Most car accidents often lead to serious injuries that can disrupt the lives of the victims. Those involved in car accidents can experience different types of injuries of varying severity. It’s important to note, however, that some of these injuries are more common than others. As a result, most car crashes often result in high medical bills, missed wages and a dramatic change in the lives of those involved.
Since the cost of treating car accident injuries can be quite substantial, you should consider hiring a competent personal injury attorney to recover compensation for the medical bills and lost income as well as pain and suffering among other things.
Below is a list of 9 most common Orlando car accident injuries:
– Neck Injuries
– Back Injuries
– Concussion
– Broken Ribs
– Soft Tissue Injuries
– Broken/Dislocated Bones
– Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
– Psychological Distress
– Pain and Suffering
Neck Injuries
This is one of the most common injuries that usually arise from car accidents. The neck is particularly vulnerable because any jerking motion from the impact of a collision can have a whiplash effect, causing serious neck injuries. The neck provides a lot of backward and forward flexion and can move side to side. The resulting neck injuries can take months or years to heal.
Back Injuries
The back has a similar structure to the neck, so it is also susceptible to the same injuries during car accidents. Back injuries range from pinched nerves, strained ligaments and pulled muscles to ruptured discs and broken ligaments among others. Some of these injuries can have lifelong complications that may force you to make life changes and seek medical attention for the rest of your life.
Concussion
This is a type of traumatic brain injury that may occur when the brain hits the inside of the skull. Some common symptoms of a mild concussion include; hearing and vision problems, headaches and some confusion. Severe concussions can lead to permanent brain damage, cognitive impairment and memory loss among other things.
Broken Ribs
The internal organs of vertebrates are protected by the rib cage, humans included. While the rib cage has some level of rigidity to offer this protection, it also has some flexibility to aid in breathing. The thin bones in the rib cage can easily be broken by even the safety belts that drivers and passengers are usually advised to use. While minor rib cage injuries can heal fast and without much discomfort, severe injuries come with excruciating pain and may take long to heal. Please note that severe injuries can also cause serious injuries to internal organs.
Soft Tissue Injuries
During car accidents, the soft tissue around the body can easily be injured in a variety of ways. These injuries can also be minor or severe. Even the restraints in your vehicle can cause swelling and bruising at any point of contact.
Common injuries associated with car accidents may also include spleen and liver damage. In addition to that, facial injuries can also arise from impact of airbag deployment.
Broken and Dislocated Limbs
During an accident, the brain’s natural instinct is to brace for the impact. For instance, you may find yourself stiffening your legs and arms subconsciously to brace for the impact. Upon impact, the legs and arms can easily be broken as a result. Dislocation of the elbows, knees and hips can also occur.
PTSD
It’s crucial to note that not all injuries are physical, some are mental or psychological. The shocking or traumatic events associated with the car accident can leave you with post traumatic stress disorder. This can affect your personal and professional life.
Psychological Trauma
Aside from PTSD, car accidents can also cause a variety of other psychological problems. This may include; guilt, anxiety and depression. Fortunately, working with therapists and professional medical practitioners can help.
Pain and Suffering
While the physical injuries sustained in an accident can be treated, the lingering pain and suffering can stay with you for decades.
What to Do If You’ve Been Involved in a Car Accident
While there are many things you can do after an accident, the right thing to do is call 911 to report the accident and ask for an ambulance. Next, call a friend or family member to inform them about the incident. After you’ve been taken to hospital, focus on getting better and get in touch with a competent car accident lawyer to help you with your claim.
