wide range of back injuries that can result from a car crash, including herniated discs, fractures, and back strain. The most common symptoms of back injuries include limited mobility, back pain, loss of bowel or bladder control, or weakness or tingling in the legs. It is common for back pain to extend to the legs and hips.
You are at an increased risk of back injuries in a car accident if you get into a rollover accident, high-speed collision, get thrown out of the vehicle, or have existing back issues. In severe cases of back injuries, the victims may suffer paralysis, respiratory problems, or irreversible loss of mobility. Spinal injuries can have a life-altering impact on an individual’s daily activities, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and often long-term care.
Vital organ damage
Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries to vital organs, with potentially devastating consequences. The sudden impact and forces involved in a collision can result in severe trauma to various organs within the human body. The chest area can sustain injuries like fractured ribs (more on this next!). These broken ribs may puncture the lungs or damage the heart. Abdominal organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys can be at risk of lacerations or internal bleeding due to the forces of the impact. Additionally, the pelvis can experience fractures, leading to potential damage to the bladder and reproductive organs. Despite the advancements in car safety technology, these injuries underscore the importance of practicing safe driving habits and wearing seatbelts at all times to minimize the risk of organ damage in the event of an unfortunate accident.
Broken bones
Car accidents can also result in a variety of broken bones due to the immense forces involved during impact. The most common fractures occur in the extremities, such as the arms, legs, hands, and feet, as they are often exposed and prone to impact with the vehicle’s interior or other objects. Collisions can lead to broken wrists, arms, ankles, and legs, with the severity ranging from simple fractures to complex compound breaks.
As mentioned above, the impact of the steering wheel or dashboard can cause rib fractures or more severe sternum and clavicle fractures. Prompt medical attention and proper treatment are essential to ensure the best possible recovery and reduce the long-term impact of these fractures on an individual’s quality of life. Seatbelts, airbags, and other safety measures play a crucial role in minimizing the risk and severity of broken bones during car accidents, highlighting the significance of adhering to proper safety practices while driving.
Practicing safe driving habits, wearing seatbelts, and utilizing appropriate headrests can help mitigate the risk of such injuries and safeguard the spinal health of passengers and drivers alike. That being said, if you or your loved ones suffered injuries due to a car accident due to someone else’s fault, you can receive compensation from the liable party for your suffering. You can contact an attorney to discuss your legal options to recover compensation.