According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 2.3 million people were injured in car accidents in the United States in 2019. The types of injuries that you might sustain if you are involved in a car accident depend on the type of crash, the speed of the vehicles involved, and the size and weight of the vehicles. However, car accidents are common, including whiplash, head trauma, leg trauma, internal bleeding, and detached retinas.
In a rear-end collision, the most common injury is whiplash. Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs due to violent backward or forward movement of the head. Injuries from this type of accident often occur because the seat belt fails to protect drivers and passengers from jolts caused by sudden stops. Whiplash can range from mild neck pain to severe neck injuries requiring surgery.
Some common car accident injuries include:
Brain Injuries
A head injury is the most common type of serious injury in car accidents. Head injuries can be caused by a direct impact on the head or striking an object inside the car. Car accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. There are different types of brain injuries, and the severity of the injury can range from a mild concussion to death. Symptoms of a mild brain injury may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and memory loss.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding can be life-threatening because you cannot see it. It can occur in any part of the body injured in a car accident. Internal bleeding often goes unnoticed until it causes serious health problems. Some common symptoms of internal bleeding include dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and confusion. The most common places where internal bleeding occurs in car accidents are the spleen, liver, and pancreas.
Spinal Injuries
In a car accident, injuries to the spine might be caused by a direct impact or the person’s body thrown forward and jerked back. Injuries to the spinal cord can range from mild neck or back pain to paralysis or death, depending on the extent of the injury. Common symptoms of a spinal injury include weakness in a leg, numbness below an injury site, pain when sitting up straight, and tenderness over an injured area.
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries are also common in car accidents. One of the most severe eye injuries is a detached retina. A detached retina is when the retina separates from the back of the eye. It can occur due to blunt force trauma or from shaking your head violently after an accident. Symptoms of a detached retina include flashes or sparks of light, blurry vision, and seeing spots. If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away.
Leg Injuries
Leg injuries are common in car accidents, especially in frontal collisions. When a car is hit from the front, the driver and passengers are thrown forward into the dashboard. This can cause several injuries, including fractures, bruises, internal organ injuries, and brain injuries. These injuries can range from mild strains and sprains to more severe injuries such as fractures and ligament tears. Symptoms of a fracture include swelling, bruising, pain, and loss of function.
Thoracic Injuries
Thoracic injuries are caused by trauma to the chest area. These injuries can include broken ribs, a punctured lung, and internal bleeding. A punctured lung is a severe injury that can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and rapid heartbeat. Internal bleeding can also occur in the chest area and can be life-threatening if not treated. Symptoms of internal bleeding include shortness of breath, chest pain, lightheadedness, and confusion.
Chest Injuries
A chest injury can occur when an object strikes you. This includes the steering wheel or airbag. Also, when thrown forward and hit your head or chest on the dashboard or seat in front of you. They can range from a minor bruise to a broken rib. A fracture is the most common type of chest injury, an interruption in the bone’s continuity. Other possible causes of chest injuries include bruises, lacerations, and abrasions. The possible consequences of a chest contusion include broken ribs, internal bleeding, and lung and heart damage.
There are many other types of injuries that you might sustain in a car accident. If you are involved in a car accident, you must seek medical attention right away. The sooner you receive treatment, the less likely you will suffer long-term damage. If you have been injured in a car accident and would like more information about your legal rights, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your legal options and will work to get you the financial compensation you deserve.
