Understanding common car accident injuries

Unfortunately, despite clear guidelines set out in the Highway Code and improved safety functions in new vehicles, car accidents still happen. In 2022, there were 135,480 reported road casualties, with injuries at varying levels. 

Here are some of the most common types of car accident injuries. 

Types of injuries 

Physical injuries can occur in many different forms depending on the nature of your accident – and you can experience several at once. Examples include:

• Whiplash: This is the consequence of rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck when in a collision. While less intense experiences of whiplash can improve within a few days, more serious cases can lead to chronic pain or spinal issues.

• Fractures and broken bones: High-impact collisions can result in severe pain and reduced mobility while you recover. However, if your spine is impacted, this can cause further issues leading to paralysis in serious cases.

• Concussion: Head trauma can lead to concussion in some cases. Some people even suffer cognitive impairments and neurological complications.

Physical and emotional toll 

Whether you suffer serious or minor injuries, the trauma of being in a car accident can, in some cases, be life-changing. It isn’t uncommon for people to experience PTSD, for example. 

Traumatic events are often replayed in people’s heads, causing distress weeks or even years down the line in some cases. Beyond physical injuries, there’s often a lot of work involved with emotional recovery.

Some long-term issues that stem from car accidents include:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

This, coupled with physical injuries can take its toll on someone’s wellbeing, both in a physical and mental capacity. Sometimes, people feel unable to go about their day-to-day lives and complete simple tasks. In some instances, certain people may not be able to return to work.

Potential long-term effects 

As has already been touched upon, both physical and mental consequences of car accidents can be life-changing. If someone experiences long-term impacts, this in turn can open up the door to additional health conditions. Whether it be chronic pain, mental health conditions or permanent disabilities, people’s livelihoods and ability to work can be altered forever. This, in turn, can take its toll on friends and family too. 

Support 

It’s understandable to want to seek compensation to help you move on with your life after a car accident. You might pursue a personal injury claim so that you can access the support you need to improve your and your loved ones’ livelihoods, for example. Compensation can be used to cover medical costs, the suffering caused, wages you’ve missed out on from not being able to work and more. 

Regardless of whether you decide to do this or not, it’s vital to make sure you’re receiving all the help you can get. Keep loved ones close to you and don’t be afraid to ask for help.