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A car accident is a traumatic experience with long-term mental and physical effects. Though some may recover quickly, severe accidents could cause chronic injuries. Despite significant development in car safety in recent years, according to a study, road traffic accidents are the leading cause of accidental damage. However, between dealing with the injury, the police, and the other driver involved, the incident can be overwhelming.
Therefore, it is essential to stay alert and identify the damages early on. In this regard, this article highlights the injuries caused by a car accident, along with what to expect after a car accident.
1. Whiplash
This condition causes pain and stiffness of the neck and occurs as a result of rear-ended collisions. When your head goes back and forth in an accident, it results in herniated discs and other spinal cord injuries. Symptoms may show up several days after the injury.
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2. Numbing Sensation
If you experience numbness on any part of your body, it could indicate a spinal injury or damage to the nervous system. It can also be a pinched nerve or a herniated disc.
3. Traumatic Brain Injuries
The impact on your skull causes brain tissue damage. It can disrupt communication and chemical processes of your brain, causing temporary or permanent brain damage.
4. Amputation
In accidents involving rollovers or totaled vehicles, victims may lose limbs or, upon inspection, doctors may advise for an amputation.
5. Back Pain
Back pain symptoms may present several hours or days after the accident. When your body twists, the tendons and muscles stretch extensively, causing muscle cramps and spasms.
6. Concussion Headaches
It is common to have headaches after an accident. Also, it is similar to migraine headaches, with symptoms like nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to light, or even memory loss.
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7. Disfigurement
This could mean a loss in quality of life. Scarring, burn injuries, and other physical injuries can leave permanent damage to your physical appearance. This, in turn, will cause emotional suffering and lowered self-confidence.
8. Paralysis
Paralysis occurs because of an injury to the brain or the spinal cord. Bruising, partial tears, or a severed spinal cord cause partial or total paralysis. However, the treatment is expensive and constant care is required.
9. Fatigue
Traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder may cause excessive sleeping and fatigue. Car accidents can even result in mental illnesses like depression. The right kind of medical attention should be given to the patient as soon as possible.
10. Abdominal Pain
This can indicate soft tissue damage, internal bleeding, organ rupture, or internal aggravation. Therefore, it requires emergency medical treatment.
11. Seat Belt Injuries
Using seatbelts causes these injuries, also called the seat belt syndrome. Some of them are bruising, abrasions, intra-abdominal injuries, and vertebral fractures.
12. Shoulder Injuries
The shoulder twisting in an accident can cause a fracture of the clavicle and the humerus. This will lead to swelling and limit your shoulder movement.
13. Chest Injuries
Drivers often face chest injuries when they collide with the steering wheel. It causes chest bruises and internal bleeding. Perhaps seatbelts and dashboards can also cause chest injuries.
● How Long To Look For Symptoms?
The onset of your symptoms depends on the type and severity of the injury sustained:
- Brain and neck injuries take 8 to 10 days to show up after an accident.
- Concussion symptoms may show up only after hours or days.
- Internal bleeding and bruising show up 1-3 days after the accident.
● Tips To Recover Quickly
The recovery process after an accident can be long and hard, but the following are the ways that will ensure a speedy recovery:
- Check in with your doctor regularly
- Get plenty of rest
- Visit a chiropractor
- Eat a balanced diet
- Avoid strenuous activities
- Ensure that your mattress and pillow give you the proper support
- Attend therapy
- Give yourself the time to heal emotionally and physically
- What Should You Do At An Accident Scene?
There is so much at stake when an accident occurs. Keeping a checklist of the following in your car can help you in the aftermath of an accident:
- Don’t abandon the accident zone
- Check if you have sustained injuries
- Contact the police and ask for medical assistance
- Take pictures of the scene and collect information
- Call a tow truck
● Should You Require An Attorney?
A car accident involves official authorities, and it is essential to familiarise yourself with the legal nuances. If the other party has wronged you, you must file a case to be fairly compensated. Amidst all the physical and emotional trauma, dealing with the legal aspect can be stressful.
Final Thoughts
Driving on roads may be challenging after an accident. It will take some time to let go of the fear of driving. In such cases, you must reach out to loved ones who can help you. In the meantime, practice defensive driving. Always drive carefully, and avoid distractions like eating, talking on the phone, and texting. Remember, safety should always be your priority.
