Car accidents occur unexpectedly and leave a lasting impact on the individuals involved, physically and emotionally. When Tenessee drivers understand common car accident injuries, the easier time they’ll have recognizing the warning signs and getting the help they need.
Chest and Abdominal Impact Injuries
Many car accidents involve a tremendous amount of force. This moves the body suddenly and harshly, causing impact injuries to the chest and abdomen.
Wearing your seat belt properly can help prevent this type of injury. It needs to fit closely across the shoulders and across the lap. This will help keep your body securely in place so you don’t hit the steering wheel or dashboard too hard. It’s also a good idea to keep loose items off your dashboard to prevent them from hitting any passengers during an accident.
Back Injuries
There are a lot of different ways injuries can happen to your spine or back during a car accident, even in a small fender bender. You may have barely a scratch on your bumper but need medical care as soon as possible. Your back and spinal cord are often jarred during a car accident. This can cause symptoms like weakness or tingling in your limbs. It can also cause back pain or headaches.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a very common injury from car accidents and is often misunderstood. Rear-end collisions are a common cause of whiplash. This happens when a passenger’s head moves forward quickly and immediately moves backward. This puts a lot of strain on the neck.
The best way to avoid whiplash is to drive defensively. Avoid making sudden stops or abrupt changes in traffic patterns. Do your best to keep a safe amount of distance between your vehicle and others. In the event of a car accident, practice putting your hands firmly on the steering wheel and keeping your head supported on the headrest.
It’s important to be aware that the shock of a car accident often leads us to understand our injuries. If you have any concerns, always consult a doctor. This can help you avoid the long-term effects of injuries after a crash.