Car Crash Internal Injuries

A car accident is an unexpected crisis that can change life as you know it. Those who are injured have more lasting impressions of the wreck. Even if you aren’t hurt, you carry the memory of the accident into your future.

Factors That Contribute to Injuries During A Crash

Over 3 million Americans are injured annually in vehicle accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Car accident injuries, similar to the causes of an accident, vary widely. (1) The factors contributing to injuries range from controllable to beyond individual control.

Some factors contributing to the occurrence of injuries during a crash are:

• Not wearing seatbelts. Wearing a safety belt can significantly decrease the incidence of catastrophic injuries in the event of a collision. Choosing to leave the seat belt unfastened can lead to being thrown from the vehicle in the event of a crash.
• The direction of impact. Whether you were hit from behind, the side, or the front can determine the severity of your injuries.
• Sitting correctly in the seat. Your seatbelt won’t be as effective if you aren’t sitting correctly. Facing backward or sideways in a seat can increase the likelihood of injury.
• The speed of the car. The car’s speed is one factor determining the force of the impact. The power of impact determines how much your body jerks around the vehicle’s cabin during the ordeal.
• The number of airbags and whether they deployed. Airbags deploying can cause injuries—particularly bruises and burns—if you are sitting close to them when they deploy. Some cars now feature side airbags as well as front airbags.

Simple things like wearing your seatbelt and sitting correctly in the car can help you avoid injury in the unfortunate circumstance of an accident. Controlling your speed will also help you avoid serious consequences. Contact Macon car accident lawyers if you sustain an injury in a crash and require legal assistance to get the bills paid by the at-fault party.

Kinds of Injuries Sustained In A Crash

Several severe injuries can occur if you are involved in a car accident. Some of them are obvious immediately. Others can take time to manifest. Common injuries sustained in a car crash include soft tissue injuries, head injuries, injuries to arms or legs, chest injuries, and cuts and scrapes.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Whiplash is considered a soft tissue injury. Injuries to ligaments, tendons, and muscles anywhere in the body are also soft tissue injuries. Whiplash is an injury to your neck. It’s caused by your neck bending forcibly forward and then backward, or vice versa. The injury is not well understood. But it often affects the muscles, discs, nerves, and tendons in your neck. (2)

Head Injuries

Cuts or bruises to the head are apparent. However, often head injuries are not visibly noticeable. Concussions and other closed head injuries can occur during an accident. Sometimes these occur without symptoms until later.

Pay attention to personality changes. If a victim blacked out during the accident, they need close observation for signs of significant head injury. Unpredictable mood swings and unprovoked anger can be signs of a head injury that hasn’t been diagnosed.

Injuries to Arms and Legs

Arms and legs can sustain bumps, bruises, and scrapes in the course of a car accident. Flying objects and being bodily slung within the car can cause these injuries to your extremities. Sometimes, a more severe injury, like a broken bone, occurs when the impact is severe.

Chest Injuries

Broken ribs, punctured lungs, or other injuries to internal organs are grouped into the chest injury category. Usually, chest injuries appear as bruises. However, they can be more serious. The driver is the most likely to sustain a chest injury from hitting the steering wheel or having the airbag deploy into their chest.

Cuts and Scrapes

Anything inside the car flying in an accident can cause small cuts or scrapes or more severe ones requiring medical attention. Broken glass from windows and even airbags can cause scratches or cuts. Treat minor cuts and bruises with first aid measures. More severe ones could require stitches.

Medical professionals should evaluate any injury. Sometimes an injury is severe enough to cause permanent disability. In this case, you might have legal recourse. Consult a car accident lawyer Macon GA to know your rights.

Conclusion

Car accidents can lead to minor or severe injuries. Preventable factors cause some of the injuries from car accidents. Laws vary regarding compensation that could be available to offset medical costs. Consult a car accident lawyer Macon GA to discuss your situation.

FAQs

1. It’s been a few days since my accident, and my stomach has become tender. I didn’t notice it the day of the accident. Is it possible it’s related?

Yes. Injuries can manifest days or weeks following an accident. You should consult your physician. A tender abdomen can indicate a severe problem, but your doctor will be able to help you determine if it’s related to your accident or a separate issue.

2. I went to my doctor after my accident, and everything seemed okay at the time. It’s been about a week. Is it possible for my pain to be a result of my wreck?

It depends on a few things. Where is your pain, and how severe is it? Since the wreck, have you had any other injuries (tripping, falling, etc.)? Some injuries can appear days or weeks following an accident.

If your physician only did a cursory examination the day of the accident, he might have overlooked something. It’s best if you return to the doctor for a more thorough check-up.

3. My neck is very sore following my car accident. Could it be whiplash?

Pain in your neck could indicate whiplash or another injury such as a herniated disc. It could also be residual soreness caused when the adrenaline was released into your system. Consult your doctor for a thorough examination.