The list of possible injuries after a car accident is long, and the most common ones are:
- Back injuries
- Internal injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Neck and whiplash injuries
These injuries can be excruciating and limit your ability to perform even the simplest tasks. If you suffer from one of these injuries, you must seek medical attention immediately to avoid long-term damage.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
If you have been involved in a car accident, you may be wondering what you can do to protect yourself from brain injury. The first thing you can do is seek medical attention if you have any symptoms. Traumatic brain injuries are severe and should be treated by a qualified medical professional. Depending on the extent of the damage, treatment will differ.
Traumatic brain injuries can be classified into two categories:
- A primary injury
- A secondary injury
A primary TBI occurs when an object hits the head and damages it directly, while a secondary injury occurs when the brain swells due to the primary injury. A worst-case scenario is a person who sustains both types of TBI. Even though the symptoms of a mild TBI are not very serious, they are still life-threatening.
While most people with TBIs will recover in just a few weeks, others may take months, even years, to fully recover. Treatment and rehabilitation for people with TBIs are expensive, and evidence of a diagnosis by a physician can be helpful in filing a personal injury lawsuit. You should contact a physician immediately if you suffer from this type of brain injury.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
When a person gets into a car accident, they are at risk of suffering spinal cord injuries. In addition to compression between vertebrae, there may be bone fragments in the area. In severe cases, the spinal cord may also become inflamed or swollen. Whatever the cause, spinal cord injuries can be devastating. They may require rehabilitation therapy and medication.
The most devastating consequence of a spinal cord injury is paralysis. When the spinal cord is damaged, the nerves that control arm and leg muscles become severely injured. The resulting paralysis will result in no movement in the affected body part, and the person will be completely immobile, often with no feeling. Some victims will experience partial or complete paralysis, and others will experience complete paralysis. Paralysis is devastating for a person who has suffered a car accident.
Back Injuries
During a car accident, the facet joints of the spine may be injured. Facet joints are the pieces that allow you to move in your spine and are vulnerable to injury when the spine is forced into hyperextension. Injuries to these joints can lead to back pain and radiate into the buttocks.
A herniated disc occurs when a cushion-like disc breaks and splays into the spinal canal, applying pressure to the spinal cord and nerves. Disc herniation occurs when the soft inner filling of a disc protrudes through the outer encasing. This protruding material is then in contact with the surrounding nerves and can cause intense back pain.
Burns
A person who suffers from burns in a car accident may be able to receive compensation for these injuries. The severity of burn injuries varies depending on the type and location of the accident. A person who sustains such a burn needs emergency medical care. The victim may be admitted to a local hospital or specialized burn unit or receive treatment on an outpatient basis.
Although fire is sporadic in a car accident, if it does occur, the resulting burn injuries may be severe and fatal. According to 2010 statistics, 0.1 percent of all vehicles involved in traffic crashes in the U.S. suffered thermal burns. These burns may be caused by an external source, such as a hot radiator, or can affect many internal organs. Burn injuries of this type may require years of medical treatment to recover from, and severe burns can prevent a person from working for a long time.
Internal Injuries
The most common internal injuries after a car accident are ruptured blood vessels and bleeding inside the body. In the worst cases, internal injuries can even cause death.
Even minor internal injuries can cause long-term problems, so it is essential to seek medical care if you suspect a problem. Severe internal bleeding can cause a coma and death, so you must seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Fractures and Broken Bones
When you are in a car accident, you should go to the hospital immediately if you feel any pain or swelling. It may be hard to tell if you have a broken bone because shock and adrenaline can mask the pain. Broken bones can lead to long-term disability and even require multiple orthopedic surgeries. In addition to the physical pain, these injuries can lead to emotional anguish. Therefore, seeking medical attention as soon as possible after an accident is critical to ensure proper healing.
X-rays are often the first step of the diagnosis process. X-rays and bone scans are important tools in determining fractures. Some broken bones are harder to detect than others, such as stress fractures requiring a particular type of treatment. In many cases, the fractured bone must be repositioned and held in place for several weeks or months before it heals properly.
Disfiguring Facial Injuries and Scars
After a car accident, you may be left with a host of disfiguring facial injuries and scars. This type of facial trauma is particularly disfiguring, requiring significant medical treatment, including multiple reconstructive surgeries. Moreover, you may also experience a mental and emotional crisis – you may not recognize your face or feel self-conscious in public. Ultimately, your appearance may be permanently changed.
Face injuries are particularly disturbing because they can result in deep skin abrasions, multiple painful fractures, and even intracranial hemorrhages. While these types of injuries can cause temporary scarring and pain, if they’re not treated properly, they can lead to more severe conditions, including amputations and other procedures. In some cases, these injuries can even be fatal if left untreated.
Neck Injuries and Whiplash
When involved in a car crash, neck and back muscles are often the most severely injured parts of the body. Damaged tissues can result in pinched nerves, bone displacement, and a stiff neck. These injuries can cause severe pain, numbness, and tingling. Fortunately, whiplash injuries are easily treatable with over-the-counter medications and physical therapy. Besides taking painkillers, car accident victims can try ice packs or heat for sore neck muscles. For severe whiplash pain, prescription painkillers may be prescribed.
The severity of neck injuries varies, and the effects may be immediate or long-term. Although most people in an accident recover completely, neck injuries can result in life-changing problems. Whiplash can occur from a minor accident or a major collision and is often misdiagnosed as a herniated disc. In severe cases, a slipped disc or vertebral dislocation can result in debilitating pain and limited mobility.
Speak With Our Car Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident and was injured, don’t hesitate to contact our attorneys for a free consultation.
