What are Some Potential Car Accident Injuries? 

Injuries

From fender-benders to fatal crashes, car accidents are never welcome and almost always frightening. Even after a minor accident, those involved are off kilter and have some anxiety over what happens next. The first thing to do after an accident is for everyone to get out of harm’s way. Next, someone should evaluate health impacts of those involved and call for help. The extent of injuries may be obvious, such as cuts and bruises, or they may not be readily apparent.

The following are some common injuries that occur in car accidents and symptoms that can serve as warning signs that the injuries may be serious. It is always a good idea to get checked by a medical professional after being in a car accident. Delayed treatment of many injuries can lead to worse outcomes than when they are discovered and treated early.

Brain, Head, and Face Injuries

Safety features are provided in the car cabin to protect occupants in an accident. These include the seat belt and the airbag. These restraint devices prevent occupants from impacting the steering wheel or windshield, which can cause very serious injuries. Even when properly used and deployed, these devices can only do so much. If the head hits a hard object, such as a side window, cuts, scrapes, or bruises often happen. These may require treatment to clean, cover, and perhaps stitch the wounds.

Fluid and tissue in the head can slam against the skull during a sudden stop. This can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which is a closed head injury with no obvious wound. A mild TBI is referred to as a concussion. Symptoms can include confusion, blurred vision, and slurred speech. Most concussions resolve with rest. A more severe TBI is also possible. Severe TBI has symptoms very similar to more mild cases but may also involve bleeding. This condition requires immediate medical attention to prevent pressure buildup from swelling and bleeding to prevent brain damage. Severe TBI can result in impaired brain function.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue including muscles, tendons, and ligaments often get injured in car accidents. The sudden impact causes stress and strain on these tissues and can injure them. It is important to seek medical attention for these injuries. A common soft tissue injury in car accidents is whiplash. The protective reflex of tightening neck muscles to keep the head steady is often too slow in a car accident. This can result in muscles and ligaments being stretched too far before the reflex response. These injuries may require temporary immobilization and follow-up physical therapy.

Internal Bleeding Injuries

Organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and large blood vessels can all bleed on injury. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, headaches, feeling heavy, fatigue, and dizziness. Sometimes symptoms have a delayed onset. Failure to control the bleeding can be fatal.

Broken Bones

The accident can also cause sudden impact with objects. Although pain is a good indication of a broken bone, there may be hairline fractures that hurt less but still require medical treatment. Most broken bones should be set to avoid improper healing or reinjury.

Psychological Injuries

Sometimes emotional and mental health issues arise after a car accident. Feelings of guilt, sadness, or fear can happen after an accident and may persist. Being afraid to drive or get in a car again, having irrational fears, and other extreme reactions can be debilitating. Signs that mental health is in jeopardy should be heeded and signal the need to seek the help of a trained mental health professional.

Sometimes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arises after being in a car accident. This is a serious condition that can cause intense anxiety. PTSD can also severely impact the ability to performs tasks of daily living, causing sleeplessness, fear, and feeling overwhelmed. Mental health counseling should be sought to address this serious condition.

Washington DC Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Protect the Rights of Accident Victims

Car accident injuries can be financially devastating, and getting an experienced lawyer on your side is vital. The Washington DC car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King can evaluate your case and recommend the best path forward to seek and recover all legally available compensation. Do not sell yourself short or wait until it is too late. Call us at 202-331-1963 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Washington, DC, we work with car accident victims in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, and Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.