In the United States, there is an average of 16,438 car accidents every day. These terrifying collisions can cause damage to your vehicle and cause bodily injuries as well. It is also crucial to know some people do not recognize injuries right away. Injuries with delayed onset may cause pain weeks, months, and years after the car accident. Here is an overview of some of the most immediately recognizable injuries, as well as a few that might take some time to show up.
Immediately Recognizable Injuries
Scrapes, Cuts and Soft Tissue Injuries
Scrapes, cuts and soft tissue injuries frequently occur during car accidents. They can happen on the face and anywhere on the body. Cuts and scrapes can be minor or more critical injuries. Cuts become more consequential if they require stitches or cause excessive bleeding. Excessive bleeding requires immediate medical attention.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are a common occurrence in motor vehicle accidents. The most common type of head injury is concussions. A concussion happens when the head is impacted or shook severely. Some symptoms of concussions include dizziness, confusion, double vision, slurred speech, and ringing in the ears.
Broken Bones
Broken bones occur in many motor vehicle accidents. The body parts that break most often are the arms, legs, and pelvis areas. Broken bones are very painful and require a lengthy healing time. A person may need rehabilitation treatment for broken bones.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are common in car accidents as well. Internal injuries are injuries that you can not see but are dangerous. They affect vital internal organs such as the kidneys, spleen, and more. Internal injuries require medical care as soon as possible.
Injuries with Delayed Onset
Whiplash
Whiplash is also a common injury that is associated with car accidents. It affects the muscles in the neck and back when the car stops suddenly. Some people can experience torn muscles in the neck and back. A herniated disc in the back is also a common side effect of whiplash. While neck and spine pain might be immediate, it can also take some time to fully manifest.
Post-Traumatic Stress
Being involved in a car accident is a stressful experience for many people. People may find it challenging to cope with their injuries. Their finances may also suffer as a result of the car accident. Some people can experience post-traumatic stress after a motor vehicle accident. Some symptoms of PTS are anxiety, trouble sleeping, not wanting to drive, and nightmares. It is vital to get treatment for emotional injuries and physical injuries during and after a car accident.
No one plans or wants to get in a car accident. Unfortunately, they can happen anywhere and any time of the day. They can change people’s lives forever. Knowing some of the common injuries in a car accident can be useful when seeking treatment after a car accident, especially when injuries aren’t immediately apparent.
