Car Crashes Lead To A Host Of Injuries: Take Them Seriously
At the scene of a car accident, you may feel shaken and upset. You might even feel angry if the crash was caused by something senseless like texting and driving or drunk driving.
One important thing to do right away is evaluate yourself for injuries. You might be surprised at how much the adrenaline masks symptoms of an injury, so you should also be mindful of how you feel in the days after the car crash. Here are some injuries that could occur:
Broken Bones and Fractures
Broken bones are usually easily noticed at the time of the accident. This is a painful injury that can lead to the skin breaking or bruising. Hairline fractures might not be easy to notice so you should look out for pain and bruising on your body.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are fairly common when a car accident occurs. If you remember hitting your head, you need to be watchful for signs of a brain injury.
However, it is also possible to suffer this type of injury from the violent motion of the crash even if you don’t hit your head. Watch for signs like a headache that doesn’t abate, vomiting, changes in sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating.
Neck or Spinal Cord Injuries
Injuries to your neck and spinal cord are possible in even a low-speed collision. If you feel pain in your neck or back, alert people at the scene of the crash so that they can stabilize the area. Neck injuries can include whiplash, but they can also be more serious and lead to lifelong conditions like paralysis. Numbness or tingling in the extremities, an inability to move arms or legs, and pain are some of the symptoms to watch for because they could indicate a spinal cord injury.
Other Types of Crash-Related Injuries
Many other kinds of injuries are caused by motor vehicle collisions. These include bumps and bruises, scratches, lacerations and burns. Even if you’re not sure you are injured, seek medical care after a car accident so that you can find out if anything needs attention.
Some car crash victims decide to seek compensation for their injuries and losses (like lost income). The records of your medical care will be vital to your case if you do seek compensation.