Many Tennessee residents don’t think much about car accidents until they are involved in one. A collision can result in a variety of injuries ranging from mild to severe depending on the severity of the impact. These are the most common.
Traumatic brain injury
Car crashes often result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A person can suffer serious effects if they hit their head or some object penetrates their skull. In the mildest cases, it’s possible to experience a concussion that fades over a short period of time, but more severe cases of TBI can be fatal. Some victims survive but are left permanently disabled.
Spinal cord injury
Spinal cord injuries can happen after a car accident when a person’s body experiences impact to their neck or back. In milder cases, damage to the spine could be limited to the neck from whiplash or a disc in the lower back, resulting in chronic pain. In the worst-case scenario, a crash can leave a person with a spinal fracture or paralysis.
Fractures
Many victims of car accidents experience broken bones. Depending on the part of the body affected, it’s possible to be left with a broken nose, fractured wrist, broken arm or leg or even a broken pelvis. A simple fracture is much easier to treat and requires less recovery time, but a compound fracture is complex and often requires surgery and a longer recuperation.
Soft tissue injuries
Soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, bruising and torn muscles, tendons or ligaments are common during a crash. Although these injuries are often not as serious as some others, they can result in chronic pain and require extensive treatment.
Internal bleeding and organ damage
Among the most serious car accident injuries are those that are internal. When internal bleeding and organ damage occur, it can lead to complications and even death without prompt medical intervention. Many people in accidents assume they are fine if they don’t immediately feel pain or experience other symptoms.
Car accidents and the injuries they leave in their wake are serious. Medical treatment is crucial even if you feel fine.
