Most Common Crash Injuries

crash injuries

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention affirms that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injuries in the United States. On average, for every one person killed from crash injuries, 8 more were hospitalized and 100 more were treated and released from hospital trauma centers.

Neck Injuries

Whiplash is one of the most common vehicle crash injuries. This injury occurs when a collision causes the head to suddenly and violently shake forward or to the side. This causes strains or sprains of the neck. Fractures or disc herniation, more serious neck injuries, are usually caused by impact with another object within the vehicle and require extensive physical therapy and sometimes even surgery.

Leg and Knee Injuries

Leg and knee injuries are common crash injuries resulting from parts of the vehicle smashing into the driver or passengers. These can range from simple cuts and bruises to broken bones. Knees and ankles are especially prone to injuries such as dislocation or tearing.

Broken Bones

Simple or compound fractures are frequent crash injuries. The shifting of the body and/or parts of the vehicle often cause the body to strike hard surfaces at odd, unprotected angles. Broken bones always require emergency care due to the crippling impairment and risk of infection.

Back Injuries

Injuries to the back and spine can occur when the vehicle is struck from any angle. Strains and dislocated discs can result from the body shifting forcefully and abnormally due to impact. Depending on the force and type of accident, injury to the spine can cause chronic pain or disabling trauma.

Concussions

A concussion is caused by the brain being severely shaken inside the skull. This often results from hitting your head on the window or the steering wheel after a violent collision; but it can occur without your head striking any surface. Concussions range from mild to severe, requiring everything from rest to surgery to correct the damage.

What Can You Do About Crash Injuries?

Accidents happen, often beyond our control. But, when possible, everyone can mitigate the chances of injury in the event of an accident by observing the following steps:

  • Ensure that every person in your vehicle wears a seat belt on every trip, no matter how short.
  • Safely restrain children in appropriate car seats, booster seats, or seat belts, according to their age and weight. Children 12 and under should be buckled in the back seat.
  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or using drugs, and help others do the same.
  • Match your driving performance to road and weather conditions. Err on the side of safety.
  • Learn more about all of these tips at: cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety

If you have been in a serious car accident resulting in injuries, call on the experienced attorneys at Edwards & Patterson Law. We offer free case evaluations to residents of McAlester, Tulsa and eastern Oklahoma. Call us today at 877-403-8417 or contact us online. You pay no attorney fees unless you recover monetary damages.

“We care. We fight. We win!” That’s more than just a slogan at Edwards & Patterson Law. Those simple words sum up our law firm’s mission and everything we do for our accident and personal injury clients.

“We care. We fight. We win!” That’s more than just a slogan at Edwards & Patterson Law. Those simple words sum up our law firm’s mission and everything we do for our accident and personal injury clients.