Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents

It is important for you to put safety at the top of your priority list every time you get behind the wheel of a car. At the same time, an accident can happen at any time. It is important for you to seek medical care as quickly as possible, and then you should reach out to a lawyer who specializes in car accident or accident attorney who can help you. At the same time, there are a number of injuries you may suffer in a motor vehicle accident. What are a few examples of injuries you may sustain?

Bone Fractures

It is not unusual for people to suffer bone fractures in a motor vehicle accident. For example, if you extend your arms in front of you to protect yourself at the point of impact, you and they suffer a wrist fracture. This could involve a fracture of the radius or ulna. You might also suffer leg fractures. For example, you might sustain a broken ankle, or you may sustain a broken femur. Even though there are some fractures that might not require surgery, it is possible that you might require surgery to set the bones in place. Then, you might need to undergo physical therapy to complete the recovery process after the cast has come off.

Burn Injuries

It is also possible for you to suffer serious burn injuries in a motor vehicle accident. Burn injuries are typically divided into different degrees. A first-degree burn is the least serious. It will be painful and turn the skin red, but it will probably not damage tissue underneath the surface. A second-degree burn can be incredibly painful, and it may lead to damage to underlying tissues. A third-degree burn is the most severe, and it is typically surrounded by areas that have second and first-degree burns. You need to go to the emergency room so a specialist can take a look at the burns and prescribe the appropriate treatment. There is also a risk of infection with severe burns.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

People who suffer a traumatic brain injury in a motor vehicle accident. Traumatic brain injuries take place when a blow to the head causes a temporary or permanent change to the manner in which the brain processes information. You may strike your head on the steering wheel, dashboard, or window, leading to serious trauma. Some of the most common examples of traumatic brain injuries include concussions, cerebral contusions, and even skull fractures. When you go to the emergency room, you might receive a rapid scan to take a look at your head. This is important for diagnosing possible brain injuries. Some brain injuries can lead to permanent complications.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Finally, there is also a chance that you could suffer a spinal cord injury. At the point of impact, a seatbelt may restrain a portion of your body from moving forward, but it is also possible that your torso could fly forward over your knees. This can place a tremendous amount of flexion force on your spine, leading to an injury. It is also possible that you may suffer a penetrating injury of the spine, damaging your spinal cord. Unfortunately, there are some spinal cord injuries that can lead to permanent complications. That is why it is important to see a doctor as quickly as possible. The sooner the treatment begins, the better the prognosis might be.

Make Sure You Seek Medical Care as Quickly as Possible

Even though you might feel fine in the immediate aftermath of a motor vehicle accident, you may still have suffered serious injuries. Therefore, you need to seek medical care as quickly as possible. This means calling 911 and asking for emergency medical personnel to come to the scene of the accident. Then, even if you go to the emergency room, you still need to follow up with your primary care doctor to make sure the injuries have not gotten worse. Be sure to ask for a copy of your medical records, as you may need them to support your claim if you decide to pursue damages following the accident. Remember that a car accident lawyer can help you with this issue.