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5 Common Car Accident Injuries 

Car Accident Injuries 

Between 20 and 50 million people are either injured or permanently disabled due to car accidents every year. The worst part is, many car accidents are avoidable. Things like distracted driving (including using your cell phone), tired driving, and hazardous road and weather conditions are the main cause for motor vehicle crashes. This article details 5 of the most common injuries incurred during road traffic accidents and both treatment and prevention methods.

1. Whiplash

Whiplash

This is one of the most common car accident injuries and is caused by a sudden jolting or moving forward. When your car is struck from behind, it forces your body forward faster than usual. Whiplash is any injury to your ligaments, tendons, or muscles and most commonly occur in the neck. Unfortunately, whiplash can take quite some time to heal and is extremely painful. Pain medication and stretching can offer some relief. You may also consider a facility like Palm Coast chiropractic care that specializes in accident related injuries. Other symptoms related to whiplash injuries include headaches, immobility in the neck and shoulders, fatigue, stiffness, and tenderness to the touch.

2. Broken Bones

High-impact car accident can easily break bones, and often do. Certain areas of your body are at greater risk for injury including your ribs and knees. Your ribs are very fragile, which is why even mild impact to the side can break one easily. If your seatbelt presses too firmly against you or your body is thrown into the side of the vehicle during impact, you may experience a broken rib. Other bones, like those in your arms and legs, are also at risk for breaks and fractures during a car accident. Knee trauma is also common when your body is pushed forward and your knees hit the dashboard.

3. Internal Bleeding

Internal BleedingFollowing a car accident, you may not see visible injuries. But that doesn’t mean that you’re out of the woods. Internal injuries and bleeding are very common following an accident. Internal bleeding is an extremely serious condition that needs immediate attention. Since there are no visible signs of injury, it’s important to know the symptoms associated with internal bleeding. They include:

  • Pain near the injury
  • Swelling
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Excessive thirst
  • Dizziness/Unconsciousness
  • Clammy/Sweaty

If you suspect internal bleeding due to impact, seek medical attention right away.

4. PTSD

Not all injuries associated with car accidents are physical. Many people experience PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) following a serious accident. This is especially true if the person or someone else was seriously injured. If you were at fault for the accident, extreme guilt over other people’s injuries can haunt you and prevent you from moving on from the incident. You may also experience irrational fears of traveling during certain times or weather. If your accident occured at night, you may avoid night driving or driving in the rain or snow if the weather was bad during your accident. These are all normal fears and should be addressed with a mental health professional.

5. Head Injuries

Head-InjuriesAside from whiplash, head injuries are one of the most common car accident related injuries. During impact, you lose control over your body, causing your head to move freely until the motion stops. You can easily smack your head into the steering wheel, dashboard, window, fellow passenger, or other parts of the car. Concussions and cuts and scrapes on the head and face are very common during car crashes. More serious injuries include brain damage following a traumatic injury.

The best way to prevent car accident injuries is to be an alert and attentive driver. Follow all posted signs and laws including not texting or talking on your cell phone while driving and always wearing a safety belt. Not all accidents can be avoided. But following safety measures and the rules of the road can reduce your risk and ensure the safety of other motorists.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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