Vehicle accidents can happen even to the most cautious drivers. The resulting injuries may persist for many years or even the rest of your life. The type of compensation and medical care depends on the type of injury. Here are the most common types of vehicle accident injuries.
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common vehicle accident injuries that occurs during a collision. The head will suddenly move forward and then backward. The sudden movements will cause the neck to snap in the same way that a whip cracks. Whiplash injuries affect muscles, discs, facet joints, tendons, and ligaments in the neck.
Car accidents involving cars moving at high speeds and rear-end collisions are more likely to cause whiplash injuries. If you have a whiplash injury, symptoms such as pain and stiffness in the neck will emerge. The pain will increase whenever you move your neck, reducing the range of motion of your neck. Other common symptoms of whiplash injuries include dizziness, headaches, and fatigue.
Scrapes and Cuts
Whenever your vehicle is involved in an accident, any loose items in the car, such as phones and keys, become projectiles. Some of these items can hit your body and cause scrapes and cuts. The scrapes and cuts can lead to bleeding and might be painful. The wounds from the cuts can also increase the risk of infections.
Internal Bleeding
Scrapes and cuts cause visible bleeding, but you may also suffer from internal bleeding. Internal bleeding is dangerous because you might not notice it immediately after the accident. That is why you need a comprehensive medical check-up to ensure you don't have internal bleeding, even if you were involved in a minor accident.
Fractures
High-speed collisions generate excessive force. As the vehicle tries to absorb the impact, it will distort, resulting in serious fractures. The fractures happen as the vehicle's structure crumples and twists and affects the arms, legs, and other parts of the body. The rib cage can also have significant fractures as it tries to restrain excessive force.
People who sustain fractures during a vehicle accident need to see an orthopedist immediately. Otherwise, the misaligned or cracked fractures can lead to lifelong discomfort. You might also not be able to function properly. In some extreme cases, fractures cause partial or complete paralysis.
Flashbacks and PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychological injury that often affects victims of car accidents. Victims frequently experience flashbacks and nightmares of the traumatic event. A therapist and other forms of medication can help treat PTSD.
If you don't seek medical attention, the condition may eventually cause depression and anxiety. For example, you may always be afraid when driving a vehicle. You might also develop depression if physical injuries disrupt your lifestyle.
Head Injuries
Drivers can crash into the steering wheel or side window during an accident. The impact can cause minor injuries such as lacerations and bruises. However, severe accidents can damage the contents inside the skull. One of the damages is a concussion that can lead to memory lapses and dizziness.
You may also experience severe head injuries that may lead to permanent brain damage. For example, you might black out or lose consciousness during the accident. However, you might not immediately exhibit any symptoms but show behavioral changes over time. For instance, your family members might report that you frequently have memory problems and are more irritable.
A medical professional should monitor your behavior long after the accident to look for signs of a hidden brain injury.
If you have been injured in an accident, you might be able to be compensated for your medical expenses and lost income. Palmetto Injury Lawyers is a personal injury law firm that helps individuals who have suffered injuries due to auto accidents, slips and falls, and work injuries. We handle the injury claim and work with the insurance company to help you. Contact us now for more information.