Internal Injuries from a Car Accident

Introduction

Last year in the United States, more than 37,000 people died in car accidents with 2 million being seriously injured or disabled according to the Association for Safe International Road Travel. You are more likely to be hurt in an accident than die. Many accidents result in more than superficial bruising; you may even suffer from internal injuries from car accident or break some bones.

If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident, don’t wait, speak with a personal injury attorney right away. A personal injury attorney will make sure that you are fully covered and aware of your rights and also will help you in the case that you do file a car accident lawsuit. At JacksonWhite Law, we offer a free case review for anyone that believes they may have a personal injury case.

What are the Most Common Injuries in Car Accidents?

Since car accidents usually result in considerable force, even when you are in a minor car accident, you are likely to sustain some form of injury. These are some of the most common according to the Physician Now.

Neck Injuries – Whiplash

Whiplash is caused by the sudden back and forth movement that happens when your vehicle is stopped suddenly whether you hit a tree or another car. While whiplash usually resolves itself over time with proper care, surgery is a possibility with more serious cases.

Leg and Knee Injuries

One of the most common misconceptions is that people who are involved in an accident suffer mostly from upper body injuries; but due to the modern car safety designs, injuries to knees and legs are common.

Broken Bones

Often the forces in car accidents are so great that they result in broken bones. These need to be treated in emergency care. A cast is adequate for a simple fracture but for compound fractures (breaks through the skin) or where the bone is broken in more than 1 piece, surgery is required.

Back Injuries

Hopefully the back injury will be of such a nature that you will suffer from muscle strain or disc location only. More serious back injury may require surgery.

When the head is shaken severely, a concussion can occur. In your car, there are several objects against which you can hit your head – the passenger window, the windshield. But a concussion can happen even without your head contacting another object. The shaking of your brain is a serious matter. If you black out for even a few seconds, it is important to seek medical assistance.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries from car accident can include the kidneys, stomach, lungs, heart or aorta. Often in car accidents, internal injuries can be caused by broken rib bones puncturing these organs. These are very serious and require immediate medical attention.

Facial Injuries

Facial injuries are common in car accidents and can range from bruises to disfigurement.

Psychological Injuries

It is easy to overlook this type of injury as it is hidden. Nevertheless, it is very real. Distress, depression, anxiety and PTSD are all possible results of a car accident.

What are Common Causes of Car Accidents

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving has surpassed all other causes of car accidents. Perhaps this was always true, but we didn’t recognize it. What are drivers doing instead of paying attention to the road? They are texting, eating or talking.

Drunk Driving

We have all heard the statistics about this cause. As the laws about marijuana change in the various states, it will be advisable to keep a clear view on the results.

Speeding

This is the second largest cause of accidents. All of us have been guilty at some time. You should know the limits are there for a reason.

Reckless Driving

This is a related offence to speeding, but there is an additional aspect that the driver has very little concern for others.

Rain

Rain is one of the most dangerous driving conditions. In some states, you are required by law to slow down and turn on your lights while driving in the rain.

Running Red Lights

When you are in a hurry, you tend to speed and cut corners. One of the most dangerous moves is to rush through a red light.

Night Driving

With the reduction of visibility for any reason, there will be more accidents. Night time is further complicated by the blaring lights of the other cars.

Mechanical Failure

All drivers expect that your car will be fully operational. When it slows down, stops or swerves unexpectedly, it throws off people’s reactions. A tire that blows while you are driving is a very dangerous situation.

Tailgating

You need to leave space for that reaction time. Without it, you will be out-driving you ability to stop.

Poor Road Conditions

Potholes, broken pavement, and improperly designed roads can put you in places where you do not want to be.

10 Excellent Driving Tips

Use these strategies for avoiding accidents. Preventing death, internal injuries or broken bones is well worth the extra effort.

1. When entering traffic, move slowly. Be aware that turning left is much more dangerous than turning right, as you are crossing a traffic lane rather than moving in the same direction.
2. Whether by design or by accident, it is common to see people run a red light. When approaching an intersection, get into the habit of looking for red light runners.
3. Scan far down the road, not just in front of you. That way, you will see a potentially dangerous situation and will have the time to avoid it.
4. Leave plenty of space between cars, especially on the highway. If someone cuts in, grumble to yourself but slow down to make that space.
5. Keep your car in good conditions. It seems that cars break down in the worst of times, such as in rain or snowstorms.
6. Always have at least one hand on the wheel. Anything can happen so quickly e.g. you could hit a rough patch in the road or have a tire go flat.
7. When backing up, use your mirrors but follow up with a quick glance to confirm all is clear.
8. When you see children, be even more vigilant. Slow down and be prepared for them to dart out.
9. In driving, same as in life, having manners goes a long way.
10. If you are in an accident, do not stand on the road while waiting for a tow truck. You are safest in your car.

Almost everyone has been touched by car accidents, whether personally or through a friend or family member. It is time for us to take responsibility by using these guidelines to protect the ones we treasure the most.

Call our Personal Injury team at (480) 467-4392 to discuss your case today.