While most people can tell that a leg bent the wrong way or a cut bleeding profusely is a serious injury, it becomes more challenging to recognize minor injuries or those that are not visible to the naked eye. Even though a person’s injuries may not appear severe, it is still necessary to consult a physician. A trained doctor will check to see if the person has suffered from any non-visible injuries, such as ones to the brain, spine, or other unnoticeable damages. To learn more about potential car accident injuries, their symptoms, possible treatments, and recovery process, continue reading.
Types Of Injuries That May Result From Car Accident
Countless injuries may result from a car accident. These injuries may range from minor cuts and bruises to nearly fatal or even deadly. These are a few examples of injuries that one may endure, following a car accident.
Brain injury
Like other types of ailments, head injuries can range from minor to severe. The impact of the driver’s head on surfaces in the car can cause scrapes, deep lacerations, and bruising. Closed head injuries can be caused by severe accidents. A mild form of a closed head injury is a concussion with a more serious one leading to permanent brain damage.
Bone fracture
Some of the most common bones that are fractured in car accidents include the skull, sternum, ribs, and facial bones. Cranial fractures can happen when someone’s head impacts the window, steering wheel, or dashboard during a crash. Fractures in the sternum and ribs can occur when a person jerks forward into their seatbelt roughly. Facial bones can be broken with the force of the airbag or collision on car surfaces.
Spine injury
Damage to a person’s spinal cord may result in paralysis below a person’s injury and point of impact. There may also be reduced muscle power as the brain is unable to relay messages to other body parts since there is a break in the path.
Symptoms That You May Be Suffering From A Serious Injury
While some injuries may not be visible to the naked eye, these are a few tell-tale signs that someone may be suffering from a serious injury.
Loss of consciousness
Whether it be for a short or long period of time after an accident, loss of consciousness may be a sign of a concussion or another type of head injury.
Severe swelling
Severe swelling may indicate that a bone has been, at the very least, sprained or potentially fractured.
Decreased range of motion
Coupled with pain during neck movements or sagging shoulder joints can be a sign of whiplash.
Back pain
A symptom of a herniated disc or spinal injury. These conditions worsen if they go undiagnosed for a long period of time.
How Your Car Accident Injury Can Be Treated
The method of treatment that an individual receives is contingent on that patient’s injuries and specific needs. A one-size-fits-all approach cannot address the wide range of injuries that car accident survivors experience. Here are a few treatment options:
- Physical therapy
- Epidural steroid injections
- Casting for fractured bones
- Surgery
What Does The Road To Recovery Look Like?
Like treatment programs, each individual’s road to recovery is unique to their own injuries and experiences. While some may miraculously heal from their traumatic injuries in a short amount of time, others may face lifelong complications. It is essential to see a physician within 72 hours after the accident to ensure the highest possible rate of recovery. Separately, the amount of time it takes an individual to seek medical help can be a contributing factor to the amount a person is later compensated.