Every year, there are 3 million people in the United States who are injured in a car accident. Out of these 3 million, 2 million drivers experience permanent injuries from a wreck each year.
From this pool of people, we can learn what the most common car accident injuries are, how to spot them, and when to seek medical attention. Because the possibility of a crash is always there, it is important to know these things.
Read on to learn more.
1. Whiplash
Whiplash refers to ligament, muscle, and tendon injuries that may occur during a car accident. Whiplash happens when your body moves suddenly and faster than you would ever move on your own.
This is one of the most common car accident injuries because a crash can move your body in odd ways with quick movements. You may also experience this feeling on a roller coaster.
The symptoms of whiplash are neck pain, neck stiffness, headaches, and more. After whiplash, your muscles and soft tissues will be strained causing pain.
Whiplash symptoms may not show up right after a car accident which is why it is important to seek medical care if you’ve been in a vehicle crash. You can also search “car accident chiropractor near me” for additional help.
2. Cuts and Scrapes
Even if you just have cuts and scrapes, it is recommended to visit a car accident injury clinic after a wreck. This injury could occur from the impact of vehicle contact or from getting hit by loose projectiles inside the car.
For instance, if your phone is not safely put away while driving, you risk it hitting you if you get into a car accident.
This injury can be painful and cause infections. To avoid complications down the line, visit a medical provider.
3. Head Injury
A car accident head injury can cause immediate complications and symptoms that last well into the future. A traumatic brain injury that is not dealt with properly can cause long-term problems such as:
- Issues with brain functions
- Headaches
- Difficulty sleeping
Bad car accident injuries like this may be hard to diagnose. Often, you’ll have to go through a rigorous treatment plan.
4. Broken Bones
Ribs are the most common bones that break from a car accident, but legs, arms, shoulders, and hips are known to break upon impact as well. Moderate and even light impact can lead to broken ribs that require lengthy rest to heal.
Similar to a broken bone, you may have a herniated disc. This back injury occurs when vertebrae shift or rupture in the spine.
5. Internal Bleeding
Another one of the common car accident injuries is internal bleeding. If not treated right away, this injury can be dangerous, even life-threatening.
Those experiencing internal bleeding may have to visit a specialist to avoid further complications.
Avoiding Common Car Accident Injuries
Common car accident injuries can occur at any time even to the person who is safely driving their vehicle. You may not be able to avoid these issues, but your best chance is to follow all road rules and practice safe driving.
After a car accident, you may experience one or more of these injuries. No matter the severity of the injuries, it is essential to seek medical care.
For more articles on the auto and motor industry, seek out the other posts on our blog.