10 Types of Injuries Resulting from a Car Accident

While some people can walk away without a scratch on them or an ounce of pain after a vehicular collision, others aren’t so lucky. Below are some of the injuries that may result after one gets in a car accident.

1. Concussion

A concussion due to a bump to the head or the head/spine moving rapidly during a car accident can be either mild or severe. Someone with a concussion may have a headache, feel sluggish or groggy, experience memory problems, and generally feel confused.

2. Fractured or Broken Bones

Bone fractures or breaks are perhaps one of the most common injuries from a car accident. Fortunately, fractures and breaks are temporary and normally heal without permanent damage.

3. Internal Bleeding

While internal bleeding is a serious matter, this is something that one may not know they have until hours later, hence why a checkup after a car accident is critical. Internal bleeding may cause dizziness, shortness of breath, low pulse and/or blood pressure, vision changes, and pain & swelling at the site of injury.

4. Whiplash

Neck pain following a car accident may, or may not, be a sign of whiplash. Besides pain, whiplash can cause neck swelling and stiffness, headaches, difficulty moving the neck, and dizziness.

5. Paralysis

Paralysis, the inability to make voluntary muscle movements, can come in different forms and may be temporary or permanent. Paralysis may involve the entire body, one side of the body, from the waist down, one limb, or the same limbs (e.g., arms) on both sides of the body.

6. Road Rash

A friction wound like road rash can be quite painful as a result of a car accident. The good news is, it isn’t life threatening and usually heals within two weeks with proper care.

7. Limb Loss

In the event that a limb gets trapped or smashed during a car accident, this can result in limb loss. Even if the damaged limb is still intact after the accident, the individual may need to have the limb amputated if it is unable to heal.

8. Traumatic Brain Injuries

Although a concussion is considered a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), there are other types as well that may result from a collision. Injuries to the brain may cause psychiatric changes, communication deficits, motor disability, long-term memory changes, or even coma.

9. Herniated Disc

Have neck, back, or leg pain after a collision? It’s possible you may have a herniated disc. Apart from pain, one may experience weakness at the affected area, numbness or tingling, or sciatica.

10. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Not all injuries are visible. One possible unfortunate outcome of being in a car accident is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is especially common for those a part of a tragic accident.

Symptoms of PTSD may include vivid flashbacks, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, frequent nightmares, and intense distress.

Conclusion

Not everyone will find themselves injured following a car accident. Others might notice short-term body aches or even severe wounds. In the end, it’s critical to get the care one needs after a car accident to ensure optimal health going forward.