Even at low speeds, car accidents generate incredible force, which can send passengers to the hospital in the back of an ambulance. West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers has fought for compensation for clients hurt in a variety of wrecks, including T-bones and rear-end collisions. You deserve financial compensation when a dangerous or careless motorist crashes into you.
In this article, our Moncks Corner car accident lawyers review some of the most common injuries from a car accident. Call West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers if you need legal assistance.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are common after a car accident. Although a seat belt will restrain a person’s chest, the head can swing around wildly. A motorist can slam their head into the side of the car or even crack the head of another motorist. Violent shaking by itself can lead to some common car accident injuries:
- Concussions. This is a relatively mild traumatic brain injury. Common symptoms include confusion, headaches, slurred speech and difficulties concentrating. A concussion requires extended rest. Although medication can relieve certain symptoms, like pain or sleeplessness, there is no easy cure.
- Traumatic brain injuries. TBIs are more serious brain injuries than concussions. A person will likely lose consciousness for a little while. Some of the most serious symptoms include impaired movement, speech difficulties and memory loss.
- Brain hemorrhage. Any bleeding inside the skull is dangerous. As the blood collects in the brain, the pressure increases, possibly cutting off blood flow. A common symptom is a “thunderclap” headache.
- Cracked skull. The skull protects the brain, but it can crack under extreme force. This is a dangerous injury. Cerebrospinal fluid can lead from the brain, leading to increased infection and other problems.
You should go to the hospital after an accident. A car accident head injury is difficult to diagnose, especially concussions. Let a doctor review how you are feeling.
Neck Injuries
In addition to head injuries, neck injuries are a familiar sight:
- Whiplash. In a collision, a motorist’s head can whip back and forth. This movement can stretch soft tissue in the neck, leading to chronic pain. Whiplash can take months to heal on its own.
- Cervical fracture. Violent accidents can crack the vertebrae in the neck. Any fracture will cause increased pain and could possibly result in spinal cord damage.
- Displaced vertebrae. Normally, the vertebrae line up straight, but trauma can displace one or more vertebrae. This is a potentially life-threatening injury.
- Pinched nerves. Anything pressing on a nerve will cause pain until the pressure is released.
When the neck is injured, many people cannot return to normal life. Instead, they miss months of work. Take any neck pain seriously and head to the hospital following a car crash.
Facial Injuries
A collision can lead to many facial injuries, such as:
- Orbital fracture. This injury involves a broken eye socket. The eyeball could end up damaged.
- Broken nose. The nose bone can fracture if you slam your face into the dash or steering wheel. You might need surgery to straighten a deviated septum.
- Blindness. Even with the prevalence of airbags, you could suffer trauma to your eyeballs. Some airbags expel metal or plastics, which can cut the face (and eyes).
Facial injuries are potentially disfiguring. A deep laceration to the face could leave a bold scar, which can cause embarrassment and social anxiety. Remember to treat your emotional symptoms as well as physical ones.
Back Injuries
The back is incredibly complex. A car wreck can cause various injuries:
- Herniated disc. Soft discs provide cushion between vertebrae, but a car wreck can tear or otherwise damage them. Constant pain is one symptom.
- Back sprain. Violent wrenching can sprain some of the ligaments in the back, causing intense pain. Few people can work or even stand up after a severe sprain.
- Spinal stenosis. The spinal cord runs through a channel in the middle of the vertebrae. An accident can narrow the space and pinch nerves.
- Spondylolisthesis. One vertebra could slip into the one below it.
- Incomplete spinal cord injury. The spinal cord is essential to everyday life. It is a bundle of nerves that run along the back and transmit signals. Any nicking, bruising, or slicing of the cord can result in serious impaired sensation or even loss of movement.
- Complete spinal cord injury. When the cord is cut into two clean pieces, then you have suffered a complete injury. A person is typically paralyzed down from the point of impact.
Back injuries are massively disruptive, perhaps second only to a car accident head injury. Immediate treatment is necessary to keep the injury from degenerating further.
Fractures
Any bone in the body could break due to the violent impact of a car accident. Fractures come in different shapes and sizes:
- Stress fracture. This is a hairline fracture that resembles a crack in the bone. If you don’t rest, the crack can widen.
- Transverse fracture. The bone is broken straight across. Although a “clean” break, you need to set the pieces so they can fuse together.
- Comminuted. When the bone breaks into many small pieces, you have suffered a comminuted fracture. These fractures are complicated to heal, and you might need plates installed.
- Compound fracture. The bone breaks through the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
Fractures are common car accident injuries. Although most fractures will heal if set properly, you might need surgery to install screws, pins, or plates. Fractures also cause many complications, including compartment syndrome or infection. You might even end up losing bone.
Chest Injuries
A serious car accident can injure the chest. Sometimes, the shoulder harness can press against the sternum, which causes the injury:
- Torn pectoral muscle. A difficult accident can tear the major chest muscle, the pectoralis major. You might be unable to lift your arm or work.
- Rib fracture. The seatbelt can fracture one or more ribs. Due to pain, rib fractures can lead to shallower breathing, which in turn can cause pneumonia. This is a real risk for elderly car accident victims.
- Collapsed lung. A fractured rib can spear the lung, leaking oxygen into the cavity between the lung and the ribs. As the pressure builds, the lung can “collapse” and it’s impossible to breathe.
- Heart contusion. A bruise on the heart is a contusion. This is a potentially life-threatening injury.
These are only some of the most common chest injuries a person can suffer in a car wreck. You should pay close attention to any pain in your chest and head to the hospital for diagnosis.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
We can’t ignore the emotional or psychological side to car accidents. PTSD is one of the most common injuries from a car accident. According to one study, possibly 4 out of 10 car accident victims suffer from PTSD.
There are some common symptoms:
- Flashbacks to the accident. You might relive the accident, especially at night when you are trying to sleep.
- Avoidance. You might avoid motor vehicles after the crash, preferring to walk everywhere. This is common.
- Anxiety. Excessive arousal is common following a traumatic accident. You might struggle with anxiety whenever you think about the accident or get into a vehicle.
- Intrusive thoughts. You might suddenly think back to the accident at unusual times, such as when talking to a colleague at work.
PTSD is crippling for many. It is a real medical condition, and your doctor can get you treatment. Share any of the symptoms with your medical team.
Speak with a Berkeley County Car Accident Lawyer
At West Law Firm, our commitment to the Lowcountry spans generations. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, you deserve dedicated representation. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation and let us help you navigate the path forward with confidence. Call 843-483-8630 or fill out the FREE CONSULTATION to take the first step toward securing the justice you deserve. Don’t wait—get the experienced support you need.