Car accidents are a scary part of driving. Even a small bump can leave people hurt. Young or old, anyone can be injured in a crash. But two things affect how badly someone gets hurt: the force of the crash and the person.
The harder the hit, the worse the injuries are likely to be. Even in a minor accident, some people might be more likely to get hurt because of their health or age.
It doesn’t matter if you suffered a minor scratch or a debilitating injury; as long as someone else caused it, the law says you can hold them accountable. Car accident lawyers can help you do this.
Common Types of Injuries Suffered by Car Accident Victims
Here are the most common types of car accident injuries people suffer every year, according to statistics:
- Surface Bruises
These are the most common injuries you’ll see after a car accident. They appear as tender, discolored patches on your skin, often blue or purple at first, then turning green or yellow as they heal. Most bruises are harmless and heal on their own within a couple of weeks with some rest and maybe some ice packs.
If, after a few weeks, the bruises are still there, you should consult a doctor to rule out any possibility of an underlying injury.
- Back injuries
Your back feels the most impact when the car jolts all of a sudden. The muscles, ligaments, and discs in your spine can become overstretched or even torn.
As a result of this, you’ll likely experience pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving. Lower back pain is a frequent complaint after accidents, especially if you were hit from behind. Severe back pain can be treated with rest, pain medication, physical therapy, or even, in rare cases, surgery.
- Neck injuries
Whiplash is a common neck injury often associated with car accidents. If your neck was forcefully jolted back and forth during the accident, your muscles and ligaments will be forcefully strained.
Whiplash symptoms might not appear immediately but can develop over a few days. As soon as you notice it, go to the hospital to get checked out. Untreated whiplash often metamorphoses into severe neck injuries, including fractures of the vertebrae or damage to the spinal cord.
- Internal injuries
Internal injuries are often the most concerning consequence of a car accident because they might not be immediately apparent. The impact can cause damage to organs like the spleen, liver, or kidneys, leading to internal bleeding.
If you’re fine on the outside but constantly feel abdominal pain, nausea, and dizziness, make sure you rush to the hospital. Internal injuries can be fatal if left untreated, and there’s no cure for fatality.
- Broken bones
Broken bones, or fractures, are a serious consequence of car accidents. The force of impact can fracture any bone in the body, with the severity ranging from a hairline crack to a complete break.
Symptoms include intense pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, and an inability to use the affected limb.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are serious injuries caused by a blow to the head. They can occur even in seemingly minor car accidents. The brain can be bruised, shaken, or even pierced by skull fragments.
Symptoms of TBI can vary depending on the severity of the injury and might not be immediately apparent. They can include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of consciousness (in severe cases)
If you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident, seek immediate medical attention. TBI can be easily handled with early detection, so don’t waste another second.
Conclusion
Sometimes, you just might be lucky enough to walk out of an accident without as much as a single scratch. If this has not been the case for you, you have every right to seek compensation.
Your lawyer will assess the full extent of your injuries to come up with fair compensation for your troubles.
