What Injuries are Common in Car Accidents?
September 16, 2020
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately three million people are injured in car accidents each year in the United States. Distracted driving, drunk and drugged driving, and speeding cause many of these accidents. However, wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of injury by nearly 50 percent.
What Physical Injuries are Common in Car Wrecks?
Although injuries caused by car accidents vary, there are some very common physical injuries, including:
Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Whiplash is an injury to the soft tissues of the neck which is caused by a sudden impact. Other severe neck and cervical spine injuries include bulging disks and dislocation.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries: The back and spinal cord can also be damaged in a car accident due to the immense impact of a crash. Sometimes, these injuries take a long time to manifest and can be very debilitating. In some cases, spinal cord injuries can even lead to paralysis.
Fractures: Frequently, car accidents cause bones to break. Common broken bones include the shoulders, arms, pelvis, wrists, and legs. Depending on the severity of the crash, the fracture may be minor or a serious break that requires surgery.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: Blunt trauma from a car crash can also impact the brain and head. Severe brain injuries can lead to a permanent disability, the loss of motor skills, and other brain damage that significantly impacts one’s quality of life.
Bruises, Cuts, and Scrapes: Other common injuries are caused by broken glass and flying objects. Bruises are caused by blunt trauma from hitting car parts and flying metal, which also leads to cuts and scrapes. If the impact is severe, flying objects can cause penetrating injuries, such as organ damage and the loss of blood.
Can Car Accidents Cause Mental Injuries?
Although physical injuries are serious, car accidents can also cause mental injuries. A common mental injury is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can cause the victim to experience debilitating symptoms, such as the following:
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Irritability
- Nightmares
- Reoccurring traumatic memories
- Hallucinations
What Steps Should I Take After an Accident?
Immediately after an accident, it is vital to seek medical care. Many injuries may not be apparent at the time of the accident, and hidden injuries may be exacerbated without proper care. Medical professionals are trained to evaluate injuries from car accidents. They will be able to identify injuries before they become serious. The medical provider can also document the accident and injuries suffered, which will help when filing a personal injury claim.
Additionally, a victim should speak to an experienced attorney after a car wreck. Injuries can be costly, and a lawyer can ensure that a victim receives the maximum amount of compensation. Also, an attorney can utilize legal tools to seek documents, interview witnesses, and present expert testimony to bolster a personal injury case.
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. Help Car Accident Victims Recover Compensation for Costly Injuries
Car accidents cause various injuries, so it is important that a victim receives compensation. If you were injured in a recent car crash, speak to one of our Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 215-569-9100. Located in Philadelphia, we proudly serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.