Car Accident Injuries: What Car Accident Victims Need to Know

About 20 to 50 million people are injured every year in car accidents.

The injuries that car accident victims experience can range from mild bruising to life-altering traumas. That’s why it’s so important to know what to do if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident.

Keep reading to learn all the car accident injury information you need to know.

Different Car Accident Injuries

In the chaotic aftermath of a collision, victims often find themselves grappling with a myriad of physical, emotional, and legal challenges. Here are a few types of accident injuries:

Whiplash Injury

Whiplash Injury is a very common consequence of car accidents, occurring when the neck is thrust back and forth as a result of sudden impact from a car crash. This type of injury strains the muscles and ligaments of the neck, leading to:

• pain
• stiffness
• limited range of motion
• headaches

Car accident victims need to ensure they are accurately assessed and treated for any whiplash injuries, as if left untreated, more serious health issues may arise.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Fractures and broken bones can cause serious long-term disability and even lead to death. Victims need to understand the common types of fractures and broken bones that often occur in car accidents. Common fractures include:

• vertebral fractures
• pelvic fractures
• rib fractures
• limb fractures

Broken bones may require surgery to treat and must be monitored for any post-accident complications.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) have the potential to have long-term impacts on a person’s life. The time following a car accident is critical for victims who have sustained TBIs as the extent of the injury may not be immediately evident. It is important to seek medical attention right away to detect the seriousness of a TBI to prevent further complications.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Back and spinal cord injuries happen when a person’s head, neck, or back is abruptly jerked forward, backward, or sideways. Symptoms often take days or weeks to appear after the accident, which makes them difficult to diagnose and treat. Symptoms of a back and/or spinal cord injury include:

• severe pain
• decreased mobility
• tingling or weakness in extremities
• loss of control of bodily functions

Additional medical attention is often necessary to treat such injuries. Physical therapy is normally utilized to help with the rehabilitation of certain functions.

What Car Accident Victims Need to Know

Even if you don’t feel injured right away, it’s important to seek medical evaluation after an accident. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately but can worsen over time.

Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to the vehicles involved. Collect contact information from witnesses if possible. Make sure to notify the police and your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.

Maintain detailed records of your medical treatments, doctor’s appointments, and expenses related to your injuries. This documentation can be important for insurance claims or legal action.

If you believe another party’s negligence caused the accident, consider consulting a personal injury attorney. They can help you find out more about your legal rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue compensation if necessary.

Car Accident Victims Have Rights from Sustained Injuries

For car accident victims, it’s crucial to understand the different types of injuries as well as how to prevent them from causing long-term complications. Car accidents can have serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Victims need to be informed about their rights and options for seeking compensation and medical treatment.

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