Physical injuries are very common after an accident. Some may suffer from severe damage, some will endure minor injuries that need not demand professional aid. Treatment differs greatly in accordance with the severity of the car crash. Unfortunately some of the injuries are fatal – just in 2021 there’s has been 1,123 road crash deaths.
Knowing the first aid after experiencing a car accident is very important. It is vital to prevent any further damage and another succeeding ailment caused by negligence.
Hence, we made a list of the most common physical injuries that may arise upon experiencing a car accident:
Head and Brain Injuries
Drivers and passengers are very susceptible to experiencing head injuries. This is due to a fortuitous impact that will surprise and will lead to hitting a windshield, side window, steering wheel, and among others.
Commonly, concussion will be experienced. It is when your head experiences a spontaneous blow to the head. Concussion typically causes brain chemical change. If you suffered a concussion you will notice these symptoms: headache, neck pain, nausea, or dizziness.
Treatment: Basic treatment for a concussion is rest. Cutting back on strenuous physical activities and intensive mental activities. Severe concussion will demand an immediate hospitalisation.
Facial Injury
A facial injury can be caused by abruptly hitting a steering wheel, loose objects, corners, and among others. Cuts caused by such crash will need stitches depending on the deepness and length of the cut. Some may acquire bruises, scrapes or even break a bone.
Treatment: Scrapes can be bandaged to keep it away from dirt. Bruises usually naturally heal. For more serious injuries, surgery should be considered. For some minor wounds, it is important to keep it clean at all times until it heals.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a very common experience when a car crash. It will cause the neck to snap quickly and will lead to an annoying discomfort. Sometimes, injuries from mild neck strain to dislocation of the bone spine will arise.
Treatment: For a mild whiplash, it can be treated with pain relievers. There is no need to seek help from medical professionals. A mild neck strain will last weeks, hence, rest is vital. As for major injuries, such as dislocation, it will require a doctor immediately.
Collarbone (Clavicle) and Rib Injuries
Collarbone and rib damage are oftentimes caused by a sudden leaning forward pressing towards your seatbelt. Although seatbelts typically keep you safe from hitting hard objects, sometimes it causes minor injury to your rib or collarbone.
Treatment: A broken collarbone will cause immobilisation to the victim and will demand special braces but typically it heals on its own. To some cases wherein severe damage is caused, surgery will be demanded. The healing process may take 6 to 16 weeks.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Back and spinal cord injury will be experienced among very traumatic car crash. It can be caused by a sudden swerve and rapid shift. Your spine will more likely twist or pushed out of its alignment. The backbones can potentially experience fractures. Some will experience severe spinal cord injury and can possibly lead to loss of function in the extremities. Along with it, tendons and muscles can be strained and pulled which will cause major discomfort and pain.
Treatment: For minor back pain, it can be healed through rest and cold and warm compress. Also, pain relievers will greatly help ease discomfort and pain. If the pain does not disappear after weeks, it is advised to seek medical help. You may need to get a thorough evaluation and see a chiropractor.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries sometimes caused by wearing a lap belt incorrectly. A sudden shift in the bodyweight will cause muscles on the torso, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and among others to abruptly shift its position and might cause internal injuries. Internal injuries sometimes do not show obvious signs, but it is actually life-threatening. It can potentially internal bleeding and will demand immediate hospitalisation. Signs of internal injuries are deep purple skin, headaches, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
Treatment: For muscle strains, rest, ice, compression and elevation is recommended. For minimal internal bleeding, it can somehow stop on its own but still need a doctor to observe.
Car crashes are traumatic incidents that can potentially take a life. It is always best to prevent and take precautions when driving on the road.
