Statistics show that is highly likely that you will be involved in a car accident at some point. Hopefully, any accident that you will experience will be minor, and you’ll be able to walk away with no problems.
Unfortunately, oftentimes accidents can lead to severe injuries. Here are some of the most common ones that occur as a result of car accidents.
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when the head and neck jerk abruptly forward or backward due to a sudden stop. This sudden motion can cause soft tissue damage in the surrounding area of the body, leaving victims with severe pain, stiffness and headaches.
Broken bones
The human body contains over 200 bones, so there is a good chance you will sustain some type of bone fracture in a car accident. While they can mend with time, such injuries can have significant consequences–particularly for older adults, who tend to take longer to heal and whose fractures may not heal as well as those of younger individuals. Depending on the severity of the break, recovery may require casts or surgery, followed by weeks or months of physical therapy.
Concussions
Any impact or movement that causes the brain to shake around in the skull can cause a concussion. Depending on the severity of an injury, it can lead to cognitive issues such as confusion, difficulty focusing and headaches.
Cuts and bruises
It would be unlikely that you would come out of an accident without some bruising. But flying glass or blunt force can cause severe cuts as well, which could – at minimum – make it challenging to move around.
Soft tissue damage
Examples of soft tissue damage can include strains, sprains, contusions and deep bruises; however, some of the most severe symptoms may not present immediately after an accident. In some cases, individuals may experience considerable pain for a significant time due to soft tissue trauma sustained in a motor vehicle collision but may not notice the onset of this pain until hours or days later.
If you have been severely injured in a car accident, you may have weeks, months or even years of recovery ahead. In addition to your physical injuries, you’ll have the stress of financial challenges if you have substantial medical bills to pay. Know that you may be able to receive compensation for your accident that can help cover your lost wages and medical expenses. Seeking legal guidance to learn more about your options can be helpful.