Car crashes can be violent and unpredictable, resulting in a variety of injuries. Common types of injuries that occur in car accidents include whiplash, closed head injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, spinal cord injuries, and psychological trauma. It’s important to understand the risks and potential injuries associated with car crashes, so here are some of the most common types.
1. Brain Injury or Closed Head Injury
These injuries can occur when the head slams into the dashboard or window during an accident and the brain is damaged due to a lack of protection. Symptoms may include headaches, confusion, memory loss, dizziness, difficulty sleeping and speaking, numbness, and more. You can find a brain injury lawyer in Morristown, TN if you think you have experienced a brain injury due to a car accident. Additionally, seek medical attention if you are concerned about a head injury. While most closed-head injuries are mild, more severe brain injuries can occur and require intensive medical treatment.
2. Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden jerk of the head in one direction and then quickly back in the other. It can be felt immediately after an accident or develop within days or even weeks later. Common symptoms include pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, shoulder and upper back pain, and difficulty concentrating. Whiplash is often seen in rear-end collisions when the force of impact pushes one car into another, causing the occupants’ heads to jolt forward and backward rapidly. Treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery if there is severe nerve damage. In some cases, whiplash may resolve on its own with time; however, it can lead to chronic pain if not taken care of properly.
3. Broken Bones
Broken bones are a common result of car accidents, particularly if you were in the path of an oncoming vehicle or rear-ended by another car. Bones can be broken when they are compressed or punctured in an accident. Commonly broken bones from a car crash include spinal fractures, facial fractures, and fractures to any limb. Broken bones can range from minor injuries to severe ones that require surgery and rehabilitation. If the broken bone is near a joint, it could cause long-term damage and permanent disability.
4. Internal Organ Damage
Internal organ damage can be caused by the impact of a car crash, as well as broken objects in the vehicle. This can include ruptured spleens and livers, internal bleeding, or even a collapsed lung. If a person survives an accident with severe internal organ damage they will likely require surgery and intensive medical care. Even if treated immediately after an accident the individual may still experience long-term issues resulting from the trauma to their organs. It is important for victims of an auto accident to be examined thoroughly following a collision in order to identify any potential internal injuries that may not be immediately visible.
5. Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious and life-altering types of car crash injuries. Spinal cord trauma can cause temporary or permanent paralysis, as well as loss of sensation in the affected area. Depending on the severity of the injury, long-term rehabilitation and therapy may be necessary to improve the quality of life. Additionally, many victims require assistive devices and modifications to their homes or vehicles. Also, a spinal cord injury can lead to medical complications such as urinary tract infections, respiratory problems, and blood clots.
6. Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are usually caused by the sudden force and jerking that happens during an accident. This can cause damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These types of injuries often don’t become evident until several hours after the crash, so it’s important to get medical attention immediately following a car accident even if you feel fine. Common soft tissue injuries from car accidents include whiplash, sprains, strains, contusions (bruising), or disc injuries. It’s important to seek medical attention for these injuries in order to prevent any long-term complications. Treatment may include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and pain relievers.
Car crashes can lead to a variety of injuries, some minor and some more serious. These include whiplash, broken bones, internal organ damage, spinal cord injury, and soft tissue injuries. It’s important for victims of an accident to get medical attention even if they don’t have any visible signs of injury in order to identify potentially hidden injuries. If any of these injuries are left untreated they can result in long-term complications and even permanent disability. For this reason, it’s crucial to be aware of the different types of injuries that can result from a car crash, so you can recognize the signs and get help if necessary.
