Car accidents are so common that it should not come as a surprise to anyone to be involved in one. Sadly, this also means that hundreds of people every day get hurt in all kinds of ways and even lose their lives in these collisions. Even if the car accident is minor, there is no escaping the possibility of suffering an injury. Read on to discover the most common injuries people sustain in minor car accidents.
Get a Physical Evaluation
Don’t be misled into believing that since the accident was minor, there is no need to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. Even if you feel fine, you may just be feeling the stress associated with the accident, and if the injuries are internal, there is no way for you to diagnose them on your own. Go to the URL here to learn more about the type of medical care you should receive after a car accident.
Injuries to Soft Tissue
Severe injuries are easy to see and very painful. Injuries to soft tissue may not only not be evident at first glance; they may take days or weeks to present themselves. That is why it is so important to get yourself checked out by a medical professional as soon as you can after the accident. Whiplash, for example, is a common injury that may not be noticeable right away. If you feel pain in your joints or muscles, tell your doctor. They will investigate the source and recommend treatment.
Chest Injuries
Even in accidents at lower speeds, your airbag may deploy, hitting you squarely in the chest. This may cause bruises and may also cause a broken rib. Your seatbelt may save your life but may also hurt you and restrict your movement. Even if the airbag does not inflate, the impact of the collision may forcefully throw you against the steering column. Your doctor may order X-rays to verify that you did not suffer any chest injuries during the crash.
Abrasions
Getting slammed up against the interior of your car or being hit by flying objects such as cell phones, purses, drinking cups, and other objects may cause painful scrapes, cuts, and bruises. While some of these minor injuries may do well with home care and patience, others may require stitches or even more extensive medical treatment. If your abrasions seem to last longer than you expected or are accompanied by pain or other symptoms, it may be a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Injuries to Arms and Legs
From a broken finger or toe to a fractured bone in your arm or leg, any of these injuries are common, even in minor car accidents. The force of the collision may throw your body in unnatural positions, causing bones to break. If you carry passengers in the back seat, they may also have broken bones when thrown against the front seats’ back. Broken bones are painful and take time to heal. Waste no time in bringing the injured to a healthcare facility where they can get X-rays taken and their extremities placed in casts as needed. In some cases, surgery may be required to fix these broken bones.Â
