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.