Every ten seconds someone is in an auto accident in the United States. If you are in an auto accident, there is a good chance you may be injured. It is important to get checked out immediately to make sure you are alright. Even if you feel ok at the time of the accident, it is important to go ahead and see a doctor. Sometimes it can take 24 hours or more after the accident for symptoms to start showing up.
The five injuries you need to look out for the most are: neck injuries, back injuries, brain injuries, facial injuries and psychological injuries.
Neck Injuries - These are one of the most common types of injuries that can arise from a car accident. Neck injuries can range anywhere from mild severities, such as whiplash or neck strain, to serious injuries, such as disk injury or ligament instability. Whiplash is extremely common in auto accidents. It is caused by the sudden and abrupt jerking motion of the head. It is a result of forward and backward motion. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches and shoulder pain.
Back Injuries - These are a common occurrence in auto accidents. The lower back is one of the most common sites for back injuries and back pain. The most common back injury is a sprain that can then turn into a herniated disk. A sprain is stretched or torn ligament, which are tissues that connect bones at the joint. Falling, twisting, or getting hit can cause a strain.
Brain Injuries - The most common type of brain injury is a closed head injury. A closed head injury could be a concussion or traumatic brain injury. They are difficult to detect and can take days to show symptoms. According to the Center for Disease Control, auto accidents are the second leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. Symptoms include memory or concentration problems, headaches, dizziness, loss of balance, nausea, sensitivity to light, fatigue and mood swings.
Facial Injuries - Facial injuries can be as extreme as broken bones to the face. The most common broken bones in the face are the nose, cheek and jaw bone. Breaking bones in the face can cause problems with sight, the ability to speak, and swallow. Most facial injuries in auto accidents occur from airbag deployment or not wearing a seat belt.
Psychological Injuries - Studies show the more severe the injury, the more complicated the psychological injuries are. Trauma can lead to more significant and long term stress, which can in turn lead to depression and sleep problems. If stress persists after your auto accident, seek medical attention.
As you can see, all of these medical issues that can be caused from car accidents can be dangerous and life threatening. Make sure to be examined by a doctor in less than 24 hours after any auto accident no matter how insignificant you may think it is. This is a good way to make sure you are not hurt, and if you are, get on the road to recovery.