July 12, 2021

What are Some Types of Car Accident Injuries for Which Drivers Should be Aware?

Car accidents can leave victims with severe injuries. These injuries can even be deadly. In terms of injury, some may be very clear and obvious, whereas others might be harder to detect or might not even become evident until after the accident. This is why it is always a good idea to be familiar with the kind of injuries that might occur after a car accident. Being prepared for the possibilities can better prepare a victim for recovery. Here are some of the more common serious injuries for which a car accident victim should be aware.

Concussion or Brain Trauma

A concussion is common after a car accident. Victims sustain a mild brain injury after a blow to the head, resulting in confusion, dizziness, and other symptoms. Concussions are among the biggest risks in car accidents, and treatment often involves pain management and physical and mental tests.

A car accident concussion can also result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI), a serious condition that can affect the victim’s cognitive abilities.  Over half of reported TBIs are attributed to motor vehicle accidents. Victims of a TBI should reach out to an experienced a car accident lawyer about their legal options.

Internal Bleeding

Although cuts, broken bones, and lacerations may be attention grabbing after an accident, sometimes the worst injuries are the ones that are not outwardly visible. Internal bleeding can be very serious and can lead to many other health complications. In a car accident, the violent impact of the victim’s internal organs as their body is thrown and shaken in the vehicle can cause bleeding. For example, in a collision, the brain can actually sustain injuries from hitting the inside of the skull. This can cause bleeding, swelling, and all sorts of medical complications. Symptoms of internal bleeding usually include pain, swelling, and discomfort of the affected area.

Spinal Disk Injuries

Another very common and potentially very serious injury resulting from a car accident is a herniated disk injury. A herniated disk refers to a problem with one of the disks that are between the individual vertebrae that make up the spine. Spinal disks have a soft center that is encased in a strong, rubbery exterior. A herniated disk can also be referred to as a slipped disk or a ruptured disk. This injury occurs when a tear in the outer part of the disk allows the softer inside to erupt.  In a car accident, this kind of injury can easily occur when any part of the spine is injured and irritates a nearby nerve. This type of disk injury can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the extremities.

Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is a common injury in certain types of accidents. It is a neck injury that results from forceful and rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck from sudden impact. It is named for the fact that the head is thrown quickly, resembling the cracking of a whip. One of the most common causes of whiplash is rear-end car accidents. It can, however, result from many other types of traumatic injuries, including those associated with sports or violent physical attacks or falls.  Whiplash may be called a neck sprain or strain, but these terms also include other types of neck injuries. Most people with whiplash get better within a few weeks by following a treatment plan that includes pain medication and exercise. However, some people have chronic neck pain and other long-lasting complications.

Abdominal Injuries with Pain

Abdominal injuries with pain are likely after a car accident. These injuries can be severe, including cuts or even impaling injuries as pieces of metal from the car impact the driver or passenger. However, many abdominal injuries might not be visible from the outside. Twisting and jerking motion and even the seat belt can cause pain and injury in the abdomen. This can be an issue of a pulled or even torn muscle, or it could be a component of other serious injury involving internal bleeding or damage to vital organs. For this reason, it is best for any car accident victim to seek medical attention when unidentified pain occurs. Medical tests should be able to show the extent of the injury and if further treatment is needed.

Shoulder and Neck Injuries with Pain or Stiffness

Shoulder and neck injuries are common after an accident. It is important to understand that this part of the body has important bone structure, significant muscle, and a lot of connective tissue, all of which can easily be damaged in a car accident. To make matters worse, injuries in these areas may not be noticeable right away. A victim might not even have pain with a neck or shoulder injury because of swelling or other issues. These injuries could present as numbness or stiffness. Any pain or unusual sensations should be checked out after an accident.

Mental Trauma

Mental and emotional trauma can be more devastating than physical injuries. This type of trauma, however, is often ignored. People may focus more on the physical injuries sustained in a car accident while not understanding that mental trauma can last for years or even for a lifetime. This can include issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These issues can result in insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks, and other problems that take away a person’s focus from daily life. Additionally, mental trauma can affect a person’s ability to work and can be damaging to their family life. Mental health is a significant factor in each person’s life, and trauma after an accident can be very difficult to handle.

Norristown Car Accident Lawyers at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. Advocate for Victims Injured in Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause a great deal of damage and can impact a victim’s life for years. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a car accident, the knowledgeable Norristown car accident lawyers at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. can help. Our team has the resources to build the best case and get you the best results. Reach out to us today and see how we can help. Call us at 267-861-7100 or visit our website to set up a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients in Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Norristown.