Car accidents can leave devastating damage to a vehicle, but they can leave even more destruction on the individuals involved. While some injuries may not always be visible or immediate, it's crucial to understand what injuries are commonly seen when car crashes occur.
Head Injuries
One of the most commonly seen injuries from the result of a car accident are head injuries. They mostly occur due to the sudden stop or change in the direction of the car. This leads to unnatural and sudden movement to the head. Concussions or whiplash can occur, and further injuries, such as muscle sprains to the neck and back can, are also common. In severe impacts, brain damage may also occur due to the damage sustained to the fluid and tissues inside the skull.
Broken Bones
Due to the blunt force trauma of an accident it is not uncommon to see fractured bones as a result. Any bone can be affected during a crash, however it is more likely to see injuries sustained to your extremities such as arms, hands, and legs. Extremities are most commonly affected due to their first instinct to protect yourself by reaching out to brace for impact or in the case of a rear-end accident, the impact placed on the bones that are holding your arms onto the steering wheel. If you are experiencing any swelling, bruising, redness, severe pain, or loss of function after an accident, you should immediately seek medical treatment for further evaluation and treatment.
Emotional Injuries
While physical injuries are the first to come to mind after any type of physical trauma, it is not the only form that can occur. Emotional injuries are usually always sustained after an accident, as well. Feelings of anxiety or depression are most commonly seen especially if other injuries or disabilities have occured. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may also occur after a traumatic experience such as a car accident. You may begin to have feelings of fear while driving or being in a vehicle, begin to have sleep disturbances such as nightmares, or may correlate certain sounds or images to the accident.
If you are having these types of effects after an accident, it is crucial you contact a doctor as soon as possible to better manage and treat these psychological injuries so that you can return to your normal life.
While these injuries are most commonly seen after a car crashes, there are numerous other injuries that can also take place. If you have suffered one of these injuries or those not mentioned as a result of a car accident, contact a Columbia, MO, car accident lawyer now to seek compensation you deserve.
