The Five Most Common Auto Accident Injuries
Unfortunately, it’s very common to be injured after an auto accident of any magnitude. Due to shock and the accompanying rush of adrenaline you get during a crash, you might not even realize that you’re injured. Always seek out medical treatment after an accident, even if you feel fine. However, before you see a physician, it can be helpful to know what some of the most common crash-related injuries are so that you can keep an eye on any symptoms that develop.
Soft Tissue Strains
Muscle sprains, stretched ligaments, and spinal injuries are prevalent results of the force of an accident and can occur even during low-speed collisions. Whiplash is especially common and often doesn’t set in for hours or even days, so your physician might miss it during their initial examination—if you notice neck pain, stiffness, numbness, or inflammation after a crash, you should see your doctor again. Kids in particular often struggle to accurately convey their pain and symptoms, so keep an eye out for signs of whiplash in children and visit a pediatrician if any manifest.
Cuts, Scrapes, and Bruises
Most people think of the force of a collision and the risk of rollover as the leading dangers of car accidents, but in truth, loose objects in the car can be just as dangerous. Even when unsecured items don’t outright kill passengers, they can cause cuts and bruises of all forms, which can lead to severe external or internal bleeding. Always give yourself a thorough inspection after an accident, checking for blood, swelling, discolored spots, or other signs of trauma.
Head Injuries & Brain Damage
Even with the assistance of airbags and seat belts, head injuries are always a concern. These types of wounds often impair the victim, so you might not be able to diagnose them yourself; conversely, someone talking to you likely will easily see that something’s off. Although concussions won’t kill you, they should still be taken seriously; traumatic brain injury, on the other hand, constitutes a medical emergency and has several telltale cognitive symptoms:
- Loss of consciousness or blackouts of any duration
- Memory loss and difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings, unexplained depression or anxiety, and aggression
- Profound confusion or slurred speech
- Strange sensations, such as a bitter taste, a bad smell, or ringing in the ears
- Compromised object recognition, balance, and coordination
Injured Extremities and Joints
Broken bones, dislocated shoulders, torn ligaments, and other injuries to extremities are especially common for drivers, due to the position of their arms and the freedom of their legs in a crash. Many of these injuries are far from minor and require surgery and extensive physical therapy to overcome, so it’s important to be cautious.
Emotional Trauma and Other Arizona Accident Injuries
Unlike physical wounds, emotional traumas are difficult to prove to an insurance adjuster. All the same, you deserve, and can seek, compensation for your suffering. Time spent in the hospital could lead to depression or compromised relationships with others, and anxieties around cars or behind the wheel are especially common in children and new drivers.
Don’t suffer in silence—contact ELG at (623) 877-3600 to schedule a free consultation with a compassionate attorney in Arizona who can help you through the claims process and secure full compensation for your physical and emotional suffering.
