According to the NHTSA, as many as one million people get injured every year in motor vehicle accidents across the US.
Car accidents are the leading cause of injuries all over the United States. According to the NHTSA, as many as one million people get injured every year in motor vehicle accidents across the US. The type and seriousness of the injuries vary according to the circumstances of the collision. However, there are some injuries that are reported more commonly than others. Some injuries are minor and resolve on their own in a few days, and some are serious and life-altering. In this post, Missouri car accident attorney will discuss the most common types of injuries that people suffer in car accidents.
Injuries caused by vehicle accidents are classified into two types:
- Impact injuries: These are caused when the person’s body part hits something in the car’s interior.
- Penetrating injuries: These occur when an object penetrates the skin and creates an open wound.
Soft Tissue Injuries
It is the most common type of injury suffered in a car accident. It is an injury to the connective tissue such as ligaments, muscles, and tendons. A whiplash injury is a soft tissue injury to the neck and upper back caused by sudden back and forth movement of the neck and head.
Cuts and Scrapes
In a car accident, the loose objects inside the vehicle can fly around and hit the body and cut or scrape the skin. Such objects include cells phones, GPS Systems, eyeglasses, purses etc. Serious cuts may involve blood loss and require stitches.
Chest Injuries
These injuries can range from contusions to more serious internal injuries and broken ribs. The injuries are often a result of a person’s chest hitting the steering wheel or dashboard if the person is not wearing a seat belt. Even if the person is buckled up, the seat belt or the shoulder harness can cause severe bruising to the chest area.
Head Injuries
Head injuries can range from being minor to life-threatening. When the car stops unexpectedly or changes direction all of a sudden, it can cause the occupant’s head to move suddenly and unnaturally. This leads to muscle strains in the back and neck. Impact with the steering wheel or side window can cause head injuries including bruises, cuts, and even deep lacerations. High impact collisions can cause closed head injuries. Less serious closed head injuries result in concussions, and the serious ones can cause temporary or permanent brain damage.
Limb Injuries
In the case of a side impact accident, a person’s arm or legs may get thrown against the door and suffer an injury. The passenger’s knees can hit the dashboard or the front seats. The common arm and leg injuries include bruises, scrapes, sprains, and fractures. There are many other types of injuries that can occur as a result of a car accident. Some injuries may not show up immediately, and the symptoms may manifest after days or even months. So, it is important to seek immediate medical attention soon after the accident.