Car collisions take place all over the world, and every minute of every day. Regardless of how safe a driver you may be, there’s still a chance that you could get into a car crash at any moment.
Whether you’re just in a fender bender or in a big crash involving multiple vehicles, you may become injured as a result of the trauma from your accident. To help you assess just how you’ve been injured and recognize if and when you need medical assistance, here are three common injuries that often take place when someone’s been in a collision.
General Cuts and Scrapes
Surface injuries are very common after vehicle incident. Because a big portion of your car is made of glass, it’s all too easy to get cut by broken glass when you’re in a crash. Additionally, David Landers, a contributor to Nolo.com, shares that any items you had in your car at the time of the accident could serve as projectiles that might cause you harm.
When these projectiles hit you, you might receive cuts or scrapes as well as bruises. And though airbags are there to protect you, they can also cause damage to your skin or other areas of your body when they deploy. Check all over your body, especially near vital organs, to ensure you don’t have big gashes that might need medical attention.
Head, Neck, and Back Injuries
Along with injuries on the outside of your body, many people suffer internal injuries when they’ve been in a car crash. According to FindLaw.com, some of the most common internal injuries that happen from collisions include harm caused to the head, neck, and back. Injuries like concussions, whiplash, herniated discs, and more often happen as a result of someone being in a vehicle incident.
Knowing this, it’s a good idea not to move around too much after you’ve been in the car crash. Once you’ve called the police and an ambulance, the emergency response teams will be able to assess your injuries to ensure that you haven’t been hurt too badly in these areas.
If you have been hurt in your head, neck, or back, keeping your body stabilized is vital to ensure you don’t cause yourself more harm by moving too much.
Psychological Trauma
In addition to injuries that occur to your body, many people also suffer mental injuries as a result of a car collision. HG.org explains that many people experience post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, after being in a vehicle crash.
Even if no physical injuries were sustained, the fear and uncertainty that may develop following a vehicle incident can cause a person to undergo real psychological trauma. If this happens to you, don’t hesitate to visit a doctor and get the help you need.
If you’re ever in a car crash, consult or think of the list above to help you prepare for what potential injuries you might have incurred.