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Car accidents are some of the most common causes of personal injury, and they can have a significant impact on the body. Following a car accident, the body is subjected to immediate trauma that can take days or weeks to recover from. In this blog, we'll explore what happens to the body after a car accident and examine some preventive measures that drivers can take to protect themselves.
Impact of a Car Accident on the Body
A car accident can cause a wide range of injuries, depending on several factors, such as the impact speed, force of the collision, and location of the collision.
Head and Neck Injuries
Head and neck injuries are perhaps the most common injuries following a car accident. Depending on the severity of the crash, the driver or passenger can suffer from:
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Neck sprains
- Fractures
Spine Injuries
The force of an impact in a car crash can cause the spine to twist unnaturally, which can result in spinal cord injuries or paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can lead to long-term problems such as paralysis and chronic pain.
Chest Injuries
Chest injuries are common in car accidents, especially for the driver, due to the steering wheel and seat belt. The force of impact can result in rib fractures, bruising or organ damage.
Limb Injuries
Car accidents can cause limb injuries and fractures to the arms, legs, hands, and fingers. These injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to severe fractures and nerve damage.
Preventative Measures
While accidents are, by definition, sudden and unpredictable, there are steps drivers can take to protect themselves and prevent injuries.
Wear a Seatbelt
Wearing a seatbelt is the easiest way to prevent head, chest, and limb injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017, with an estimated 2,549 more lives if everyone remained fastened.
Use Car Safety Features
Modern vehicles come equipped with numerous safety features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control systems that deploy when an accident looks imminent.
These various systems are specifically designed to reduce the force of the impact and mitigate injuries to the passenger. However, it’s worth noting that these systems do not always work, opening up potential liability claims against a third-party (manufacturer, retailer, etc.)
Avoid Distractions
Distractions such as texting, eating, or applying makeup while driving can have disastrous consequences. It is best to focus on the road and remove any potential distractions.
Anything can happen on the road, and car accidents can have a lasting impact on the human body. While we can't control everything that happens on the road, we can take steps to protect ourselves and our passengers. By driving safely and taking advantage of the various safety features that our cars come equipped with, we can aim to minimize the risk of personal injury.
If you were injured in a car accident, contact Shapiro Law Firm, P.A. today at (850) 629-7226 for a free consultation regarding your case.