The year 2020 saw over 35,000 Americans lose their lives in car accidents. In the same year, over 1,500,000 people suffered injuries. When you have such high numbers, it is important for the average car owner to not just follow preventive measures but also be aware of the steps to take after an accident.
This is because being a victim in a car accident is one of the most horrible situations a person can find themself in. They have to cope with the injuries while keeping an eye on their draining finances.
However, there’s help. Approaching an experienced car accident lawyer will get you the assistance required to claim fair compensation. The sum you receive as compensation depends on a number of factors, and injuries are one of them.
Given below are 5 injuries that you’re likely to sustain if you’re involved in a car accident.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are the most common type of car accident injury. A soft tissue injury causes damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
They are characterized by
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
Most soft tissue injuries are minor, but some can be severe as well. The following conditions fall under the category of soft tissue injuries:
- Contusions
- Tendonitis
- Sprains
- Bursitis
- Strains
- Stress injuries
Cuts and Scrapes
Along with soft tissue injuries, cuts and scrapes are also commonly seen in car accidents. The impact of the accident often transforms the things inside the car into powerful projectiles. These things include:
- Smartphones
- Coffee mugs
- Interior décor
- Eyeglasses
- Purses
- Books
- Dash-mounted GPS Systems
These projectiles are often the reason behind the majority of cuts and scrapes. This type of injury is minor and usually requires little to no medical treatment. The more serious injuries will require stitches.
Chest Injuries
Airbags and steering wheels are the top contributors to chest injuries in car accidents. Although airbags are supposed to be a safety feature, the force generated in an accident can make them a threat.
The chest injuries a victim suffers include:
- Bruises
- Broken ribs
- Internal injuries
Keep an eye out for the following symptoms to find out whether you’re suffering from a chest injury.
- Breathing troubles
- Chest pains
- Abdominal pains
- Changes in fluid regulations
Head Injuries
There are multiple ways a person’s head will suffer an injury in a car accident. The sudden stop or change in direction may force the heads of the occupants to move unnaturally fast in awkward directions. This often leads to sprains or strains in the neck.
Then there are chances of the head crashing into the steering wheel, leading to bruises and other severe conditions based on the impact of the accident.
Some head injuries victims of car accidents suffer from include
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injury
- Skull fractures
- Intracranial hemorrhages
- Brain penetration
Arm and Leg Injuries
Just like the other parts of the body, the arms and legs of the occupants are at risk of getting injured in an accident. Most injuries to the arms and legs are often minor. But there are exceptions where victims suffer serious injuries like fractures. Some may end up suffering a disability, either temporary or permanent.
Arm and leg injuries are a major hassle for victims whose professions revolve around physical labor. An injury to the arms or legs means time off from work, leading to lost wages. These individuals also run the risk of not being able to work at pre-accident levels after recovery.
Final Thoughts
Even with the rise in protective features, car accidents still tend to cause serious life-altering injuries and, sometimes, even death. Prompt medical attention helps reduce the seriousness of car accident injuries.
If you ever end up getting hurt in an accident, reach out to a car accident lawyer. They’ll know what to do and provide the assistance required to get the compensation you deserve.