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Did you know that 20-50 million people are injured or disabled every year in automobile accidents?
If you’ve ever been involved in a car crash, you know how frightening and shocking they can be.
But do you know the most common car accident injuries to look out for? Furthermore, do you know what you need to do after being involved in an accident?
Head injuries in accidents can range from mild to severe depending on the individual, their head placement, and the impact of the accident. While some head injuries are minor, some can be life-threatening and should never be taken lightly.
For example, in a minor crash, an impact with a window or steering wheel can cause a simple injury resulting in little more than a bump or bruise. However, a high impact collision or roll-over accident can result in serious concussions or brain tissue damage.
Traumatic brain injuries can be hard to diagnose at first. You might not experience any initial symptoms. Sometimes a head injury might just feel like a mild headache. Some symptoms may not occur until weeks after an injury, so anytime you suspect a head injury you should always get a full medical evaluation to rule out any potential problems.
Signs of a traumatic brain injury can include a combination of physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental symptoms. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to the following:
Physical:
Sensory symptoms:
Cognitive or mental symptoms:
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms following an accident you might have sustained a traumatic brain injury. First, it’s essential that you seek both immediate and follow up medical attention.
Next, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. A traumatic brain injury can have a long-term negative impact on your health and well-being. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to help you get the compensation you’ll need for longterm treatment or loss of income that results from your accident.
A broken bone happens when the physical force applied to the bone carries more strength than the actual bone. Simple bone fractures refer to the bone breakage without open wounds. Compound fractures, on the other hand, penetrate through the skin.
If you have a broken bone, you probably know it. You won’t be able to move the body part (or it will be extremely painful to do so). A doctor should be able to provide a quick evaluation and diagnosis.
Back injuries, particularly spinal cord injuries, are common after serious car accidents. Severe damage may result in body paralysis. However, milder damage can result in issues like herniated disks.
Like head injuries, back injuries are not always obvious. However, it is essential to receive a thorough screening after your accident.
Whiplash is a common injury that occurs when the neck undergoes rapid back-and-forth movements. It primarily happens in accidents when the driver is rear-ended. Common symptoms include neck stiffness, pain, and headaches.
Pain from whiplash might not be felt until the following day or two after the accident. Most people who experience whiplash feel better in a few weeks. However, in serious cases, the pain can persist for several months or years.
Although they may be invisible, psychological injuries are common after a traumatic event like a car accident. PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) symptoms vary from person to person.
Flashbacks, sleep disturbances, and nightmares are common symptoms. Some people may develop an aversion or phobia to driving. Others may experience deep depression, especially if other passengers suffered injuries or death. For some, PTSD may manifest with increased irritability or agitation.
If you are struggling with the emotional and psychological aftermath of an accident there are professional treatment options available. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one option that is often helpful in addressing symptoms of PTSD you may be experiencing after an accident.
Awareness of common car accident injuries can help you understand the steps you need to take if an accident occurs. It also reminds you to be aware of symptoms as they may emerge and to reach out for medical attention as soon as possible.
If you have been in an accident that resulted in any type of injury the first step is to get a full medical evaluation. Proper diagnosis will ensure you get the right follow-up care and treatment for your injury. Depending on the type of injury you sustained treatment may be as simple as applying ice, heat, or resting until recovery. More severe injuries could require physical therapy or surgery.
There is no doubt that car accidents can be terrifying (and expensive), especially if an injury is involved. You don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, make sure you are represented legally.
If you were injured and another party was at fault you are entitled to compensation. To make sure you get the full compensation you deserve certain steps must be taken. Careful documentation of your accident, injury, symptoms, follow-up care, and emotional state plays a big role in determining the amount you will receive.
It’s important to note that the insurance adjuster’s job is to settle an accident claim as quickly and cheaply as possible. They are aware that there is a potential delay in the onset of symptoms from an accident, so they will take advantage of this and push you to settle your claim before you might even be aware of certain symptoms. It’s best to let an attorney deal directly with the insurance company to ensure you get the maximum amount you are entitled to.
At Burnett Law Office, we have extensive, professional experience in car accident injury cases. Learn more about how we can help you today. Call us at 480-347-9116 for a free consultation.