Most crashes still result in vehicle accident injuries, despite campaigns to promote road safety. Every year, thousands of road accident victims still end up in hospitals all over the country. Thus, drivers must prioritize safe driving habits and take necessary precautions to prevent risking their lives as well as others on the road.
Common Vehicle Accident Injuries
Most common vehicle accident injuries may range from minor wounds to major trauma, depending on a few factors. This is because the impact of the collision and the types of vehicles involved usually affects the severity of injuries. Below are some examples:
Whiplash: A whiplash happens when a sudden jerking motion of the head causes injury to the neck and upper parts of the spine. Accident victims may feel symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
Concussion: What happens if the airbag failed to inflate? This may lead to a blow to the head, otherwise known as a concussion. Its symptoms include confusion, dizziness, headache, and nausea.
Broken bones: Broken bones can occur in any part of the body upon hitting a hard portion of the vehicle. The arms, legs, and ribs are usually the parts where broken bones or fractures occur.
Back injuries: Wonder why you should wear a seatbelt? Back injuries are common in vehicle accidents and can range from mild strains to severe spinal cord injuries that result in paralysis. Hence, wearing a seatbelt may reduce the risk of getting back injuries in case of a collision.
Internal injuries: These are injuries to internal organs that are not visible from the outside. They can be life-threatening if not treated promptly, that is why you should get yourself checked after an accident even if you do not see physical injuries.
Cuts and bruises: These are common injuries that can occur in any type of accident. They can range from minor cuts and scrapes to more serious lacerations. Consider yourself lucky if you only get bruised after a vehicle collision.
Psychological trauma: Vehicle accidents can cause emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For example, some victims may find it difficult to drive again, fearing that another accident may happen to them.
If you have been involved in a vehicle accident and have sustained any of these injuries, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
What if My Accident Injuries Don’t Show Up Right Away?
Well, this is not uncommon. Some injuries really do not show up right away, making it difficult for the victims to seek that much-need treatment later on. More often than not, these types of vehicle accident injuries are the ones that turn out to be severe. Some only notice when it is too late and the injuries may have already gotten worse. For example, whiplash and soft tissue injuries take time to develop. It could take several hours and even days for the symptoms to appear.
Have you been involved in a vehicle accident and did not notice any injuries? It’s still important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor can examine you and identify any underlying injuries that may not be immediately apparent. This can help you to receive prompt medical treatment and prevent the injury from getting worse.