Will My Car Accident Result in Arthritis?
A car accident can cause injuries that might trigger arthritis or exacerbate a preexisting condition, and this is not something you should take lightly. Arthritis is often overlooked after a car crash because it can take some time for symptoms to develop. If you have experienced an injury after an accident, you should speak with your doctor about the possibility of developing arthritis. Continue reading to learn more about this joint disease. Why Would a Car Accident Cause Arthritis? Traumatic events, such as a car accident, are likely to leave victims with bodily injuries such as headaches, whiplash, back pain, and more. These injuries can wreak havoc on certain parts of the body and lead to deterioration of bone and cartilage. For this reason, it is not uncommon for an accident to trigger arthritis. What Is Arthritis? According to WebMD, arthritis is a broad term that covers over 100 different joint diseases. In general, it refers to any degree of joint inflammation. Arthritis is a very normal reaction to injury and can include swelling, pain, and stiffness. After a car accident, you might start to feel these symptoms. Some degree of discomfort is natural and expected, but inflammation that lasts for a long time can lead to tissue damage. If you are experiencing any degree of bodily pain after your accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Types of Arthritis There are many different forms of arthritis that a person might develop following a car crash. The two most common types include post-traumatic osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis – Osteoarthrosis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting over 27 million adults in the United States. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis encompasses nearly 12 percent of these cases. This condition refers to cartilage damage that develops following a joint injury. Any amount of joint pain, swelling, or stiffness can be a sign of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease usually associated with aging but can be aggravated by car accident trauma. If you already had an ongoing inflammatory disorder before a crash, any sustained injuries can exacerbate RA and cause it to spread to other joints. How to Prove That a Car Accident Caused or Worsened Your Arthritis If you suspect that your arthritis was caused or aggravated by a car accident, it is critical to seek medical attention. In addition to treatment, your doctor will be able to provide essential documentation to help prove your case. From there, contact a personal injury lawyer to compile your case and help you navigate the process. They will work closely with your insurance provider, healthcare professionals, and other key players to reach the settlement you deserve. Get Help After a Car Accident with Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton If you have been a victim of a car accident and need help pursuing a case, you want the lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton on your side. Our team has over 25 years of experience assisting Utah citizens to recover financially after a car accident occurs. We’ll review your case, give you exceptional legal advice, and help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We have offices in Provo, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
What Are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries?
Over three million people are injured each year in car accidents in the U.S. alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some injuries don’t require medical attention, but severe ones can result in a permanent disability. In today’s blog, we will discuss the two categories of car accident injuries. The Two Categories of Car Accident Injuries There are two broad categories of injuries caused by car collisions, which are impact injuries and penetrating injuries. Impact injuries usually occur when someone’s body hits a part of the car’s interior, such as when a person’s knees hit the dashboard during a crash. On the other hand, penetrating injuries are typically cuts and scratches, usually as a result of shattered windows. Below are the five most common car accident injuries. Number One: Whiplash Whiplash is the common name for ligament, muscle, and tendon injuries that can result from a car collision. When you’re involved in a car accident, your body jolts suddenly, resulting in bodily trauma. Typically, a person experiencing whiplash may strain their muscles and soft tissues without fracturing their bones. Furthermore, this sensation is painful, and in severe cases, it can take months to heal. Number Two: Traumatic Brain Injury Unfortunately, traumatic brain injury is difficult to diagnose. Worst of all, it’s usually permanent. If you experience this injury, you may lose brain functionality, suffer daily headaches, and have difficulty sleeping. Number Three: Broken Ribs Ribs are fragile, and even light or moderate impact can fracture them. You may suffer from fractured ribs in a car accident when you’re pushed forwards, backwards, or sideways as a result of the impact. Sadly, if you break your ribs, you may have to spend months at the hospital. Number Four: Internal Bleeding After a crash, you may experience internal bleeding, which is difficult to diagnose. Because you can’t see the internal bleeding, it can take a few days to realize you have it. If you suspect you’re going through this, you should go to the hospital immediately. If left untreated, you might experience chronic gastrointestinal problems and high blood pressure. Number Five: Knee Trauma If your knees strike your dashboard during a collision, you may develop knee trauma due to strained ligaments and fractured kneecaps. If this occurs, you may need braces, crutches, or surgery to reconstruct your knee. Unfortunately, you may have difficulty walking for the rest of your life. How Can I Prevent Car Accident Injuries? Although you can’t control other drivers on the road, there are a few measures you can take to protect yourself: Always wear your seatbelt Abide by speed limits Inspect your car once a month to make sure everything is in working order Never text and drive Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Is Here for You Car crashes can result in a lifetime of trauma, injury, and medical expenses. If you were recently struck by a negligent driver, a personal injury attorney from Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free case evaluation today.