Car accidents can cause many injuries, to any part of your body, depending on the circumstances of the crash and the severity of the impact.
A detailed review of insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits related to auto accidents, indicate that certain injuries occur more than others.
Brain and Head Injuries
In a car accident, one of the most common injuries suffered by drivers and passengers is a closed head injury, which can range from a mild concussion to a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Even when there is no physical sign of trauma (i.e. cuts or bruises), the brain is at risk of being shaken inside the skull because of the impact of a car crash, so that brain bruising and other injuries can result. Think of shaking an egg and seeing the yolk smashed up.
Neck Injuries
Another common form of injury from a car accident is neck injuries, which can occur in more mild forms such as whiplash and neck strain, to more serious injuries like cervical radiculopathy and disc injury.
Back Injuries
The impact of a car accident and the resulting torque on the bodies of drivers and passengers can cause back injuries such as a sprain, strain, fracture, disc injury, thoracic spine injury, lumbar radiculopathy, and lumbar spine injury.
Like neck injuries, sometimes the symptoms of even the most serious back injuries can take some time to show up after an accident, and just as often a back injury can cause longlasting pain and discomfort.
Facial Injuries
In a car accident, injuries to the face can be caused by almost anything — including a steering wheel, dashboard, airbag, windshield, side window, car seats or shattered glass. These injuries range in severity from scrapes and bruises, to laceration and fractures, even Temporomandibular disorders of the jaw (TMJ) and serious dental injuries.
Psychological Injuries
Drivers and passengers may suffer short or long-term psychological injuries such as emotional distress, and develop conditions that resemble post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after serious car accidents involving severe injuries and loss of life.
So what should you do if you suspect that have been injured in a car accident?
The first thing you should do is get medical attention, which means treatment for injuries you suspect you have, and also a precautionary examination for injuries that may not be so obvious, particularly after a fairly low speed impact or a small damage collision.
Shezad Malik is an Internal Medicine and Cardiology specialist, a Texas Medical Doctor (retired) and Defective Medical Device and Dangerous Drug Attorney. Dr. Shezad Malik Law Firm has offices based in Fort Worth and Dallas and represents people who have suffered catastrophic and serious personal injuries including wrongful death, caused by the negligence or recklessness of others.
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