The United States sees an average of 6 million car accidents every year. These 6 million incidents result in 3 million car accident injuries every year and more than 90 deaths a day.
These are scary numbers. So, what should you be concerned about after you are in an accident? What injuries are the most common? Keep reading to find out.
Common Car Accident Injuries
1. Chest Injuries
These include broken or bruised ribs, contusions, or any internal organ damage. It is common for drivers to experience chest injuries due to their positioning behind the steering wheel.
This position does not allow for much freedom of movement and causes the chest to collide with the wheel. Plus, even if the person is not driving, the seat belt or airbag can still cause severe bruising to the chest.
2. Head and Brain Injuries
Among the most serious of car accident injuries, any injury to the head or brain should never be overlooked. These result from the brain–which is suspended in the skull–slamming into the skull.
Common injuries of the head and brain include:
- Bruising, swelling, or bleeding of the brain
- Concussions
- Fractured Skull
- Recurring traumatic brain injury
The overall effects of the injury could be immediate or remain unnoticeable for quite some time. Either way, getting the proper care after a traumatic brain injury is absolutely necessary.
3. Leg and Arm Injuries
Injuries to your extremities are not uncommon. These injuries may only be some bruises or scrapes, but they could also be more severe.
Often times, the accident will cause your knees to hit the dashboard or seats in front. Other times, depending on the nature of the accident, you could experience penetrative injuries or breaks.
Fractures, brakes, and sprains can hamper your mobility, requiring extensive physical therapy and time to recover.
4. Back and Neck Injuries
During an accident, the sudden acceleration or deceleration is damaging to your spine’s sensitive structures. Since the spine and neck are designed to provide stability and remain flexible, the sudden movement can cause damage.
Common car accident injuries involving the back and neck include:
- Whiplash
- Cervical fractures
- Strain
- Herniated discs
- Spinal disc injuries
5. Spinal Cord Injuries
Another serious injury, the spinal cord injury can cause a loss of major functions, sensations, and paralysis. Injury to the spinal cord occurs when pieces of ligament, bone, or disc fragments are displaced making contact with the spinal cord.
Even after getting medical help for spinal cord injuries, you can be left with regular surgeries, rehabilitative therapy, and medications. And, if the injury cannot be corrected, you can have a permanent disability, keeping you from conducting everyday activities.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for injuries to occur during an accident. And, depending on the damage and the severity of your injury, car accident settlements can be anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to help with damages to tens of thousands needed to pay for medical bills.
So, it’s important to make sure you know what you’re doing or have people who know what to do, before going too far into the process.
Stay Safe
The best thing you can do is practice safe driving. That means put away the phone, keep your hands on the wheel, and give your undivided attention to the cars around you.
Looking for info on repairing your vehicle? You came to the right place. Just find your free repair manual and get to it.