What are the most common injuries after a car crash, and how can they be prevented?
Nobody ever plans to be in a car accident. These unexpected events can happen at any time and in any place. Sadly, even a minor car accident can result in an injury. If you have been involved in a car accident in Georgia, it is crucial that you seek immediate medical care. Many injuries that occur may not be noticeable at the scene of the accident.
When you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s in your best interest to seek advice and representation from an experienced Georgia car accident lawyer in order to receive maximum compensation.
Common auto accident injuries
There are many common injuries associated with car accidents. It should be understood that these are not the only injuries that can occur, and a person can suffer from one or more injuries in any collision event.
That said, here are some of the most common injuries accident victims experience after a crash in Georgia:
Whiplash
Whiplash describes soft tissue injuries in the head, neck and shoulder areas. Muscle, tendon and ligaments can be injured by the sudden jolt the body receives during impact. This type of injury occurs when the body suddenly moves backward and then forward, such as when a car is jolted forward during a rear-end accident. The effect of whiplash can be long-term, especially if not properly treated.
Head injuries
Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries can occur during a car accident. These injuries may not be noticeable at first, especially a concussion, which is why it is imperative that you seek a medical evaluation immediately after an accident occurs. Head injuries must be addressed as soon as possible to avoid serious complications.
Broken bones
Depending on the impact, any bone in your body can be fractured. Fractures to the ribs are the most common and can lead to other internal injuries. Seriously fractured or broken bones can require extensive healing time and additional therapies may be needed to correct the injury.
Internal bleeding
One of the hardest types of injuries to diagnose at the scene of the accident is internal bleeding. You may feel as if you have an upset stomach or a headache, but you attribute that to the stress from the accident. However, these may be signs that there is internal bleeding or organ injuries. Having a medical exam is crucial to protecting you from serious side effects of internal injuries.
Trauma to the knee
The knee is one of the most commonly injured joints during impact. Damage to your knee, the ligaments or muscles around your knee, or your knee cap itself could lead to long-term recovery. Accident victims with knee injuries may be required to wear braces, use crutches or have surgery.
Herniated discs
Many different factors of an accident can cause trauma to your back. One of the most common injuries are herniated discs. A herniated disc occurs when the disc moves out of place in your spine. This can cause serious discomfort and lead to other complications such as sciatica.
Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
It’s very common for accident victims to suffer cuts, scrapes and bruising over their bodies from the accident due to broken glass and airborne objects in the vehicle. Even the airbag itself can leave behind painful bruises. Cuts can be very painful as well, especially if they get infected, and can lead to scarring.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The emotional stress related to the car accident can become overwhelming for some people. The anxiety over their injuries, their financial losses and their recovery can cause emotional and mental stress. Some people become so anxious about being involved in a wreck that they will no longer feel safe entering a vehicle. Sometimes, post-traumatic stress can be treated through mental health therapy, but this doesn’t diminish the serious effects it has on your health and life.
Tips for avoiding car accident injuries
Sadly, there isn’t a guaranteed way that you can prevent all injuries when involved in a car accident. However, here are 3 simple tips that may help you minimize the injuries that you receive.
Wear your seat belt
It’s not just an advertising slogan; seat belts DO save lives. The added security that a seat belt provides can help prevent many serious injuries, so wear it at all times when in the car.
Obey the speed limit
Accidents occurring under high-speed situations result in more severe injuries. While you can’t control what another driver does, obeying the speed limit yourself will help protect you in an accident.
Make vehicle maintenance a priority
Keeping your car in good working order by making sure that you have all the fluid levels accurate (including washer fluid so you can always see out the windshield) and keeping your tires inflated correctly can help prevent accidents due to mechanical failure.