8 Common Car Accident Injuries

If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident of any kind, you know firsthand how much of a shock to the system it can be. Even if you don’t sustain any serious injuries, you’re often left ruminating over the accident, replaying it in your mind for weeks on end.

If you are ever in an accident on the road, it is crucial that you reach out to a qualified car crash lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options. At Motorlegal, our goal is to provide you with the best possible guidance, especially if you’ve been injured as a result of your crash. We’ll explain your rights and options during the entire process. Give us a call today.

Below are a few of the most common types of injuries that can occur in a car accident. It may be useful to know about these in advance, so if you’re ever involved in an accident, you’ll know what to expect.

NOTE: The information below is no substitution for seeking medical advice and is for information purposes only.

Whiplash

Whiplash is the most common injury from any accident and can happen in minor or serious accidents, especially in rear-end collisions where the impact is unexpected. When another vehicle hits you, your head jerks backward from the force of the impact. The sudden forwards then backwards movement causes strain on the muscles and tendons of the upper back and neck. You may experience neck pain, blurred vision, tingling, headache, or generalised pain in your back or neck area after an accident.

Burns

Burns may occur following an airbag deployment as a result of the device used to activate the airbag. You may also suffer friction burns from your seatbelt as it locks you into place. If you experience any burns, you should seek immediate medical advice and treatment.

Lacerations

Windscreens shatter, seatbelts restrain, airbags deploy, and you may come into contact with hard or sharp edges from either inside or outside the vehicle. Lacerations may vary from minor cuts and scrapes to serious wounds and what are known as “degloving” injuries where the skin is torn off and the underlying tissue exposed. These types of injuries usually require surgical intervention and can involve a lengthy healing process. They often result in permanent reminder of the accident in the form of scars and impaired functioning.

Fractures

Fractures most commonly occur in serious, high-speed impacts. The force of the impact will distort the car as it absorbs the impact. The structure will twist or crumple under stress and may come into contact with your legs, arms, and other areas of the body. Your ribcage may be subject to such significant restraining force that the ribs may crack. If you have any such injury, you should seek medical attention immediately. Fractures require specialist orthopaedic attention to ensure the best outcome. A poorly aligned fracture may cause lifelong discomfort and functional compromise. If a fracture victim is moved, depending on the site and nature of the fracture, it may result in complete or partial paralysis, so it is important to let the emergency services stabilise anyone in this condition.

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is often associated with fractures in car crashes and can be a sign of serious injury. If left untreated even for a short time, internal bleeding can lead to the loss of limbs or vital organs and in serious cases can cause death. If you suspect that you or someone else is suffering from internal damage, notify the emergency service workers immediately.

Other Neck Injuries

While whiplash is probably the most common neck area injury, there are other problems that can occur after a blunt-force impact. If you notice tensing or discomfort in the muscles around your neck in the days following your crash (muscle spasm), it is important to have a doctor examine you immediately. The force of an accident can affect the underlying bone structure without there necessarily being a fracture. X-rays, CT and MRI scans are often used by medical experts to diagnose such injuries.

Back & Spine Injuries

More work days are lost through spinal injuries than just about any other type of injury and car accidents account for as many as half of them each year. They can cause long-term problems with breathing, mobility, and overall health, so get checked out if you suspect that you may have any spine or back-related injuries from your car crash. Early treatment ensures the best prospect of recovery.

Herniated Disk

This is an aspect of a spinal injury. The spine has 24 “discs” that work to absorb shock and provide a cushion between the vertebrae. An accident can cause these discs to shift or bulge outward, which can cause severe pain and lead to serious complications

Get Legal Advice from the Best Car Accident Lawyer in Perth

Beyond the physical injuries, emotional trauma can also have a real and negative effect after an accident. If you have had an accident and are worried, confused, or unsure of how to get the help and support you need, we are here to guide you through the accident claims process and explain your options.  Your initial consultation is free, so call for advice. We’re here to help.