Because of the unpredictable nature of car accidents, the types of injuries that can be sustained in an accident are varied and numerous. Factors that contribute to accident related injuries include the speed of the vehicles involved, what caused the crash, how severe the impact, and many others. Each car accident has its own unique circumstances that may or may not lead to injury. When looking at the statistics of auto accident related injuries it becomes clear what types of injuries are sustained most often. In this article, we’ll review the most common types of injuries sustained in auto accidents in the United States.
Injuries to the Neck and BackWhen a collision occurs, the impact applies strenuous forces to a person’s body that can result in injuries to the spinal cord and other areas of the neck and back. Some neck injuries are minor such as whiplash, while others are more severe such as a torn or ruptured disc. Injuries to the back also vary in severity from minor sprains and strains which are caused by damage to ligaments and muscles, to hernias and fractures which are injuries to the discs and bones respectively. Injuries of this type do not always manifest symptoms right away and can be overlooked at the time of the accident.
Injuries to the Head and BrainAnother common type of injury sustained in car accidents is a “Closed Head Injury.” This type of injury happens when a person’s brain collides with the wall of the cranial cavity which can result in bruising and other damage to the brain. The severity of these types injuries vary greatly from mild concussions to Traumatic Brain Injuries. These types of injuries are also sometimes overlooked at the scene of an accident because there may not be a noticeable cut or bruising, or pain.
Injuries to the FaceInjuries to the face are generally much easier to notice at the time of the accident and can also range in severity. Many times, shattered glass will cause cuts or lacerations about the face, and the face can come into forceful contact with many objects in the car such as the steering wheel, dashboard or windows among a variety of other objects found in cars that can lead to bruising and broken bones. Some of the most serious injuries to the face include dental damage and broken Jaws.
Psychological InjuriesNot all injuries sustained in car accidents are physical. When an accident is notably severe, and there have been physical injuries or deaths involved with the accident, Motorists and Passengers can sometimes suffer psychological Injuries like emotional distress, or more severe conditions like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Anyone involved in a car accident will tell you that it is not a pleasant experience. There can often be lingering effects due to injuries, financial distress, having to appear in court and talk to police, and it is easy to get swept up in the whole process. Sometimes important facts are overlooked and certain precautions are not taken to ensure their rights and interests remain protected. For this reason, it is very important to always get a medical exam as soon as you can following an accident, even if the accident didn’t seem severe.
The next most important thing you should do is contact an attorney to make sure you are compensated fairly for all damages incurred in the accident.
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