In the fast-paced world we live in, car accidents are far too common. In the United States alone, an estimated six million car accidents occur each year. Unfortunately, one in three accidents leads to injury. If you or a loved one has been involved in any type of car accident, you know how scary these situations can be. While some accidents are out of our hands, there are steps everyone can take to be safer out on the road. Read on to learn about the most common car accident injuries and the efforts you can take to avoid having to endure these injuries.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accident injuries can be very serious. Depending on the severity of the crash, your body can be put through a lot of stress. Check out the most common car accident injuries below.
1. Back Injuries
The impact of a car accident can place an extreme amount of torque on the body. This impact can cause long-term disability in the form of a spinal cord injury. The spine is not designed to sustain heavy impact. Therefore, back injuries or spinal cord injuries are extremely prevalent following car crashes. These types of injuries can be very serious and long-lasting.
2. Neck Injuries
Whiplash is another common injury sustained in car accidents. Whiplash is a common term for soft tissue damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the neck. Whiplash can cause severe disk injury and cervical dislocation. This type of car accident injury can be very painful and can take a great deal of time to heal. Whiplash can occur even at impact speeds as low as 15 mph.
3. Burns
If a vehicle catches fire during a crash, passengers are at risk of suffering from burns. Even if the vehicle does not catch on fire, burns from hot fluids, steam, chemicals, or surfaces can occur following a car crash. This exposure also places passengers of the vehicle at risk for burns. Severe burns may require surgery or skin-grafting procedures.
4. Internal Injuries
Flying debris and force brought on by car accidents can lead to internal injuries. Damage to internal organs and internal bleeding can occur. These types of injuries may be hard to spot immediately following an accident. However, they are very serious injuries that require urgent emergency medical treatment.
5. Broken Bones
Experiencing fractures or broken bones is also common following a car accident. Many car accident injuries include broken legs, arms, ankles, and wrists. In a severe accident, some individuals even suffer from a broken pelvis. Bone breaks range widely in severity. However, regardless of the break, it will take a significant amount of time to heal and rehabilitate a broken bone.
6. Knee Injuries
Car accidents can cause passengers to slam into various parts of the interior. A common repercussion of this experience is a knee injury. The meniscus, or cartilage of the knee, can end up tearing if a knee is twisted or turned abruptly during the accident. Rehabilitation from a knee injury can take months, and it may take even longer to start feeling like yourself again.
7. Shoulder Injuries
Just like knee injuries, shoulder injuries are another common injury sustained during car accidents. Shoulder injuries are a common result of force absorption after bracing the hands against the steering wheel or dashboard during the crash. Shoulder injuries also require a lengthy rehabilitation process to regain full range of motion.
8. Disfigurement
With airbags going off and broken glass flying during intense car accidents, facial injuries and disfigurements are all too common. These types of injuries may require surgical correction and can leave lasting scars throughout the body.
9. Loss of Limbs
One of the most severe physical injuries to endure in a car accident is the loss of a limb. Arms, legs, fingers, toes, or other appendages can be severed during car accidents. In some instances, the damage sustained to appendages is severe enough to require surgical amputation. These types of car accident injuries can leave individuals permanently disabled.
10. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
While not a physical injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is another common car accident injury. Car accidents can be traumatic events that may cause individuals to suffer from mental or emotional stress following the event. Talking to a mental healthcare specialist or therapist can help significantly when dealing with PTSD.
How to Avoid Car Accident Injuries
Each of the injuries mentioned above is difficult to endure and overcome. Unfortunately, unexpected car accidents can lead to painful injuries that impact you for weeks or years into the future. While you can’t control other drivers out on the road, you can practice defensive driving and take steps to avoid having to deal with car accident injuries. To avoid being in a car accident and having to deal with car accident injuries, always practice the following:
- Always wear your seatbelt
- Always observe the speed limit
- Make sure your vehicle is in working order
Consult With a Car Accident Lawyer Today
Car accident injuries can be very difficult to overcome, both physically and financially. If you or a loved one were recently involved in a car accident, it would be in your best interest to seek legal advice as soon as possible. An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to help you and your family better navigate the difficult road ahead.