Sprains, Strains, and Other Car Accident-Related Injuries

Sprains, strains and other injuries are common after car accidents – even minor “fender benders.” The problem is that many of these injuries don’t show up at the scene of the accident, and that can cause people who desperately need medical treatment to think that they’re fine.

Here’s what to watch for.

Sprains after Car Accidents

You can suffer a sprain anywhere that you have ligaments—the fibrous tissue that connects your bones inside your joints—and that includes your back, your hips and your neck.

Strains after Car Accidents

Any of your muscles or tendons can be strained in a car accident. A strain is the stretching or tearing of these tissues, and it’s one of the most common injuries after a crash.

Car Accidents and Whiplash

Whiplash is also very common; it’s usually the result of a rear impact. The head and neck are forced backward upon impact, immediately before natural reflexes take over and force them into a hyperflexed, forward position, which causes the condition we know as whiplash.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are some of the most underreported injuries, but they include even the mildest concussions. TBIs are the result of the brain hitting the inside of the skull, which often happens during sudden stops.

Broken Bones

Particularly in severe car accidents, broken bones are a common crash-related injury. Broken bones require immediate treatment, including pain management, or serious complications can occur.

Psychological Injuries

Even though you can’t see them, psychological injuries can be very damaging. Many people suffer emotional distress, and others even develop post-traumatic stress disorder that severely limits their capabilities for months or years after a car accident.

What to Do if You Are Involved in a Car Accident

Before you do anything else, seek medical attention. Many injuries don’t show up right away, and even those that do can be lost in the rush of adrenaline your body experiences immediately after a car accident. It’s so important to make sure you’re physically okay before you do anything.

If someone else caused your car accident, you might be entitled to financial compensation. It’s usually a good idea to talk to a personal injury lawyer who focuses on car accidents to find out whether someone else will be required to pay your medical bills, make up for your lost wages, and cover other accident-related expenses so that you can focus on what’s really important: recovery.

http://www.caraccidentlawyer-brooklyn.com/injury-type/spinal-injuries/