Automobile accidents can cause different types of injuries in several parts of your body. The severity depends on the circumstances of the crash and the seriousness of the impact. If you take a closer look at the range of insurance and personal injury claims related to automobile accidents, you’ll see that certain injuries stand out more than others. The following are some of the most common injuries and symptoms that occur in a car accident.
Back and Spine Injury
Your, back, spine and all connecting muscles are susceptible to being injured in an auto accident. Back injuries can become chronic, debilitating and painful. Acute back pain is intense and lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Chronic back pain is less severe, but persists for a long period of time and reappears every few months. Though acute or severe back pain improves over time, chronic back pain can get progressively worse. It’s a frustrating reality for victims and requires multiple treatment sessions by a psychiatric therapist. People suffering from chronic back pain can have any of the following conditions:
- A herniated disk, whereby a disc of the spine bulges and puts pressure on nearby nerves
- Fibromyalgia, when a person is subjected to ongoing aches and stiffness
- Sciatica, which is pain in the legs brought on by pressure on the nerves of the lower back.
Cuts
During an accident flying objects inside the car like broken glass and metallic parts can cause all types of wounds. Simple cuts may heal by themselves or with a few stitches. Deep lacerations may result in hemorrhage due to blood loss and will require surgery to heal. Permanents scars can result from deep cuts and plastic surgery may be required to minimize visible scars, especially if the scars are on the face or neck.
Head Injury, Brain Injury and Concussion
A concussion happens when there is a sudden fierce blow to the head that makes the brain collide with other parts of the inner skull. If there’s a skull fracture, bone fragments can enter the tissue of the brain and cause a bruise. This puts pressure on the brain and can impair vital functions. A person that has a concussion experiences a brief loss of consciousness and memory loss. Other symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, mood changes, headaches, incoherent speech and weakness in the arms and legs. If you experience any of these indications after a car accident, seek immediate medical attention.
Neck and Whiplash Injury
A very common form of injury from a car accident is a neck injury, which occurs in mild forms such as whiplash and neck strain. Whiplash happens when an unexpected rear-end collision causes the head to be rapidly knocked forward and bounced back. In a split second, the neck goes from a relaxed position to a strained one. This can force the neck bones to snap out of place, thereby causing damage to the surrounding muscles and nerves. In some cases, nerve damage interferes with your blood flow and the transmission of electrical impulses. Whiplash effects can be painful, debilitating and long-lasting.
So What Should You Do If You Were Injured After a Car Accident?
Take pictures of your injuries, the crash and get medical attention. Get medical treatment for any injuries you suspect you have, and also include preventive exams for any symptoms you are experiencing. Minor injuries that go untreated can turn into something serious in the future. A minor car crash can cause a minor injury to develop into chronic back pains, permanent joint problems, or nerve tissue damage. This is why it is important to document everything about the injury and the car crash itself. No injury, however minor, should be ignored. Not only will pictures validate the accident, but they may later be used to establish a connection between the accident and any long-term injuries that may develop. Make sure to document your medical condition with the doctor. Take x-rays of any areas in your body where you feel pain. Lastly, in your discussions with insurance claim adjusters, be sure to mention any physical pain or symptoms you’re experiencing. It’s better to get a record of them from the accident as soon as possible to protect your legal rights in case you have to go to court. You may want to get a lawyer to represent your interests and ensure you receive just compensation for your injuries and losses. They can help you deal with insurance companies and resolve the case quicker and more efficiently. Keep in mind that attorneys get a large cut of your settlement amount.
