A moving vehicle isn’t a force to be reckoned with, as it is thousands of moving pounds. This is why car accidents can be so devastating, even in low speed collisions. Injuries from car accidents can vary, even some resulting in fatalities. Within the last year, over 100,000 crashes were reported in Washington state. Less than 500 were fatal. However, nearly a quarter of the accidents resulted in injuries:
- 1,938 suspected serious injuries (a non fatal injury that can be life-threatening: severe laceration, broken bone, skull or head trauma, burns, paralysis, unconscious when leaving the scene of the accident)
- 7,037 suspected minor injuries (an minor injury that is evident at scene of the crash, typically requires no hospitalization: lump on head, bruises, minor laceration)
- 22,303 possible injuries (indicated by behavior: brief moment of unconsciousness, developing a limp, claims of pain without evident wounds or injuries)
Whiplash
Whiplash is considered a minor injury, and is one of the most common injuries from a car accident. It occurs when the force of the crash causes the neck to whip back and forth, which stretches the ligaments and muscles of the neck and back. Whiplash can result in a poor quality of life following the car accident, as it is common for the pain and soreness to linger for a couple weeks. However, there are more serious effects from whiplash, which could lead to damage to the muscles and ligaments in the lower and middle back.
Head Injury
Out of all the automobile accidents, head injuries can be the most serious. Unfortunately, these are very common, due to the high risk of hitting the head on the steering wheel, side window and windshield. Head injuries can pose a severe risk, commonly resulting in bruises, lacerations, and broken facial bones. One of the more serious head injuries is traumatic brain injury, such as brain swelling and a concussion.
Limb Damage
Due to the small space inside a vehicle, contact with the interior can cause damage to the limbs. The front of the car can be the most dangerous, as contact with the dashboard, console, and door can result in dislocated limbs or even broken bones.
Lacerations
Lacerations can occur whenever there is broken glass, or even when the airbag deploys. More severe lacerations could occur when parts of the vehicle collapse on the person.
Get Medical Treatment
Suffering injuries from car accidents can lead to lost income and future medical expenses. In the event that you are in a car accident, you should seek treatment as soon as possible, even if they are minor. Getting medical attention promptly directly links the injuries to the car crash, which will help with both an insurance settlement, or even a personal injury lawsuit.
