You don’t have to be involved in a serious collision to suffer an injury as the result of a motor vehicle accident. In fact, a minor fender bender can result in a variety of injuries, all of which require immediate medical care.
Understanding the most common car accident injuries will allow you to administer first aid and receive the proper treatment should you find yourself in this position.
- Back and neck injuries: For example, whiplash is common if your vehicle was struck from behind. Other back and neck injuries include spinal cord damage, broken vertebrae, sprains and strains.
- Head injuries: A concussion is a common head injury that typically results from your head striking the dashboard, window or steering wheel. Other head injuries, such as a skull fracture and bleeding on the brain, are much more serious.
- Broken bones: Every bone in your body is vulnerable to injury in a car accident. For example, broken legs and arms are common.
- Abrasions and burns: These injuries are common in serious accidents, such as those in which one or more vehicles catch fire, or you are ejected from your car.
There is a lot to do after a car accident, but nothing is more important than your health. Even if you don’t experience immediate symptoms of an injury, you still want to receive a medical evaluation.
After you understand your injuries and impact on your life, file a claim with your insurance company and collect information related to the accident. These steps will put you in a position to seek compensation for your injuries and other damages.