The human body is exposed to a significant amount of force during a car accident. Even minor accidents led to aches and pains. People often assume they will walk away unscathed because they were wearing seat belts and purchased cars with outstanding safety ratings. However, this still cannot protect them from all injuries.
At times, a car crash will leave a person with major injuries, significant pain, and a long recovery to look forward to. How might a person be injured in a car accident? What can lead to these injuries?
What Might Lead to a Person Being Injured in a Car Accident?
When a person is in a car accident, their body might be violently thrown forward and backward. Many people make contact with the dashboard or steering wheel as a result of the collision or they are jerked sideways and hit the window. At times, a person is hit by loose objects in the car or flying debris and this leads to injuries. If the person is not wearing a seatbelt, they may even be thrown from the car.
Adrenaline surges through a person’s body when they are injured in a car accident. This adrenaline may mask the injuries they have, so they walk away thinking they are fine. It isn’t until hours or days later that they learn they were injured. What should they do when these injuries appear?
Seeking Medical Treatment Following an Injury
Most people feel sore after a car accident. The key lies in knowing the difference between aches and pains resulting from the accident and more significant injuries. A person may not be able to distinguish between the two, which is why it is always wise to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Soft tissue injuries, spinal damage, and concussions may not be apparent until hours or days after the accident. While a doctor cannot detect soft tissue injuries, for example, using conventional testing methods, the initial visit provides them with a baseline if problems arise in the coming hours and days.
Serious Symptoms That Require Immediate Attention
Any loss of consciousness requires an immediate trip to the doctor. The same holds when a person feels dizzy or confused. They may not remember the events surrounding the accident or might be tired and lethargic. A headache could be a sign of a concussion and the same is true of vomiting and nausea. Testing is required to ensure there isn’t an underlying brain bleed and that the brain isn’t swelling.
Minor Aches and Pains
Minor aches and pains are to be expected following a car accident. People often dismiss these symptoms as natural following a collision. However, they could indicate a bigger problem. For instance, neck pain could be caused by a joint injury, while low back pain could be a sign of a compression fracture. The doctor can rule out serious conditions or find something that needs further treatment. By seeing the doctor as soon as possible, the patient can prevent further damage and reduce the time needed to heal from the accident.
Visit the emergency room if any symptoms develop following an accident or call a doctor that specializes in treating car accident victims. Many people head to their primary physician, which never hurts. If this doctor feels additional care is needed, they can refer the patient to the appropriate specialist. The key is to get medical care somewhere following an accident. It’s always best to have accurate answers when it comes to a person’s health and the doctor can provide these answers.
