Car accident injuries can vary from mild to severe. If you’ve never been in a car crash, you might not know what to look for, and you might be surprised at how your body and brain can respond to the trauma of an impact. To better prepare for a potential accident, here are five common injuries from automobile accidents that every Florida driver should know.
1. Whiplash
Whiplash, one of many soft tissue injuries that can occur, is one of the most common neck injuries resulting from car accidents. This type of injury typically manifests as neck pain, and it can sometimes take a day for more to start feeling it. Other than neck discomfort, symptoms of whiplash may include a lack of flexibility in the neck, fatigue, and headaches.
Generally, whiplash occurs as the result of rear-end collisions. Whiplash isn’t always a serious injury, but as with any neck and head injury, it’s important to monitor it closely. If severe headaches begin to occur, the injured person must seek medical treatment.
It’s also possible for the driver to knock their head into the steering wheel, which can cause other head and brain injuries.
2. Bone Fractures
Bone fractures from car accidents typically occur in high-speed collision situations. They are also generally side-impact injuries. Fractures require immediate medical attention. Until they’re correctly dealt with, they can cause significant pain.
Chest injuries, as well as arm and leg injuries resulting from a motor vehicle accident, often involve broken bones. Broken bones may occur just about anywhere on the body, bringing some longer-lasting symptoms.
If you experience this type of injury, keep an eye out for mobility issues, chronic pain, and discomfort. Broken ribs may also cause breathing difficulties.
3. Spinal Cord Injuries
One of the most dangerous injuries resulting from a car accident is spinal cord damage. Rollover accidents are particularly likely to cause this problem. They’re also more likely when a driver or passenger is thrown from a vehicle.
Like all back injuries, spinal cord injuries can cause serious damage to a person’s overall well-being. They can result in lowered spine mobility, extreme back pain, and leg weakness. Respiratory problems may also occur.
Because of how important the back is to the rest of the body, muscle sprains in this area are considered severe injuries and should be treated quickly.
4. Traumatic Brain Injuries
Another common condition resulting from car accidents is traumatic brain injury. Head injuries are especially common internal injuries when the accident involves larger vehicles or a head-on collision occurs.
This kind of injury can affect a person in a variety of ways. Anxiety may increase dramatically for many suffering from a serious brain injury. Physical symptoms like vomiting and nausea may also occur. Permanent brain damage may even result, often leading to cognitive impairment and loss of speech.
5. Psychological Trauma
Last but not least is psychological trauma. Experiencing a car accident can take a serious toll on a person’s mental and emotional health. Post-traumatic stress disorder may become a significant factor for a person after they are injured in an auto accident.
In such cases, it’s important to see a specialist who can assess the psychological damage and help the patient work toward better mental health.
Legal and Medical Help Is Available
If you’ve been injured in a car crash, don’t hesitate to get the help you need now. Contact 1-800-ASK-GARY to connect with expert medical and legal professionals. We can connect you to an experienced attorney or personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate challenges following an accident.
