Not all car accidents are as dramatic as the ones we see on our local news channel each night. The same goes for injuries; some are minor while others are more drastic, even leading to death upon impact or hours later in a hospital. No matter what type of car accident you get into, you are at risk for at least a minor injury. And keep in mind that even minor injuries require time to rest and heal — just because you walk away without a scratch doesn’t mean that you don’t have an unseen, or as of yet unfelt, injury. If you are questioning if you should seek medical care, see our recent post on seeking medical care after a car accident.
When you are in a severe accident, chances are you will be taken away from the scene in an ambulance and your injuries will be assessed and treated in an emergency room. Here are some of the most common types of injuries sustained in a car accident that enable you to seek treatment from your own doctor a day or two later. Keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to consult your physician to ensure a seemingly minor problem doesn’t become a big problem down the road.
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in a car accident. It can happen if you were rear-ended — even if it was a slow bump — and it’s also common in more serious car accidents. Whiplash occurs when your head is forcibly shaken from front to back or side to side. The ligaments in the neck are greatly strained during this occurrence, which is the actual cause of the pain you feel. Whiplash will heal over time, but it’s a slow process. Work closely with your physician to ensure that there isn’t a more serious underlying issue, such as a herniated disc.
Low-Body Injuries
Injuries to the knees or legs are not commonly thought of when considering car accident injuries. But they do happen when the area around the driver or passenger is crushed by another vehicle, pushing your own vehicle into your lower body. Some people experience knee injuries, or even broken toes and ankles during a car crash.
Head Injuries
Concussions are another common injury sustained in a car accident. This can occur when the head hits the air bag, steering wheel, windshield or side window. Concussions are a bruising of the brain, caused by the brain internally jolting against the skull. Most concussions are resolved quickly with a lot of rest. But if you experience vomiting, disorientation or severe headaches, be sure to see your doctor again for a closer inspection. You may need to be hospitalized if the concussion is severe.
Back Injuries
Like whiplash, back injuries are very common in car accidents and are caused by the body contorting to absorb the crash. Minor back injuries result in strains or dislocated discs, but they still require medical care to ensure you heal quickly. More serious injuries to the spine can lead to pain while moving, which can become chronic.
If you suffered an injury in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may have a personal injury case. Consult with the experienced car accident attorneys at The May Firm to see if you could hold someone else responsible for your injuries. Call today for a free consultation at 1-844-MAYFIRM.
