Auto accidents are actually very common, as they include everything form minor fender-benders to more serious accidents. Hopefully, collision repair is the only thing you need to worry about, but you may also need medical services even for seemingly minor injuries.
Below are some of the most common car accident injuries to watch out for if you’ve been involved in an accident.
Whiplash
Whiplash is the most common type of injury sustained in a car accident, and the most common of the neck injuries and head injuries sustained in accidents. It occurs when the head and neck are suddenly whipped backward and then forward, causing the ligaments and muscles to stretch beyond their normal range of motion. Whiplash can lead to a host of symptoms including neck pain, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
Whiplash can occur even in minor accidents and often doesn’t show up until several hours or even days after the accident. If you think you may have whiplash, seek medical attention right away.
Concussion
A concussion is a type of brain injury that is caused by a sudden impact to the head. Concussions can cause a variety of symptoms including headache, nausea, dizziness and confusion. Depression and lethargy are also common.
Concussions can result in long-term problems if they are not treated properly. If you think you have a concussion, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding can occur in any organ in the body. It is most often caused by a blow to the stomach or chest. Symptoms of internal bleeding include pain, swelling and bruising in the area where the injury occurred. Internal bleeding can be fatal if not treated quickly.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious injuries that can result from a car accident. They occur when the spinal cord is damaged, which can cause a loss of muscle function, sensation and reflexes.
Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis. They may also require lifelong care and treatment.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are another common injury in car accidents. Bones can break when you are hit by a car and your body impacts parts of the vehicle around you, or when flying debris or loose objects collide with the body. Broken ribs and broken arms are very common car accident injuries.
Broken bones can cause pain, swelling and difficulty moving the affected body part. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair the bone.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious injuries that can occur in a car accident. They can be caused by a direct hit to the head or by shaking or rotating the head.
Traumatic brain injuries can cause a wide range of symptoms, including headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion and memory loss. They can also lead to long-term health problems and even death.
Don’t Wait for Things to Get Worse!
These are just some of the common injuries that can occur in an auto accident. If you have been involved in an accident, it is important to seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t think you are injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can still be serious, and many motor vehicle accident victims often wish they’d gotten help sooner rather than later.
There are also plenty of mental and emotional injuries like post traumatic stress disorder that can be just as debilitating as arm and leg injuries. Be sure to get these addressed if you believe you may have them.
Never assume that you are uninjured after an accident—always seek medical attention to be sure!
