Car accidents are one of the leading causes of emergency room visits across the United States. Many injuries can be sustained in car accidents, some more common than others. Continue reading for more information on the types of injuries that can occur during a collision. Reach out to a Middlesex County, NJ car accident attorney for legal advice and representation.
What Are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries?
There is not one injury that results from all car accidents. The injuries that will be sustained heavily depend on the circumstances of the collision. Whether a passenger was driving, in the passenger seat, in the back, how fast they were driving, where the force of the impact came from, whether or not they were wearing a seatbelt, etc. can all be contributing factors to the injuries that are sustained. With that being said, in general, it is common to see the following injuries after a car accident.
- Whiplash
- Concussion
- Broken or bruised ribs
- Spinal injuries
- Broken bones
- Fractured bones
- Sprains, strains, and dislocations
- Cuts and scars
- Internal bleeding
- Brain injuries
- Burns
While the above is probably what comes to mind when thinking about car accident injuries, wounds can be invisible too. The aftermath of a car accident can leave a person with debilitating mental illness and the development of psychological issues. Some other injuries that can develop after an accident include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Insomnia or other sleeping disorders
- Other emotional or mood disorders
How Can I Avoid Car Accident Injuries?
It can be difficult to fully avoid being in a car accident. Even the safest of drivers cannot always prevent a collision or crash. However, there are certain steps you can take to ensure you are driving carefully and avoiding unnecessary and avoidable accidents. These steps can prevent serious injuries in the event of an accident.
- Always wear your seatbelt properly. Wearing your seatbelt seems like a no-brainer, but many people do not. It could save your life in the event of a collision. Make sure you and your passengers are sitting upright with your seatbelt properly fastened.
- Drive at the posted speed limit. The speed limits are there for a reason, so do not drive at excessive speeds. The faster your car is moving the harsher the force of the impact will be if you crash.
- Secure loose items. Penetrating injuries can be sustained by the crash causing loose items to fly around the car and injure the passengers. Store heavy items securely in the trunk when possible.
- Do not participate in distracted driving. Avoid accidents in general by avoiding distracted driving. Taking your eyes off the road even for just a few seconds to text, eat, change the radio, etc. can lead to an accident.
- Be alert. Do not drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol as they can inhibit your ability to safely operate a vehicle. Driving while fatigued or drowsy can also be dangerous as it lowers your reaction time. Stay off the road until you are fully alert and able to operate a vehicle safely.
