Injuries following a car accident are very common. Whether the accident was minor or major, chances are you’ll walk away with some sort of residual pain. The impact of a car accident is quite often unexpected. Often, you have no means of bracing for the trauma or preparing yourself for what’s to come. Common car accident injuries are not limited to the physical body. The brain is a tricky organ— and impact can have damaging, and lasting, effects.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Lacerations and Bruising
Quite obviously, if you were in an accident that jars you at all— it is likely that you will have some bruising. After all, you were just part of a car accident. Minor cuts and bruises are the most common of any car accident injury, being that they are typically ‘the bare minimum’ when it comes to crash injury.
Concussion
Concussions are among the most common car accident injuries, and depending on the severity— you can show symptoms for months after the fact. Both short and long-term treatment is advisable. After all, a concussion can potentially change the way that your brain works or the way that you process things. Memory and behavioral response are among the two factors you might see most commonly, but these are more likely in a TBI.
Traumatic Brain Injury (or, TBI)
TBI’s are common not only among car crashes, but also in other facets such as athletics. TBI’s can affect your physical, behavioral, and sensory functions— among others. They are similar, but often more severe and longer lasting than concussions. They often take a longer period of time to recover from and it is dependent on severity.
Back Sprains, Fractures, and Sprains
Back injuries are not uncommon either. When in a car accident, whether from behind or the front, your whole body is not expecting the trauma. In doing this, it is often forcibly jarring out of alignment. Pain may not set in instantly. But people who have been in a car accident will typically report some back pain after their adrenaline has slowed.
Whiplash
Whiplash is very likely when you experience an accident of any degree. This issue is consistent of quick, unexpected movement to the neck that is jarring. This can cause serious pain, and sometimes even a concussion. Regular visits to the chiropractor when you are experiencing whiplash can help your body to realign and get back to where it was.
Psychological Injury
Not every injury is physical. Post-traumatic stress is quite common in people who have experienced a serious crash. It is also common in those who might have lot a loved one in the accident. Emotional and psychological distress is not uncommon in any accident. But, especially if a ‘near-death’ experience occurred— or if you experienced a loss. Speaking with a qualified counselor can be a great way to help you cope or come to terms with what has happened.