The greatest tragedy of any car accident is the toll of lost human lives and extensive injuries to the crash survivors. While crash fatalities continue to decrease every year across the country due to safer roads and better automobile design, the numbers of collision-related injuries are rising. In 2012, more than 2.3 million motorists and passengers suffered injuries from a vehicle crash, and nearly 34,000 people died as a direct result of the accident. Many of these collisions and deadly wrecks occurred in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Common Injuries in a Car Accident
Motorists and passengers involved in a car accident often suffer great injury, depending on the severity and circumstances of the crash. Often times, the victim will suffer serious injury to the neck, brain, back, and soft tissue. Below is a list of the most common injuries suffered by vehicle accident victims.
Head Injury and Brain Trauma
Massachusetts Vehicle accidents often cause the motorist or passenger to hit an object violently, resulting in traumatic brain injury (TBI) or injury to the head. In many incidences, there is no obvious sign of trauma such as bruising or cuts even though the brain can be jostled from place inside the skull as a result of high impact. This type of injury often involves brain swelling, bleeding and bruising, which could lead to death if not treated.
Facial Injury
Because of the blunt impact force of a serious accident, many victims will suffer facial injuries that far exceed lacerations to the skin. Common injuries are the result of the face hitting the dashboard, steering wheel, windshield, airbag, car seat and side window or by being hit by shattered glass. Serious accidents can cause severe disorders that affect the facial bones, especially the jaw.
Neck Injury
Whiplash and other forms of strain on the muscles of the neck can happen from a vehicle accident, especially when the car is hit from behind. This type of injury can create a cervical dislocation or serious injury to the spinal discs.
Spinal Cord Injury
An intense impact in a car accident can injure the spinal cord, when ligaments, disc material and bone fragments tear or bruise tissue in the spinal cord. This type of damage can destroy axon nerve cells responsible for transporting signals between the brain and body through the spinal column. Even minimal damage to the spinal cord can produce a loss of feeling or function.
Back Injury
A serious collision can cause extensive damage to the lower back by fracturing vertebrae or causing herniated discs to become strained or sprained. Often times, a serious back injury caused by a vehicle accident can limit mobility and cause extensive long-lasting pain. In many incidences, the victim in the car accident is unaware of serious back injuries until days or weeks after the collision.
Internal Injury
It is imperative that accident victims either be transported to the hospital after an accident or seek urgent care to check for internal injuries. Many victims can suffer a fractured rib or injuries to the heart, aorta, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys and bowels
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be very serious and even fatal. Serious injuries caused by car accidents can vary depending on the severity of the crash and the use of safety equipment such as seatbelts and airbags. Some of the serious injuries that can occur include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These can range from concussions to severe brain damage. Even mild TBIs can have long-lasting effects on a person’s cognitive and physical abilities.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or other significant impairments in motor and sensory function.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a car accident can cause damage to internal organs, leading to bleeding, organ failure, and potentially death if not treated promptly.
- Broken Bones: Fractures can occur in various parts of the body, including the limbs, ribs, and pelvis, and some of these fractures can be life-threatening.
- Chest and Abdominal Injuries: These injuries can include rib fractures, lung injuries, and damage to internal organs like the heart or liver.
- Whiplash: This is a neck injury caused by the sudden back-and-forth movement of the head during a collision. While not usually fatal, it can lead to chronic pain and long-term discomfort.
- Burns: If a car catches fire or there is a fuel leak, occupants can suffer severe burns, which can be life-threatening.
- Amputations: Severe car accidents can result in traumatic amputations of limbs or digits.
- Facial and Eye Injuries: Impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or other objects within the car can cause serious injuries to the face and eyes.
- Psychological Trauma: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological consequences can also result from car accidents, affecting a person’s mental health and overall well-being.
Car accidents can indeed lead to fatalities
Unfortunately, car accidents can indeed lead to fatalities. These fatalities can result from a combination of the injuries mentioned above, complications that arise from them, and the immediate or delayed effects of the trauma. To reduce the risk of serious injuries and death in car accidents, it’s crucial to follow traffic laws, wear seatbelts, avoid distracted driving, and drive at safe speeds. Moreover, improving vehicle safety features and advocating for safer road infrastructure can also play a significant role in preventing accidents and reducing their severity.
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. The type and severity of injuries can depend on various factors, including the speed of the vehicles involved, the angle of impact, the use of seat belts and airbags, and the overall health of the individuals involved. Here are some common injuries that can occur in car accidents:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a common injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward. It often results from rear-end collisions and can cause neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
- Fractures: Bones can be fractured or broken in a car accident, especially in high-impact collisions. Common fractures include those of the arms, legs, ribs, and the skull.
- Head Injuries: Head injuries can range from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even with airbags and seat belts, the head can still be subjected to significant forces during a crash.
- Chest Injuries: The chest can be injured due to the impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbags. Rib fractures and internal injuries to organs like the lungs and heart can occur.
- Back Injuries: The force of a car accident can cause injuries to the spine, such as herniated discs or fractures. These injuries can result in back pain and, in severe cases, paralysis.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons, can be injured in a car accident. Strains, sprains, and contusions are common soft tissue injuries.
- Internal Injuries: The force of a collision can cause damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestines. Internal bleeding may occur, and these injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Facial Injuries: Injuries to the face, such as cuts, bruises, and fractures, can occur due to the impact with the airbag, dashboard, or other objects within the vehicle.
- Psychological Injuries: Emotional trauma, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can also result from the psychological impact of a car accident.
It’s important to seek medical attention after a car accident, even if injuries seem minor initially. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately, and prompt medical evaluation can help identify and address potential issues. Additionally, consulting with legal and insurance professionals is advisable to address the aftermath of a car accident.
