Car accidents are always in the back of our minds as an everyday potential for disaster. In Texas in 2019, one person was injured in a motor vehicle accident roughly once every 2 minutes.
Luckily, if you do find yourself in an accident, our state has medical professionals to make sure you recover. There are also attorneys like our team at the Stewart Law Firm who can help make sure you are properly compensated for your losses.
But it still helps to be informed before the unfortunate and unlikely event that a car accident results in a serious injury to you or a loved one. Below are the 7 most common types of injuries from a car accident, and what you should do about them.
1. Concussions
Head injuries are some of the most common and most serious types of injuries you are in danger of on the road. Serious head injuries that can have long-term effects are known as traumatic brain injuries (or TBIs). More common, however, are concussions.
Concussions are minor injuries to your brain that can result in some of the following serious-but-not-deadly symptoms:
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea
However, any injury or suspected injury to your brain, no matter how mild it may seem, warrants an immediate visit to the doctor.
2. Whiplash
Moving down from the head to the neck, whiplash is an injury that often affects victims of car crashes. Whiplash occurs when your neck is thrown violently in one direction, and then another, resulting in damage to the muscles, ligaments, or vertebrae in the neck.
Whiplash is just one type of soft tissue injury, which includes any damage to the connective tissue of the muscles, ligaments, or tendons. While whiplash is usually not a life-threatening injury, it and other soft tissue injuries can result in some serious side-effects or even damage to the spine. It is always a good idea to see a doctor after a car accident to make sure you don’t have any lasting damage.
3. Spinal injuries
Injuries to the spinal cord are some of the most serious injuries you can receive in a car accident. Damage to the spinal cord can result in long-term disability, and in the worst case, paralysis. If you receive any injury to the neck or back, it’s crucial that you see a doctor right away to make sure you don’t have any lasting damage to your spinal cord.
4. Broken or fractured bones
The most common parts of the body to suffer from fractured or broken bones in a car accident are the extremities and joints, including:
- Hands
- Wrists
- Shoulders
- Knees
- Ankles
- Feet
While broken bones are common and often easy to recover from, an injury that seems like a simple fracture or sprain can actually turn out to be something worse. As always, it’s a good idea to see a doctor and have it examined.
5. Cuts, bruises, and burns
Car accidents can often result in damage to the skin, ranging from minor scrapes to serious burn injuries. Another common injury is “road rash,” which refers to abrasion or laceration in the skin caused by scraping against pavement or concrete. It may be possible, if you’ve only received minor cuts and bruises, to walk away from your car accident relatively unscathed. But we recommend always making a trip to the doctor, just to be sure.
6. Other internal injuries
In addition to soft tissue or spinal injuries, other complications can occur in your internal organs as a result of blunt force in car accidents. Chest injuries, in particular, can lead to broken ribs or collapsed lungs. Internal injuries are often hard to identify or even notice, which is another reason why it’s important to visit the doctor after any car accident.
7. Emotional damage
The list above explains some of the most common physical injuries you can sustain as a result of a car accident. But emotional injuries can occur too. If you find yourself avoiding the scene of your crash or playing it over and over in your head, you may be suffering from PTSD or other similar conditions. Visiting a doctor or therapist who specializes in accident-related trauma can help set you on the road to healing. And it’s important to note that personal injury cases can include emotional damage, as well (commonly known as pain and suffering).
Contact car accident and personal injury lawyers in Austin, TX
So now you know what the most common injuries are as a result of a car accident. But what if you actually sustain one? After seeking medical help, it’s important to consult with a personal injury attorney, particularly one that specializes in car accidents. Stewart Law Firm can help you recover the damages you are owed as a result of your accident-related injuries. Contact us for a free consultation today.
