What Are Common Injuries from Car Accidents?

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Some car accident injuries are particularly common, including: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) Spinal cord injuries Broken bones Internal injuries Whiplash These injuries require immediate medical attention and can lead to lasting impairments and effects. Traumatic Brain Injuries Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are unpredictable and can cause physical and emotional damage. Consider these statistics regarding TBIs: In one recent year, about 166 people in the United States died each day from TBIs and injuries related to TBIs, leading to 60,611 TBI fatalities that year. More than 223,000 people needed hospital care for TBIs. Many additional people are treated in emergency rooms for TBI-related injuries each year. TBIs are a primary cause of death and disability in the United States. TBIs are typically the result of a jolt, blow, or bump to the head, and these are all common in car crashes. In the time it takes to sustain a TBI in a car accident, your life can change dramatically. TBIs can have many adverse effects, including cognitive, physical, and behavioral impairments. The symptoms of a TBI can prevent you from working, succeeding in school, or even maintaining your personal relationships. Even if a doctor tells you that your TBI is mild, you still might experience costly, lasting, and debilitating effects. Spinal Cord Injuries Our brains and spinal cords work in close unison to control our bodily movements and functioning. Spinal cord injuries are excruciating and can also seriously limit your range of motion and overall coordination, and car accidents are a frequent cause. A severed or otherwise irrevocably damaged spinal cord will cause permanent, life-altering paralysis. You will require assistance with daily living, mobility aids, and much more. Even a relatively minor spinal cord injury can lead to chronic pain and debilitating losses in the range of motion. Making things more complicated, serious spinal cord injuries are closely associated with severe secondary medical concerns and health complications. Broken Bones The impact of a car accident can easily lead to a broken bone or two, and these injuries are just as painful as they are slow to heal. When a broken bone fails to heal correctly, which can happen with more complicated breaks, it can lead to chronic pain and significant loss of mobility and range of motion. Every fracture requires medical treatment to ensure proper healing, and some need emergency surgery. For example, a compound fracture needs surgery right away to prevent infections. Some people need surgery to insert pins, rods, or other hardware so the bone can heal straight. The medical costs of broken bone treatment can be high, and you might not work for weeks or months while your injury heals. Internal Injuries Internal injuries, such as internal bleeding, can be especially bedeviling because they can be challenging to identify from the outset but can quickly become life-threatening. The threat of internal injuries is an excellent reason why seeking medical attention after a car accident is always in your best interest. You don't know how serious your injury is until a medical professional evaluates you. Waiting to get medical help can put you at serious or fatal health risks. Whiplash Whiplash is a soft tissue injury resulting from the head whipping back and forth on the neck (hence the name), and these injuries can lead to long-term health effects. However, even a relatively mild case of whiplash can hurt terribly, heal slowly, lead to intermittent pain, and hinder your range of motion. On the other hand, a more severe case can lead to chronic pain and debilitating loss of your range of motion.

The Most Common Injuries You Can Get From a Car Accident