Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents that result in injury to at least one involved party are common - over 2.5 million Americans went to the emergency room for vehicle crash injuries in 2012, according to the CDC. 

While some of these injuries are minor bruises, cuts, sprains, and other superficial injuries, car accidents are responsible for many other serious injuries that can lead to high healthcare costs, time missed at work, and, in some cases, long-term medical problems.

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries associated with car accidents. Whiplash injuries occur when the neck is suddenly jerked forward and backward, like when you're in a vehicle collision or have to slam on the brakes.

Neck pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of whiplash, but they don't always manifest right away. You may also notice a decrease in your neck's range of motion when turning your head from side to side or tilting your head forward and back.

Whiplash is usually very treatable, and outcomes improve the sooner you seek treatment, so it's best to get checked out as soon as possible after you've been involved in a car accident. 

Concussions

Head injuries are common vehicle accident injuries that can lead to high medical bills and long-term damage in some cases. Concussions are common in vehicle accidents that involve a sudden impact or stop. 

Sometimes concussion symptoms, such as dizziness and headache, can show up within seconds or minutes after the accident, but they can also manifest later. Other common concussion symptoms include confusion and a feeling of strong pressure on the head.

Broken Bones

Vehicle accidents can easily result in bone fractures in various body parts. Wrist fractures are common, too, due to the impact from the steering wheel or airbag. Broken bones in the arms and legs are also common, and airbags or contact with the dash can result in fractured ribs.

More severe bone fractures are immediately noticeable due to pain, swelling, and deformity, but smaller fractures may not be immediately noticeable.

A femur break is one of the most serious broken bones caused by car accidents. Femur breaks take a long time to heal and may result in a lot of time out of work.

Back Injuries

Back injuries that range from mild muscle strains to severe spinal cord injuries are some of the most prevalent injuries from car accidents.

Some of the most common back injuries sustained in vehicle accidents are herniated discs. The force of a vehicle collision can put stress on your entire spinal column, especially the lower back where your discs are most likely to slip out of place.

People involved in a crash often tense their muscles and make their body rigid right before impact, which can put more stress on discs.

If a disc herniates, or slips out of place, it can put pressure on nerves and lead to long-term pain, numbness, tingling, weak back muscles, and reduced physical function. Herniated discs in the middle of the back can cause issues with other organs like the bladder and digestive organs.

Herniated discs in the neck can cause reduced range of motion, stiffness, severe headaches, and vision problems. 

Spinal cord injuries are some of the most severe injuries people can sustain in vehicle accidents. Sometimes spinal cord injuries are fatal, but even when they aren't, they can result in paralysis and other permanent spinal problems. 

The Law Office of Paul R. Bennett offers experienced, aggressive representation for personal injury victims throughout the Columbus, Georgia area. 

If you've been injured in an automobile accident due to another driver's negligence, contact us today to set up a consultation. We can come to you at home or in the hospital.