Injuries are a common repercussion following an auto crash, with statistics suggesting that 5.2 million injuries were medically consulted in 2022. Discussed below are four types of injuries resulting from car accidents.
1. Seat belt injuries
Although seat belts are created to prevent severe injuries and protect you in case of an accident, they can sometimes be the cause of your injuries. Common seat belt injuries you may suffer in an auto crash include:
- Bone fractures: These injuries may occur due to being ejected from your seat for not wearing a seat belt. You may suffer fractures in various body parts, including the back, clavicle, femur, pelvis, and more.
- Rib injuries: A seat belt is meant to restrain you during a crash. Based on the accident’s force, your ribs may be broken or fractured as a result.
- Abrasions or lacerations: A seat belt’s roughness can cause external injuries to your skin
If you’re involved in a car accident, seeking immediate medical treatment will ensure your injuries are accurately diagnosed and the right treatment is administered. If the crash was as a result of someone else’s carelessness, a personal injury lawyer can advise you on the steps to take when seeking compensation.
2. Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from a sudden blow to your head, causing trauma to the brain. Auto accidents are among the causes of TBI because of the sudden and usually extreme impact, especially when traveling at high speeds. Traumatic brain injuries can be mild, intermediate, or severe and are of different types, including the following:
- Diffuse axonal injury (DAI): It happens when the brain shifts back and forth in the skull, severing and damaging the nerve axons
- Concussion: It’s a mild head injury whose symptoms range from nausea, headache, sluggishness, and confusion
- Hematoma: It’s a blood clot that develops when blood vessels rupture
Seeking medical treatment immediately after the accident can help ensure TBI is diagnosed and treated promptly.
3. Soft tissue injuries
Soft tissue injuries are common in auto crashes and aren’t always apparent. They’re common in auto collisions, mainly due to the force of impact usually placed on a victim’s vehicle. The common soft tissue injuries you may suffer in a car accident include:
- Sprains: They happen when a ligament experiences a sudden trauma that pushes the tissue out of its normal motion range
- Whiplash affects soft tissues in your neck and occurs when the head swiftly moves forward and quickly snaps back, tearing multiple soft tissue fibers. Neck stiffness, neck pain, and shoulder pain are common symptoms of whiplash.
- Strains: They’re injuries to the muscles and tendons. Muscle weakness and pain and restricted ability to move the tendon or muscle are common signs of strains.
4. Abdominal injuries
Abdominal injuries suffered in auto accidents are usually caused by the impact of blunt force, such as a seat belt restraint or collision with the steering wheel. These injuries can affect blood vessels, the abdominal wall, and internal organs, resulting in life-threatening complications such as internal bleeding. Abdominal trauma or injuries during an auto crash may be caused by:
- Seatbelt syndrome
- Door intrusion
- Dashboard and steering wheel impact
- Airbag deployment
Seeking immediate medical treatment can help ensure abdominal injuries are caught and treated on time.
Endnote
Auto crashes can lead to injuries ranging from mild to severe. Bone fractures, TBIs, soft tissue injuries, and abdominal injuries are types of accidents resulting from car accidents.
Disclaimer: The content in this article is provided for general knowledge. It does not constitute legal advice, and readers should seek advice from qualified legal professionals regarding particular cases or situations.
Published by Elle G.
