What Types Of Injuries Do People Get In Car Accidents?

With car accidents on the rise since the pandemic began, drivers should understand the danger that exists outside of quarantine, out on the road. In fact, a recently published LA Times article examined the reasons fatal car accidents have surged since the pandemic and found that because of the dire nature of the pandemic, people are acting more recklessly on the roads.

In an effort to curb reckless driving, this article discusses some of the most common injuries involved in accidents. Injuries sustained in accidents range from mild scrapes and bruises to severe traumatic brain injuries.

Some of the causes of car accidents such as driving under the influence have also increased since the pandemic. Because people feel less control in their situation, they are exercising less caution when taking to the road. In fact, federal researchers found that opioid-positive tests nearly doubled in fatal accidents this year, a stark reminder that people are not exercising the same caution as before the pandemic. This article aims to bring awareness around what drivers can do to better understand the road and protect themselves on the road.

If you’re in the Colorado area and you’ve sustained an injury in an accident, visit a personal injury attorney Denver to determine the full extent of your case and receive the compensation you deserve.

Types Of Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some of the most common and severe injuries one can receive in a car accident. TBIs occur when the brain sustains damage from a blow or piercing injury. Each year, 50,000 people die from TBIs and another 80,000-90,000 people suffer from long-term disability.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Car accidents are high-impact collisions that place a substantial amount of torque on the body and can cause long-term damage. This torque can cause disability due to spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord damages can result in partial or total paralysis due to the injury.

Back Injuries

Outside of the spine, back injuries are also a common injury in car accidents. Whiplash is a prime example of such back injuries that occur in car accidents. Many of these injuries may not be noticeable until a few days after the car crash. However, the pain resulting from these injuries can be severe and chronic.

Burns

Car accidents can cause fires and they can also spray hot liquid, steam, or other chemicals that cause burns. If the victim comes into contact with these fluids, they can sustain severe burns that require surgery or skin grafting.

Internal Injuries

Internal bleeding is a common type of injury to sustain during a car accident. Other severe injuries that occur from car accidents include organs rupturing or lacerating. Many of these internal injuries require emergency medical treatment and surgery.

Fractures And Broken Bones

Broken bones are especially common injuries resulting from car accidents. Some accident victims might even require a broken pelvis. The severity of broken pelvises ranges from those that require a cast to severe breaks including compound fractures that often require surgery to repair.

Disfiguring Facial Injuries

Facial disfigurements can be caused by broken glass or impact with a steering wheel, dash, windshield, airbag, or other hard surfaces. These injuries often cause surgical reconstructive surgery and can cause lasting scars.

Limb Loss

Appendages can sustain severe lacerations during car accidents and some might require surgical amputations. Amputations can have permanent disabling effects on victims.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are those that cause damage to the body’s connective tissue (ligaments, muscles, and tendons). Soft tissue injuries are the most frequent type of car accident injury and they have many degrees of severity, ranging from whiplash in the upper back and the neck to torn ligaments and dislocated joints. These types of injuries are not regulated to the back and can occur anywhere throughout the body.

Cuts And Scrapes

During a car accident, debris within the car can turn into projectile objects. These projectiles can cause scrapes, bruises, and cuts, no matter how small. Airbags also contain debris such as dust that can scrape your face or even your eye. In worse cases, airbags can cause concussions, as well.

Common Causes Of Car Accidents

Hundreds of fatal car accidents occur every year in Colorado and while every auto accident is unique, some common causes help us understand the nature of car accidents and how they occur.

Distracted Driving

Talking on your phone, fidgeting with the radio, and eating food are all forms of distracted driving. Any time you take your full attention from the road you increase your chances of getting into an accident, even if it’s only for a few seconds.

Driving Under The Influence

Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol impairs your driving and inhibits your ability to safely and effectively operate a vehicle. Even if you only have one or two alcoholic beverages, your reflexes can slow down, affecting your decision-making and ability to think critically about driving. Driving under the influence is one of the leading causes of fatal car accidents and it is illegal across the country.

Intersections:

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 40 percent of all car accidents occur at intersections. Drivers running red lights or failing to yield to oncoming traffic can cause accidents and drivers should always be extra-cautious when entering an intersection.

Reckless And Aggressive Driving

Reckless and aggressive driving describes drivers’ behavior when they drive with blatant disregard for the rules of the road and the safety of others. When fueled by anger or stress, reckless driving is akin to driving while impaired and it can lead to poor decision making. Don’t lose your temper when it comes to getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Weather Conditions

Inclement weather conditions can cause road hazards that lead to accidents. Snow, rain, sleet, or hail lead to a high number of accidents every year and it’s wise to avoid the road during these times, when possible. While driving through snow or rain, you should always reduce your speed more than you would in typical driving conditions.

Conclusion- What Types Of Injuries Do People Get In Car Accidents?

Due to the high number of deaths and injuries involved in car accidents every year, it makes sense to understand the most common types of injuries and what causes these accidents. Drivers should be aware of the potential dangers of driving at all times and they should take the necessary precautions to reduce the chances of getting into an accident whenever possible.

If you are involved in an accident and you sustain injuries, personal injury attorneys and car accident attorneys can consult you on the best course of action for your claim. Personal injury attorneys are highly trained legal professionals who can advise you on the nature of your case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.