The number of auto accidents is plummeting as a result of the lower traffic volumes on the roads. Lockdown rules, whether local or national, have been imposed to stop the deadly disease from spreading, so cyclists and private cars have been a rare view.
The air quality has started to improve, which is the only good news. Even if there has been less traffic on the road with people being forced to stay at home, people are driving recklessly.
There has been a significant increase in driver speeding and we cannot seem to find an explanation for the reason why people drive faster than usual. Besides the risk of getting a ticket for speeding, driving recklessly could result in a collision.
If you get involved in an auto accident, you can sustain serious injuries. In many cases, people become permanently disabled and have the right to pursue legal action. Those with qualifying disabilities can make a personal injury claim and demand compensation.
Getting back on topic, injuries resulting from collisions fall into 2 main categories: impact and penetrating injuries. In what follows, we’ll discuss the most common injuries that affect auto accident victims.
No matter the situation, it’s necessary to see a doctor.
Brain and head injuries
The auto accident wasn’t your fault yet, in spite of this, you suffered significantly more injuries.
Brain and head injuries aren’t uncommon after a collision. A blow to the head can lead to a concussion, which temporarily affects the brain causing issues such as memory loss, speech impairment, and confusion. Severe traumatic brain injuries can result in long-term and permanent impairment.
Examples include but aren’t limited to contusions, penetration, and diffuse axonal. If you were unfortunate enough to be involved in a severe collision (the car flipping upside down), you can sustain skull fractures, broken bones, and even facial lacerations.
Broken ribs (and broken bones)
A blow to the chest, frequently from an auto accident, results in broken ribs. Plus, a break in any one of the lower ribs can result in liver or lung problems.
You see, ribs are very fragile and can be easily broken, even by a violent sneeze, let alone a powerful collision. So, if you’re pushed forward, backward, or sideways, you risk sustaining fractures, which take about 6 weeks to heal and lead to serious complications.
Broken ribs can be accompanied by pelvic bone fractures. The bleeding is limited and the bones tend to stay in place, but there’s the issue of infection and internal organ damage.
Whiplash
Whiplash is the non-medical term to describe an injury to the neck. It’s generally associated with auto accidents, but whiplash can result from any impact or blow to the head.
Examples include but aren’t limited to abuse (being punched or shaken), contact sports (karate, football), and falls. Common symptoms include neck stiffness, headaches, and, of course, pain.
Many think that whiplash isn’t such a big deal. Well, it is. Besides the fact that you can experience debilitating pain, there are psychological and emotional symptoms, such as anxiety and depression.
Pain appears within 24 hours of the accident and, sometimes, the symptoms can develop after a couple of days.
Knee trauma
If you hit the dashboard upon the impact, you might sustain a kneecap fracture. Bruising, swelling, and the inability to walk are clear indicators that there’s a serious problem. You might need braces or crutches.
Surgical intervention isn’t out of the question if the bones that make up the knee are pushed out of place. The therapy depends on the severity of the injury. While minor injuries necessitate ice, rest, and elevation, a case of multiple torn ligaments is surgical.
It’s paramount to seek medical attention right away if the knee injury was caused by a forceful impact. Ask someone to drive you to the nearest emergency room.
Psychological injuries
Being involved in a collision can lead to psychological issues, of which mention can be made of post-traumatic stress disorder. The emotional significance of the auto accident can’t be described.
You’re afraid even though the danger is far, far away, and you can’t help but feeling sad. Some people cry non-stop after an auto accident. The point is that you become overly emotional all of a sudden.
No matter the type of emotional pain that you’re dealing with, keep in mind that you have the right to recover. Don’t lash out your anger on everyone around you. You have good reason to be angry, indeed, but that doesn’t mean that you should punish those around you.
Checklist of what to do to survive an auto accident
Although there are fewer vehicles on the road due to the COVID-19 lockdown, accidents can still take place and they remain as serious as ever.
The panic, as well as the adrenaline rush, can cloud your judgment, so you might not choose the best course of action. This checklist will come in handy if you happen to be hit by a reckless driver.
Determine the extent of your injuries and seek medical attention
You may or you may not need urgent medical care. Check for injuries. Even if you feel fine, it’s still a good idea to go see a doctor.
Hidden injuries can cause chronic pain and can lead to long-term or permanent disabilities. According to the experts at Bryce Cook, auto accident victims should hold on to all medical records, in case they want to make a personal injury claim.
You can access your medical records, yet your privileges are limited in the sense that you may not get access to personal notes or information obtained from other doctors.
Schedule an appointment with a personal injury attorney
Accidents including cars are covered by different personal injury laws. If you have been injured in any kind of vehicle accident and it wasn’t your fault, you can go ahead and make a claim.
Schedule an appointment with a legal professional and see what can be done. The likelihood of winning such a case is high, so don’t hesitate to take legal action.
