Common Auto Accident Injuries

Close to three million people are injured in automobile accidents every year in the United States, resulting in serious physical, emotional and financial suffering. The following types of injuries are among those most frequently sustained in car crashes.

Fractures

A fracture (broken bone) resulting from an auto accident is likely to be more severe than a fracture caused by a fall or other type of mishap. The extreme force of impact in a car crash may crush or shatter bones, or broken bones may cause damage to surrounding tissues, blood vessels, nerves and organs. Bones in the limbs, skull and spine are all susceptible to fractures.

Fortunately, most fractures heal well with time and proper care, although chronic pain may linger in some cases. While doctors may treat uncomplicated fractures by simply immobilizing the affected area with a cast or splint, the treatment for more serious fractures often involves surgery. Surgery may involve the installation of bolts, pins or screws as well as long-term physical therapy to restore function in the injured area.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries occur when the force of impact in a car accident stretches the soft tissues, resulting in tears, sprains, strains and general soreness. Pain, swelling and bleeding are typical symptoms of soft tissue injuries.

Because soft tissue injuries cannot be detected by x-rays, they may be difficult to diagnose. What's more, a person who suffers a soft tissue injury may not experience symptoms until hours or even days after the accident occurs. Still, soft tissue injuries occur frequently and can be very serious, causing severe pain or loss of function of the injured body part.

Whiplash

Whiplash, another type of soft tissue injury, typically occurs in rear-end collisions, when the force of impact causes the accident victim's head to snap forward and back. The weight of the head puts a heavy stress on the neck, often resulting in chronic pain, joint dysfunction or ruptured spinal discs. A whiplash injury can cause such physical symptoms as pain, headache, burning sensations and dizziness, as well as loss of memory, anxiety, depression and fatigue.

Treatment for whiplash may include rest, ice packs, physical therapy and massage. While most whiplash injuries heal over time, symptoms may continue for months or years in some cases.

Back Injuries

In addition to spinal fractures, the nerves, ligaments and muscles in the spine are also susceptible to injury in a car accident. Back injuries of this type are similar to whiplash injury in the neck. Treatment for such injuries typically includes medication to control pain and inflammation and chiropractic adjustments. Physical therapy, such as hot packs, cold packs, water therapy, electrical stimulation, muscle strengthening, traction, massage, or acupuncture, may also be recommended.

Internal Injuries

Although less common than fractures and other external injuries, trauma to internal organs is a serious consequence of auto accidents. Injuries to the bowels, kidneys, spleen, liver, lungs, heart or aorta can be the result of blunt force trauma or punctures caused by fractured bones or glass or metal objects. Internal injuries often require hospitalization and surgery to repair the injury and control bleeding.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Two types of traumatic brain injury may occur in a car accident:

• A closed-head injury occurs when the forceful impact of a car accident or a direct impact on the skull causes the brain to collide with the skull.
• A penetrating head injury occurs when an object-a bone fragment or shard of glass or metal, for example-penetrates the brain.

Any type of traumatic brain injury is potentially life-threatening. It may also lead to complications such as swelling, infection, coma, seizure, nerve damage or personality change. Symptoms include headaches, feeling tired all the time, difficulty in sleeping or sleeping too much, confusion or mental slowness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears and mood swings.

Covering the Cost of Auto Accident Injuries

Medical treatments are costly, and the inability of the injured party to work after an accident can be devastating for a family. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, we can help you get the money you need to cover accident-related expenses. Call 1-888-562-5036 today for a free, no-obligation legal consultation.