Common Injuries After a Car Accident

If you are involved in a car accident where someone is injured, call (281) 475-4535 immediately to discuss the accident with a personal injury attorney. Do not discuss the accident with anyone, and do not sign anything without first talking with your lawyer. Be especially wary if an insurance adjuster contacts you with an offer for the damages. This offer will most likely be far less than what you deserve.

If you are worried that you might be in an accident, and you would not know what to do, write down the telephone number of (281) 475-4535 and keep it with you in case you need some help in the future. Just having the telephone number handy will give you confidence that you have an attorney to call if you need one.

Common Injuries from a Car Accident

There are three broad categories of injuries in a car accident: impact injuries, penetrating injuries, and extension injuries.  An impact injury is hitting something with your body, such as hitting your head on a steering wheel. An example of a penetrating injury is getting a cut caused by broken glass.

An extension injury happens when a car suddenly stops while you are wearing a seat belt. Even though the seatbelt holds you in the seat, the body moves forward. All the bones in the spinal cord and the arms extend, and then you whip back in place. This is called whiplash. You do not need to hit anything to experience whiplash. From the outside of the body, these injuries may not be visible.

The Eight Most Common Injuries

  1. Contusions and Bruises: These are soft tissue injuries that usually resolve by themselves over a few days. Be sure to take photos of them right after an accident.
  2. Whiplash: This comes from sudden stretching and then bouncing back. It can cause strains to ligaments and muscles.
  3. Neck/Back Injuries: The neck and back can break or be sprained. Discs in the spinal column can become herniated or ruptured. Severe injuries of this type may cause paralysis.
  4. Concussions: This type of injury comes from hitting the head.
  5. Traumatic Brain Injuries: A traumatic brain injury is more severe than a concussion and may create a lifelong problem.
  6. Broken Bones: Any bone in the body can break. Multiple fractures in car accidents are common.
  7. Internal Bleeding: Internal bleeding may not show and can be life-threatening.
  8. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Some people, who are involved in a serious car accident, develop an emotional and mental condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms might include being frightened of driving, certain sounds, or images. A person may experience sleeping problems due to anxiety and nightmares.

Beware of the Danger of Hidden Injuries

It is essential to seek medical care after an accident, even if you feel all right. An adrenalin rush comes from being in an accident that may mask the symptoms of a severe injury.

Brain injuries, herniated discs, damage from whiplash, and psychological damage may not show up right away. Always get a full checkup from a healthcare provider after any car accident and consult with your personal injury attorney at (281) 475-4535. The consultation is free.