The Four Most Common Automobile Accident Injuries

The most common injuries and problems caused by automobile accidents.

There are few things in life that are scarier than getting into a serious car accident, especially one that results in injury to yourself or someone else. However, the truth is that every day, thousands of people around the world will find themselves in some kind of automobile-related crash, either due to reckless driving, traffic violations, poor weather or pedestrian accidents.

Not only can a car accident be frustrating and worrisome because of the situation itself, but depending on the type of accident which you were involved in, it can also result in severe injuries to yourself, your car and to anyone else who was involved in the accident. Some of these injuries may fade on their own over time, or may even require the help and assistance of a doctor to order to heal.

The most common types of automobile accident injuries that we see here at Sall Myers Medical Associate will usually involve some kind of trauma to the skeletal system and the soft tissue around it. These are the more delicate parts of the body, and therefore, they are the most susceptible to injury. That means that the neck, back and the brain are prime candidates for injury during any type of automobile accident.

Because of this, it is important that anyone who suffers from an auto accident injury seek medical attention to get any potential injuries diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. To help you get a better idea of what type of injuries you should look for following a car crash, we have put together four of the most common types of injuries that stem from an auto accident:

1. Back Pain

Any time that the spine and back muscles are moved abruptly or unnaturally, back pain can result. Therefore, in a car accident, back injury is often one of the most common types of injuries, specifically in the mid-back and the lumbar spine. Most minor back pain should go away in a few days. However, if you experience shooting pain, numbness or pain that lasts more than a couple of days, you should see a doctor right away.

2. Concussion

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can be caused when the brain makes contact with the skill, usually due to a hard blow to the head or body, or an automobile accident that jars and shakes the brain inside of the skull. Most people will fully recover from a concussion within a few hours or days. However, because some severe concussions may require surgery or may even lead to complex problems with learning, speaking and movement, it is important that you get any kind of head injury checked by a doctor right away.

3. Joint Damage

Many people will often bang their knees against the bottom of the dashboard or steering wheel during a automobile collision, causing severe joint damage which may include swelling, soreness, sprains, fractures and dislocations. Other joints are also easily susceptible to injury during car crashes, particularly the hips, elbows and ankles.

4. Whiplash

The single most common injury in any kind of auto accident is whiplash. This type of injury occurs when the soft tissue in the neck is damaged by some kind of abrupt movement. The muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves can become stiff or swollen, causing restrictions on movement and soreness. These symptoms will typically fade over a few days. However, if they persist, it is important to see a medical professional.

If you are someone you know  has been injured as a result of an automobile accident, be sure to contact the trained medical professionals at Sall Myers Medical Associates. We can help to ensure that your injuries pass without seriously affecting your health and your life.

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