How Dangerous are the Most Common Injuries that Result from Car Accidents?

                                                                                         

Many people make the mistake of thinking that if an injury they sustain in a car accident does not seem to be debilitating, that it does not require medical attention and is not very serious. The problem with this line of thought is that common injuries which may initially seem to be minor can lead to extreme complications if they are not properly treated.

The most common type of injury which comes from car accidents is whiplash. While in many cases it may not appear to be severe, immediate medical attention is needed to minimize the chance of complications. Brain damage can occur from a whiplash injury, and, if not treated, may even result in death. Rather than waiting to see if you have the symptoms of brain injury, such as a headache, speech disturbances, or difficulties in balance, an immediate evaluation should be performed.

Injuries to the back and spinal cord also rank amongst the most common injuries from car accidents. Similar to whiplash, the extent of damage from these types of injuries cannot be determined without a medical evaluation. Your injury may be as simple as needing to deal with back pain, or you may lose your ability to walk or move. A back injury may be minor, but a spinal cord injury has the potential of leaving you permanently disabled.

Brain trauma which is not connected to whiplash is another common injury in car accidents. While brain trauma has the potential of causing permanent disability and even death, it is usually more recognizable than the effects of whiplash. The person who has sustained a head or brain trauma may experience fluids draining from his ears or nose, may be confused, and may lose consciousness. These symptoms of brain trauma can result from blood clots, a fractured skull, or damage to the tissue in the brain.

Damage to the joints, particularly the knees, is another common injury that often results from car accidents. As with any other form of injury, the extent of the damage cannot be known without a medical evaluation. One may believe that he has sustained nothing more serious than minor bruises, while a thorough evaluation may show fractures, torn ligaments, or other factors which require medical attention.

If you or someone you know is in a car accident, it is important to be checked by a physician. This is the only sure way of knowing the extent of the damage.

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Learn about medical malpractice, birth injury, and brain injury.

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