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Know the various types of car crash injuries

Posted on February 21, 2018

Motor vehicle crashes cause various types of injuries. You can’t ever truly be ready to deal with a car crash or the effects of one, but you can try to understand some of the types of injuries that might occur so that you are aware of what to watch for after the accident.

Many people assume that the injuries you suffer in an accident will show up right away. This isn’t always the case. Some injuries, even serious ones, might not be noticeable until days or weeks after the accident. Here are a few types of injuries of which you should be aware in the event that you are ever involved in a crash:

Brain injuries

Brain injuries are possible when you are in a car crash. People most commonly think of brain injuries coming from impacts during the accident, but there are other ways that they might occur. The violent motion of the impact can rattle the brain, which can also lead to damage. Another possibility is that something will impale in the victim’s head, which could injure the brain through direct or indirect contact, e.g., skull shards. These injuries might be noticeable at the scene, but they can also manifest at some undetermined future point.

Spinal cord injuries

The spinal cord is very delicate, but it is also well-protected. Abnormal bending of the body in a car accident or direct blows to the back or neck can lead to spinal cord injuries. These are often catastrophic and can lead to lifelong disabilities like paralysis and mobility difficulties.

The exact way that the injury affects a victim depends on the location and type of the injury itself. Anyone who might have a spinal cord injury shouldn’t be moved after the accident without using proper support and stabilization because of the risk of further injury to the area.

Broken bones

Broken bones are injuries that are usually evident at the scene of the accident. Severe pain, obvious deformity and swelling can all signal a broken bone. In some cases, the injury might not be noticeable right away. Hairline fractures will usually cause pain, but obvious deformities won’t be evident. The injured area could appear red and swollen but it might also look completely normal.

Cuts and bruises

Cuts and bruises are common after collisions. These injuries likely won’t require medical care, but there are exceptions. Large bruises should be evaluated for the presence of blood clots and other injuries. Deep gashes that won’t stop bleeding could require stitches. Having them evaluated is a good idea.

Be your own advocate

Be proactive about your health after being involved in an accident with another vehicle. By obtaining documentation and treatment of any injuries promptly post-accident, you may be able to recover your expenses in a damage claim, along with compensation for pain and suffering.

Contact Handy & Handy Today

If you have been in a serious car accident, please contact Handy & Handy today. Our car accident attorneys who serve West Jordan, as well as Salt Lake City are here to help you after your accident. We also offer free consultations, so get in touch with us today.