Car accidents are a leading cause of injuries in the United States. Although some vehicle crash injuries are minor, others can be life-threatening or even fatal.
If you’ve been involved in a car crash, it’s important to get medical help immediately, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not produce symptoms for hours or days after the accident. Getting timely medical attention will not only ensure that you get the care you need but will also document your injuries and their effects on your health, which can be important evidence should you want to file a personal injury claim.
It’s best to involve an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and options. They will also ensure maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma.
Here are the 7 most common car accident injuries and what to look out for.
Neck and Back Injuries
Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries and can occur even in low-speed collisions. The impact force causes the head and neck to snap back and forth, damaging the muscles, ligaments, and discs in the spine. In severe cases, whiplash can lead to nerve damage and chronic pain. Watch for symptoms of whiplash and back injuries after an accident:
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Stiffness
- Lower back pain
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Muscle spasms
Head and Brain Injuries
Brain and head injuries can range from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries are often caused by the head being jarred violently during a car accident. Concussions occur when the head violently shakes, causing the brain to collide with the skull. This can result in temporary confusion, dizziness, and headaches. The most serious head injuries result in TBI, which can cause long-term problems such as paralysis, cognitive impairment, and even death. That said, head and brain injury symptoms are not always obvious; some can even appear weeks or months after the accident. Watch out for symptoms like:
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Indifference
- Depression
- Irritability
- Changes in vision
- Changes in personality
- Trouble balancing
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty remembering new information
- Sensitivity to noise and light
- Numbness of body parts
- Loss of consciousness
Chest and abdominal injuries
Abdominal and chest injuries are some of the most serious car accident injuries. These injuries often occur when the seatbelt restrains the occupant’s torso, causing the chest and abdominal organs to collide with the rib cage. This can cause serious internal bleeding, organ damage, and even death. Watch for these chest and abdominal injuries symptoms, and seek immediate medical help. Even if the pain is mild, it could signify something more serious. Internal bleeding, for example, is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
- Pain or tenderness in the abdomen or chest
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Internal bleeding
- Cracked rib
Pelvic and Hip Injuries
Pelvic and hip injuries are common car accident injuries, particularly in high-speed collisions. These injuries often occur when the impact of the collision causes the pelvis and hips to compress, resulting in fractures, dislocations, and internal bleeding. Pelvic and hip injuries can be extremely painful and may require surgery to repair. Watch for these symptoms of pelvic and hip injuries, and seek immediate medical help:
- Intense pain in the pelvis or hip
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
Leg and Knee Injuries
Car collisions can cause a range of leg and knee injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to serious fractures and dislocations. These injuries often occur when the impact of the collision causes the legs and knees to absorb the brunt of the force. This can result in serious tissue damage, bone fractures, and even amputation. Here are some symptoms of leg and knee injuries:
- Intense pain in the legs or knees
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Numbness or tingling in the
Scraps and Cuts Injuries
Scraps and cuts are common car accident injuries, particularly if the driver or passengers weren’t wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. These injuries often occur when the impact of the collision causes the driver or passengers to be hurled against the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows. The glass from shattered windows can also cause cuts and lacerations. Symptoms of scraps and cuts include:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Pain
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Accidents don’t just lead to physical injuries but can also cause psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD occurs when someone experiences a traumatic event, such as a car accident, and cannot stop thinking about it or reliving the experience. This can lead to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia and a host of other psychological problems
Legal Help for Car Accident Injury Victims
An experienced car accident lawyer will know how to navigate the complex legal system to get you the compensation you deserve. Insurance firms will have their lawyers working hard to minimize the amount of money they have to pay, but with a knowledgeable lawyer on your side, you level the playing field.
A lawyer can also help ensure that all necessary evidence is gathered and preserved. Things like police reports, witness statements, and medical records will all be critical to building a strong case, but they can be difficult to obtain on your own.
Dealing with the insurance companies and the legal system can be time-consuming and stressful, but it’s something that your lawyer can handle for you. This will allow you to focus on your physical recovery and put you in the best possible position to get full and fair compensation for your injuries.
If you’ve been involved in a vehicle crash, don’t wait to seek legal help. A lawyer can make all the difference in getting your desired outcome.