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5 Common Wrist Injuries Caused By Car Accidents

car accident vicitm with wrist injury

Around 21% of emergency room visits are due to pain in the wrist or hand, and some of these visits happen right after a car accident.

Hurting your wrist isn’t the first injury you’d expect after a car accident, but the risk is even more present if you’re the driver and have your hands on the wheel at the moment of the collision. Even if the injury is mild, it’s really important to seek medical treatment right away.

Hurting your wrist almost always means you won’t be able to use your hand at full capacity until you’re healed, which can cause various levels of disruption in your personal and professional life.

However, wrist injuries can be more diverse than you’d think. Here are five of the most common types:

Fractures

Your wrist has a total of 27 bones that start in this area and extend into your palms, and an additional 14 bones in your hand. These bones are rather delicate, which means they have a higher risk of getting fractured in a car crash.

Hitting your hands against the steering wheel, airbag or windshield can lead to these injuries.

Sprains

Wrist sprains are the least severe forms of injury, but they still may come with uncomfortable pain and need medical attention. It happens when the ligaments which connect the bone in the wrist are stretched, without them tearing.

Torn Ligaments

These injuries are more serious as in some cases they can lead to loss of function in the hand. Torn ligaments are often accompanied by a joint fracture and require surgery immediately. If left untreated, they can even lead to arthritis.

Dislocation

The joints, which allow all the bones in the hands to move, may become dislocated because of a car accident. This is a rather painful injury that can result in permanent damage in the wrist and hand if left untreated.

Tendon Damage

Tendons are the part of your wrist that connects the muscles to your bones. If you hit your hand or wrists directly, it’s possible for the area to become inflamed, which can lead to a condition called tendonitis. Though it’s completely treatable, it can result in some severe pain in the wrist joints, which are accentuated by moving the wrist or hand. You’ll likely need pain management medication for a while.

Why Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer?

If you were the victim of a car accident, don’t ignore any discomfort in your hands or wrists. Seek medical attention at once and get adequate treatment. Additionally, you should know you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering caused by the collision.

If you want to know more about how to get compensated, reach out to an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney for a free case consultation to get the solid legal advice.


Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!

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Updated: December 16, 2020