The injuries you sustain in a car accident can vary greatly, and no two accident victims have the exact same injuries or outcome. However, some injuries are more commonly seen in car accidents. These include:
Neck and Back Injuries
Neck and back injuries are among the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. Many people do not realize that these injuries can occur even at low speeds with or without a seatbelt. Sometimes, the signs or symptoms of neck or back injuries are delayed and not noticeable until the following day or two after an accident.
Neck and back injuries may include tendon, ligament, and muscle injuries, whiplash, disc injuries including herniated or ruptured discs, fractured vertebrae, and spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis. Frequently, disc injuries cause compression on the nerves in the spine, which can result in radiating pain, numbness, and tingling down the arms or legs. Neck and back injuries often require physical therapy, injections, and sometimes surgery. The pain and disability caused by a serious neck or back injury can be life-long and very substantial.
Some of the signs and symptoms of neck and back injuries that you should look out for include:
- Stiffness
- Pain, especially when turning, flexing, or extending
- Tenderness
- Muscle spasms
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
Head Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s) are the most common cause of fatal injuries in a car accident. However, head injuries can range from a head contusion to a concussion to a serious and permanent TBI. It may be necessary to seek treatment from a neurologist for the more severe and long-lasting head injuries.
You should seek medical treatment right away if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms following a car accident including:
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe and/or chronic headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Vomiting
- Difficulty speaking
- Loss of coordination or balance
- Feeling distracted or confused
- Memory issues
- Behavior changes
Broken Bones and Fractures
Because of the traumatic nature of car accidents, it is not uncommon for car accident victims to sustain fractures to wrists, arms, knees, legs, ankles, ribs, and other areas. The severity of fractures can vary from a simple break (non-displaced) to more complex and compound fractures that may require surgery with implanted hardware.
If you suspect you may have sustained a broken bone after a car accident, it is important to seek medical treatment right away to prevent further injury and/or improper healing.
Shoulder Injuries
The shoulder is a delicate ball-and-socket joint that is highly susceptible to damage, especially during a car accident. Shoulder pain can be caused by damage to the structures in the arm, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, cartilage, and bones. Commonly seen shoulder injuries resulting from car accidents include joint dislocation, tendinosis, rotator cuff injury/tears, SLAP tears (torn labrum), and impingement syndrome. The more serious shoulder injuries often require surgery.
You should seek medical treatment right away if you are experiencing any of the following shoulder symptoms following a car accident including:
- Bruising or discoloration
- Stiffness and swelling
- Limited range of motion
- Weakness or inability to move
- Instability in the joint
- Cracking or popping sound when moving
- Numbness or tingling around the shoulder
- Muscle spasms in the arms or shoulders
- Upper back or neck pain
Knee Injuries
Car accident victims often suffer knee injuries due to sudden impact on the knee or forceful twisting or hyper-flexing of the knee joint. The more common types of knee injuries sustained by car accident victims include knee fractures, ACL injuries/tears, MCL injuries/tears, meniscus injuries/tears, and knee contusions. The more serious knee injuries often require surgery.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to seek medical treatment right away:
- Knee pain
- Swelling
- Popping/clicking
- an inability for the knee to support a person’s weight
Addressing Your Potential Injuries After a Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident, you should immediately seek medical attention and treatment. Many injuries (including some of the ones on the list above) may not be apparent for days after the accident. However, injuries sometimes turn out to be far more serious than they initially appear. Seeking immediate medical treatment is equally important if you intend to pursue a personal injury claim so that the facts of the accident and your complaints and injuries are documented shortly after the accident.
Hiring Drake & Collopy, P.C. to Handle Your Car Accident Case
Regardless of the type or severity of your injuries, retaining an experienced and effective personal injury attorney is critical for the success of your car accident case and to ensure that you are fully compensated for your injuries and losses. At Drake & Collopy, P.C., our legal team is dedicated to helping you navigate the many challenges that car accident victims face while giving you the peace of mind that your legal case is in good hands. As a client, you will have a team of experienced car accident lawyers working diligently and aggressively on your behalf. Our ultimate goal is to secure the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries and your future. The first step is to get in touch with us for a free consultation to discuss your situation and how we may be of assistance to you.
