The Five Most Common Crash-Related Injuries
Safety devices in cars have come a long way, yet are still far from being able to completely protect an occupant in the event of an Arizona auto accident; as such, it’s exceedingly common to end up with some type of injury after a crash. Always see a doctor after an accident, even if you feel fine. The necessity of seeing a medical professional really can’t be stressed enough; you might have asymptomatic or delayed-onset injuries, or might not notice your own injuries due to a rush of adrenaline and distractions. Seeing a doctor will also generate vital evidence, which is necessary in order to receive financial compensation for your wounds.
Commonly Sustained Injuries After a Crash
Although auto accident injuries are as widely varied and unique as the crashes that cause them, there are five injuries in particular that are seen most commonly in all contexts:
- Whiplash. Whiplash is, hands down, the most common injury sustained in all accidents, whether they’re at 5 mph or 50 mph. Whiplash usually manifests anywhere from minutes to weeks after a crash as pain, stiffness, and soreness in the neck and upper back, but can also have a host of other cognitive symptoms depending on severity; whiplash is additionally very hard to prove without a formal medical diagnosis.
- Bruising. Bumps and bruises are inevitable in most accidents, both due to your body colliding with vehicular surfaces, but also due to any unsecured objects which could become projectiles in a crash, slamming into you in the process. In either case, bruises could be indicative of broken bones or internal bleeding, hence it’s vital to get bruises examined by a medical professional.
- Concussions. While most concussions can go away with minimal treatment, it’s vital to never self-diagnose whether or not you have a concussion. Concussions impair your cognition, yet could also be a traumatic brain injury rather than a simple wound; as such, most of these injuries are caught by doctors and, occasionally, by close friends who notice amiss behavior.
- Injured extremities. For as vital as seat belts are, they only keep your body and, to a lesser extent, your head, in place. Your arms and legs are generally free to swing and strike surfaces unhindered, which can lead to sprains, dislocated joints, and torn ligaments. While very rarely life-threatening, injured extremities can compromise one’s quality of life during lengthy recovery periods.
- Emotional trauma. People don’t often talk about it, but accidents can be just as stressful on the mind as on the body. PTSD and lasting traumas or phobias around vehicles aren’t uncommon after an accident, especially with new drivers; this mental suffering should never be downplayed or marked off as insignificant. Therapy and counseling options are always available, as are other support systems.
Compensation for Crash-Related Injuries in Arizona
Recovering from injuries is hard enough at a physical and mental level, but financial burdens and medical bills can be just as overwhelming. You can get compensation for all of your bills, but also for physical and emotional pain and suffering you might experience, alongside a host of other auto accident-related damages. ELG’s auto accident attorneys can help you secure a reasonable settlement, so give us a call at (623) 877-3600 to learn more and get started.
