There are approximately 6 million car accidents each year in the United States. Unfortunately, many of those accidents result in serious injuries or even fatalities. Because these accidents are so common, it’s important to know just how severe an injury can be if you’ve been involved in an auto accident yourself.
Hopefully this information will help you better understand the various types of common injuries after car accidents, and when you should seek additional medical attention.
Immediately after impact: No matter how fast you or another driver were moving at the moment of impact, serious injuries can occur instantaneously. The first thing you should do after any auto accident, from minor to severe, is get medical assistance. Hopefully emergency crews arrive on scene right away and you can get the help you need.
What body parts are at the highest risk?
Following any auto accident, just about every area of the body is at risk of being in pain. But there are three specific body parts that are at risk of being severely injured: the head, neck, and chest.
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- Head Injuries — If your head suffered any impact during the accident, you’re going to need immediate medical assistance. Even if you think it was just a minor hit, you could be at risk of serious brain injuries down the line if your head was impacted in any way.
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- Neck Injuries — Even the smallest of accidents can lead to chronic neck pain if left unattended. Whiplash is an extremely common symptom of car crashes, and your next could be at risk of serious pain in the future if you don’t get the right medical help.
- Chest Injuries — The chest is one of the most vulnerable body parts during a car accident. Because you are positioned just a few inches away from the steering wheel, your chest will likely come in contact with the wheel, dashboard, or shoulder harnesses upon impact. This impact can result in bruised, fractured, or broken rips, as well as internal organ issues and muscle strains.
Even if you’ve been cleared by medical professionals following an auto accident, you should still pay close attention to how your body feels and reacts in the days and weeks that follow. Chronic injuries can begin to show even weeks after a serious injury, which is why it’s essential to stay in contact with your doctor.
Try your best to remain as safe as possible out on the roadways, but if you need legal assistance, the Law Offices of Michael R. Herron are here to help. Give them a call today.
