Car accidents are unfortunately very common and can cause serious injury or even death. Even low-speed collisions can have devastating impacts on those involved. It’s important to know the potential risks and what injuries may occur in an accident.
There are many types of injuries that can result from a car accident, ranging from mild to life-threatening. Commonly seen injuries include whiplash, broken bones, lacerations, head trauma, burns, and internal organ damage.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common injuries resulting from car accidents, how they can be prevented and treated, and who is liable for any costs associated with them. Read on to learn more.
Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash is an injury caused by forceful, rapid back-and-forth neck movement, most often due to a car accident.
It typically occurs when a vehicle is hit from behind or when a driver is rear-ended. When the head moves quickly in one direction and then another, it causes the muscles and ligaments in the neck to stretch beyond their normal range of motion.
Whiplash can be diagnosed using imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs. These tests help identify any damage that has been done to the soft tissues in the neck area, as well as any breaks or fractures in the bones of the vertebrae.
Treating whiplash involves rest, ice/heat therapy, medications like NSAIDs and muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.
In severe cases where there is permanent damage done to spinal discs or other structures in the neck area, more intensive treatment may be required.
When determining who pays for damages resulting from a whiplash injury sustained during an auto accident, liability will depend on which party was at fault for causing it in the first place.
If you were injured while driving your own vehicle, you’ll likely have to bear some responsibility.
However, if you were injured because someone else caused an accident, they may be liable for all costs associated with treating your injuries.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Back and spinal cord injuries can occur in a car accident due to the force of impact. These injuries can range from very mild to severe, with symptoms including sharp pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected area.
Common back and spinal cord injuries from car accidents include fractures of vertebrae, slipped discs, compression fractures, and ligament damage.
Treatment for this type of injury will depend on the severity of the problem, but can include physical therapy, medications, surgery, and/or rehabilitation.
As with whiplash injuries, liability for covering costs associated with back and spinal cord injuries resulting from a car accident is determined by who was at fault in causing it.
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior, they might be liable for covering your medical bills and other associated costs.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Broken legs, limbs, ribs, wrists, and arms are common in car accidents.
The most common type of fracture is a complete break, where the bone is cracked into two or more pieces. This can occur due to a direct blow, the force of an impact, or from being crushed between two objects.
Treatment for fractures usually involves immobilizing the affected area with splints or casts to allow the bone time to heal. Depending on the severity of the fracture, surgery may be necessary as well.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are another common type of injury seen in car accidents.
These can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries, which can cause long-term physical and cognitive impairments.
Symptoms include confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, nausea, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating.
Treatment for head injuries depends on the severity of the injury. Rest and relaxation may be enough in mild cases to allow for recovery.
More severe head injuries usually require hospitalization and physical therapy or rehabilitation to help the patient recover their cognitive functions and relearn basic skills like walking or speaking.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain cells caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head.
Common symptoms of TBI include confusion, headache, dizziness, vision difficulties, and memory problems. In more severe cases, patients may experience paralysis, loss of consciousness, and even death.
Treatment for TBI usually involves rest and medication to reduce swelling in the brain and help with the pain. More severe cases may require physical therapy or even surgery to repair damaged brain tissue.
Liability for covering the costs associated with TBI will depend on who is at fault for causing it. If someone else caused the accident that resulted in your injury, they might be liable for covering your medical bills.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are closely related but refer to different types of injuries.
A sprain is an injury to the ligaments and tendons in a joint caused by overextending or tearing them. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising around the affected area.
A strain is an injury to muscles or tendons caused by overstretching or tearing them. Symptoms include pain, weakness, and muscle spasms.
Treatment for sprains and strains usually involves immobilizing the affected area with a splint or cast to reduce swelling and allow the muscles to heal.
Physical therapy may also be necessary to help restore strength and mobility in the affected area.
Summary
No matter the type of injury you’ve suffered in a car accident, getting the right medical attention as soon as possible is important to ensure that you recover fully.
It’s also important to contact an experienced lawyer who can help determine who is liable for covering your medical bills and any other costs associated with your injuries.
By taking the right steps, you can ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for any physical pain, emotional distress, and financial losses caused by a car accident.