Whether you’re going 15 miles per hour or 50 miles per hour, a car crash can leave long-lasting injuries on a person’s body. A car crash can come from negligence or a simple mistake from both parties, but that fact of the matter is that injuries are likely to occur. Contrary to popular belief, much of what you see on television and movies is not how things really occur during a car crash. A simple arm sling may not be enough for most people. The following list entails some of the most common injuries related to car accidents.
Spine Injuries
A person’s back is one of the strongest muscles in our bodies, but it does have its limits. One of the most common types of injuries incurred by a sudden hit (often from the side) is a spinal injury. To be more specific, a herniated disc injury. A herniated disc is somewhat like a broken bone, but more difficult to fix and often longer to recover from. This injury occurs when the spine is hit so hard that one or more vertebrae rupture or shift out of place. If you are injured in a car accident and believe this has happened, make sure to let your EMTS know about it as soon as possible in order for them to secure your back as quickly as possible.
Neck Injuries
Of all the items on this list, neck injuries are often the most stated injury by those involved in an accident. That is because of your neck muscles being very small and often not ready for a sudden movement caused by a car hitting you from the back. Whiplash might be a word you’ve heard often, and this is because it is the most common of neck injuries. There are a number of symptoms associated with whiplash, many of which are not too serious but can leave you with a very sore neck that can last for months.
Internal Bleeding
One of the most common car accident injuries seen within people is internal bleeding. Often people will refuse medical assistance at a scene because they have not experienced broken bones or whiplash of any kind. However, it is incredibly important to allow EMTs to check you anyways because internal bleeding can be fatal when not immediately taken care of.
There is always a risk of being involved in a car accident when you hit the road. Therefore, it is important to understand some of the most common injuries seen after an accident. Understanding common injuries may help you better communicate about them with your EMTs and current physician.
If you get into a car accident, A-HESSCO Roadside Assistance & Towing Innovations is here to help. Let us know if you need a tow!