Car accidents are common and a leading cause of death around the world. Motor vehicle crashes often result in serious injuries that have the potential to change the life of an individual. Here are some of the common injuries that a victim may suffer as a result of a car accident:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury or paralysis
- Orthopedic injuries, such as broken legs and arms
- Polytrauma or other multiple injuries
- Scarring
- Blindness
- Psychiatric injury, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder
If the accident was not your fault, then you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim for the compensation you deserve. The immense force created during an accident can be deadly or lead to devastating injuries. The back and neck are particularly sensitive areas, and many motor vehicle accidents cause injuries to these parts of the body.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.35 million people die each year as a result of road crashes. Continue reading to learn more about the risks associated with car accidents.
You can also contact an experienced Car Accident Lawyer for advice about the steps you can take following a motor vehicle crash.
What types of neck injuries do car accidents cause?
In a car collision, your neck may jerk back and forth. Sudden movement or flying debris can cause injury to the muscles, tendons, joints, and nerves in the cervical spine.
After the incident, the signs and symptoms of a neck injury may take days or even weeks to appear. It is suggested to seek medical help immediately and get a proper examination, even if you are unsure whether you have been injured. These are some of the most common symptoms that an individual may experience with a neck injury:
- Neck pain
- Stiffness
- Tingling or numbness
- Weakness in the arms, hands, or fingers
- Dizziness or headaches
- Pain in the shoulders, arms, and hands
A minor neck injury has the potential to cause chronic pain and can lead to long-term complications. Therefore, it is important that you do not ignore pain or any of the symptoms listed above.
The following are the most common types of neck injuries that victims incur in car accidents:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury that may occur because of sudden and unexpected motion. Rapid back-and-forth movement can cause critical injuries.
- Neck fractures: At times, an accident may even lead to a neck fracture, which can cause severe pain or paralysis. If you experience even minor pain, you should seek immediate medical attention. Without medical assistance, even a minor injury can turn severe. A fracture can cause various limitations, including permanent paralysis.
- Soft tissue damage: These types of injuries may affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons throughout the body. A collision can tear soft tissue and lead to sprains or strains.
- Cuts and lacerations: Debris created in an accident, such as from car glass or other objects, may fall and lead to deep cuts.
What are the most common back injuries that crashes may cause?
A huge amount of force and pressure may be exerted on the back, which can result in severe injuries. Theses are some of the common symptoms that an individual may experience following a back injury:
- Severe pain
- Stiffness
- Difficulty in moving
- Numbness or tingling in arms, hands, legs, or feet
- Difficulty with standing or walking
- Muscle spasms
The following are the most common back injuries that may occur in car accidents:
- Thoracic spine injuries: An injury to the thoracic spine can be serious and result in permanent nerve damage. Multiple body organs may be affected by these injuries. Spinal injuries can also affect an individual’s bowel and bladder control.
- Spinal cord injuries: These are one of the most dangerous and life-changing types of injuries. A critical spinal cord injury can result in the following:
- Total or partial paralysis
- Loss of feeling in certain parts of the body
- Loss of reflex function
- Herniated discs: Also known as slipped discs or ruptured discs, herniated discs generally occur when a disc is displaced. An individual may experience sudden and intense pain in the lower part of the back, most commonly. The condition may also lead to numbness in the legs.
What should you do after a crash?
In the event that you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash, you should take these steps to reduce the impact of injuries.
- Seek immediate medical help:
Car collisions commonly result in severe injuries to the back and neck. This occurs because these areas may face extremely high pressure and an incredible amount of force in a collision. It is advisable to let your doctor evaluate you to determine whether your injuries are severe, even if you are unsure whether you are hurt. Some injuries may be serious even when they do not seem so initially. This is why you should seek immediate help to prevent your injuries from getting worse.
Can car injuries lead to long-term complications?
Injuries caused in car accidents can cause various long-term complications. They may limit an individual’s ability to work and function efficiently, including preventing the victim from performing even the most simple daily tasks. It can be a challenging situation for an individual physically, mentally, and financially. Therefore, one should seek immediate medical help to get proper treatment for their injuries.
After a crash, a doctor would evaluate one’s injuries to determine the appropriate treatment. With the help of X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, myelograms, and bone scans, medical professionals can diagnose your injury. The treatment may vary and depend on the type or severity of the injuries. In serious situations, the victim may require surgery to alleviate the pressure on the spinal cord or the brain.
When a person has suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, they may be eligible to recover compensation. You can trust a Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyer to help you with your claim to recover compensation for the losses you have suffered.