Car accidents are dangerous and, unfortunately, prevalent. Likely, you have either been in one or know someone who has. Injuries from car accidents can range from mild to catastrophic, and some injuries are more common than others in this type of accident.
Emotional injuries
A person who has survived a car accident can be emotionally traumatized by the experience and develop PTSD. In addition, other mental-health conditions associated with car accidents include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Changes in personality
- Suicide
Car accidents are serious and can significantly impact an individual’s life, not only on the scene but for months and years after the accident.
Physical injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most common injuries a person can sustain from a car accident. These injuries are serious and must be treated accordingly, as they can severely impact an individual’s ability to continue to have a normal life in the future if they are not treated promptly and by the right specialists.
Other common physical injuries include:
- Bone and joint fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Amputations
- Burns, and many others.
Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries are the most common and serious, but other injuries can also cause severe life-threatening conditions. Anyone involved in a car accident must receive prompt medical attention to identify if they have sustained any of these injuries, diagnose them and treat them if possible.
It is also essential to remain alert for some time after the accident. Symptoms of some injuries do not show up right away, and it is critical to talk with your doctor if you feel anything is different than it was before the accident or if you identify any changes in your body.
Car accidents are traumatic life events and can cause many injuries. While some are more severe than others, it is critical to be aware of some of the most common injuries. This can hopefully lead victims to feel empowered to advocate for themselves with their doctors.