If you get into a car accident, the possibility of suffering from certain injuries is much higher than other kinds. These are some of the most usual types that can occur due to motor vehicle collisions.
While some automobile accident injuries may heal with no medical intervention or a short treatment course, others necessitate expensive surgeries and procedures. Unfortunately, many people never completely recover from their injury sustained in the crash.
The magnitude of compensation that an injured individual requires is greatly influenced by all these factors.
Most Common Injuries from Car Accidents
The aftermath of a car accident can range from minor injuries to catastrophic and even fatal ones for all involved - drivers, passengers, other motorists and pedestrians. When it comes to the consequences of getting hit by a car, there are typically two main categories:
- Impact injuries
- Penetrating injuries
Penetrating injuries are sustained when a person's body is penetrated by an object, such as broken glass or cargo from the truck. Alternatively, impact injuries take place when there is physical contact between an individual and some aspect of their vehicle environment like seatbelts, airbags, steering wheel dashboards etc.
If a car accident happens, it can inflict severe harm to any region of the body. Despite this fact, certain injuries tend to be more frequent than others. The following are some of the most typical car crash traumas that take place.
1. Whip Lash & Other Soft Tissue Injuries
From minor collisions to serious accidents, soft tissue injuries are the most common type of injury victims experience. After a motor vehicle incident, whiplash is the most common type of soft tissue injury since it involves stretching of the head and neck ligaments and muscles.
Apart from the common soft tissue injuries, lacerations, avulsions, abrasions, contusions and muscle sprains are also included in this category.
Potential symptoms to be aware of :
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Limited range of motion
- The “popping” or “snapping” sound or feeling
2. Scrapes and Cuts
Scrapes and cuts are both wounds, yet the former arises when layers of skin are scraped or torn while a cut is more concentrated in that it takes shape as a lengthy incision. Injuries such as these often result from objects inside of cars transforming into airborne hazards during car accidents. Shattered glass, automobile components, airbags - all can lead to destructive scrapes and cuts.
Be on the lookout for any of these signs (if your scrape or cut is infected): If you observe any of them, it's imperative that you get medical care quickly:
- More pain or swelling 24 and 48 hours after the crash
- The scab has gotten bigger
- Redness around the wound has gotten worse
- Pus draining from the wound
- Fever
3. Head Injuries
Head and brain injuries are the most deadly form of trauma in car accidents, with a staggering average of 155 Americans dying from these injuries on a daily basis. According to the CDC, this is an alarming statistic that begs for attention.
When involved in minor collisions, individuals can experience bruises, abrasions and tears as their head comes into contact with the windshield, dashboard or side window of the vehicle - or any other object within.
When accidents are more serious, individuals can experience closed head injuries, concussions, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and even long-lasting mental impairment.
Potential symptoms to be aware of :
- Bleeding
- Headache
- Nausea
- Feeling sick
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Passing out
- Feeling confused or distracted
- Changes in behavior
- Memory problems
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Difficulty speaking
- Blurred vision
4. Chest Injuries
Chest injuries sustained in car accidents are more likely to necessitate surgery than other types of trauma. They can vary from minor bruises, to moderate contusions, all the way up to severe consequences such as broken ribs and damage to internal organs like a collapsed lung or even life-threatening conditions like internal bleeding.
The driver is especially vulnerable to chest injuries as the steering wheel provides only a limited amount of space between them. Seatbelts, while designed to protect drivers and passengers alike, can also contribute to chest trauma when activated with too much force. This same issue applies when airbags deploy due their powerful kinetic energy.
Potential symptoms to be aware of :
- Shortness of breath
- Bruising, swelling
- Numbness or tingling
- Redness
- Rapid changes in heart rate
- Coughing
- Shallow or fast breathing
- Crackling sound in the chest
- Low blood pressure
- Coughing up blood
5. Arm and Leg Injuries
Abrupt direction shifts in a car accident can cause the body to be forcefully jolted, potentially leading to harm of limbs and other extremities.
While the arms and legs may suffer from scrapes, bruises and other minor injuries during car crashes, fractured bones or even amputation of a limb can occur just as frequently.
Potential symptoms to be aware of :
- Pain
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Limited range of motion
- The snapping or popping sound
- Deformity
6. Back Injuries
Motor vehicle collisions often result in injuries to the back and sometimes leads to debilitating back injuries, including spinal cord damage. The human spine is not built to absorb heavy impacts, thereby making it prone to harm in traffic accidents.
One of the most detrimental aspects of being involved in a vehicular accident and sustaining a back injury is that its effects may not be visible for days or even weeks.
Potential symptoms to be aware of :
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
- Muscle spasms
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Paralysis
- Inability to maintain normal posture
7. Internal Injuries
Surgery is often necessary for those who sustain internal injuries in a car accident, whether it be from flying debris or their body sustaining pressure against an object. Injuries to one's vital organs can have severe repercussions and require immediate medical attention.
If left untreated, internal bleeding can tragically lead to death. It is essential for anyone suffering from a serious injury to receive medical attention as soon as possible in order to prevent this unfortunate outcome.
Potential symptoms to be aware of :
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling
- Light-headedness
- Deeply purple skin in the affected area
- Headache
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
Why You Need To Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Although the consequences of an automobile accident may not be evident right away, they can still have a long-lasting impact. In some cases, people fail to notice any signs or symptoms until days or weeks after the collision. So if you are ever involved in a car crash, it is essential that you get checked out by a doctor regardless of how you feel at first glance. Don't wait - act proactively and seek medical attention for peace of mind!
Consult a Miami FL Car Accident Lawyer
If you've been hurt in an auto accident, it's possible that you may be entitled to recover damages for the wounds sustained. We here at The Beharry Law Firm are devoted to assisting people in Miami attain the most significant financial remuneration achievable to cover both economic and non-economic losses incurred from these common injuries.
Our team of legal veterans will conduct a comprehensive and meticulous examination of the facts, evidence, and other details regarding your case. We work with investigators to prove the negligence or wrongdoings of the other party while simultaneously collaborating with medical professionals in order to accurately document any injury you have sustained along with calculating past, current, as well as future given medical expenses associated.
Schedule your free consultation and have us evaluate your case.