Common Car Crash Injuries
Most drivers probably never take a moment to think about the physics of driving when they get behind the wheel to run errands or head to work. When an accident occurs and two vehicles collide, the energy of the previously moving objects is transferred to you. The impact of a high-speed collision often causes significant injuries.
If your vehicle is hit from behind, your head may be thrown forward, then violently snap back. If your vehicle is T-boned, the force may propel your body sideways. While seatbelts and airbags offer protection and may prevent death or lessen the severity of your injuries, there is only so much they can do to protect your body from the forces of impact.
It is very likely that if you are involved in a car crash, you will sustain injuries. Even minor injuries can disrupt your life. Here we will look at the five most common car crash injuries and how those injuries are treated.
Abrasions and Contusions
A contusion is a bruise. Abrasion describes a usually shallow breaking of the skin. Both types of injuries are common in car crashes. Contusions often occur on the abdomen and across the torso, where the seat belt engages and restrains your rapidly moving body. It is also common to see abrasions in that area or on your face if the airbag has been deployed. If the dash is pushed inward into the passenger compartment, your knees and legs may be contused. These types of trauma injuries can also be caused by unsecured objects flying through the car and striking you.
Treatment for contusions and abrasions is usually ice packs, NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, and the tincture of time.
Fractures
Fractures, or broken bones, are common car accident injuries. Fractures of bones in the arms, hands, and fingers can occur when the driver tightly grips the steering wheel at the time of impact or because of airbag deployment. In high-speed crashes, legs can be broken if the hood crumples and the steering wheel and dash are pushed into the passenger cabin.
Severe fractures may require surgery with internal fixation. Broken bones that do not require surgery may result in casting for an extended period of time. If the fracture is to a lower extremity, the use of crutches or a wheelchair may be necessary.
Concussion / Head Injuries
Sometimes at impact, a vehicle occupant’s head may hit the windshield or crash back into the headrest. Even without a direct hit, the severe back and forth action can cause the brain to bounce against the skull. A head injury can cause a brain bleed or swelling, which can be very dangerous. A milder form of traumatic brain injury is a concussion, and they are very common in car accidents. They can cause symptoms that include headaches, dizziness, and changes in cognition.
The standard treatment for a concussion is time and rest. More serious head injuries that include swelling and/or bleeding may require brain surgery. Cognitive therapy is a treatment option for concussions with lingering symptoms.
Spinal Injuries
Spinal injuries are very common in car accidents. Sometimes there is inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the spine, commonly referred to as a sprain or strain injury. More serious spinal injuries include herniated discs and compression fractures of the vertebrae. Because spinal injuries are so common in car accidents, EMTs nearly always apply a neck brace and place the patient on a spinal board before they are moved from the scene.
There are a number of therapies for spinal injuries depending on the degree of severity- surgery, bracing, physical therapy, muscle relaxers, pain relievers, and injections, to name a few.
Whiplash
Whiplash is an injury most often associated with a car accident. It is actually a combination of spinal and head injuries. Not detectible on diagnostic imaging, whiplash is a soft tissue injury that produces aggravating and painful symptoms such as headache, neck pain, dizziness, and decreased neck and upper back range of motion. While it may not appear immediately following the impact, many accident victims wake the next morning with whiplash symptoms.
Whiplash is usually treated with pain relievers, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and/or acupuncture.
Watch the YouTube Video. Below, an orthopedic surgeon talks about the types of car crash injuries he has treated.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. I have close to 40 years of experience representing injured Sacramento residents, so you can feel confident in calling my office for free and friendly advice if you have been injured in a car accident. Speak with one of our injury lawyers at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 (toll-free). Alternatively, you may use our online contact form.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/doctor-office-exam-room-hospital-960195/
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