Car crashes can happen without warning and cause serious damage to cars and, more importantly, to people. When a crash happens, the body is hit with strong forces it can’t handle. This can lead to anything from small injuries to very serious, life-threatening ones. After a crash, the impact isn’t just on the body—it can also leave people with emotional stress and money problems that affect both them and their families for a long time.
Understanding the types of injuries that happen in car accidents is crucial for two reasons: prevention and recovery. When people know what happens to their bodies in a crash, they are more likely to take precautions, such as wearing seatbelts or driving cautiously. Similarly, knowing the possible injuries can help in seeking timely medical attention, improving the chances of recovery.
What Happens to Your Body During a Car Crash?
Car crashes involve sudden deceleration or stopping, causing the body to experience intense forces that it cannot easily handle. The physics of a crash—how much force the body absorbs and where it’s directed—determines the severity of injuries. The body may collide with parts of the car or be violently thrown around, leading to significant trauma.
Different types of crashes—front, side, rear, or rollover—affect the body in unique ways. For example, a rear-end collision often causes neck injuries like whiplash, while a rollover can result in multiple injuries to different parts of the body due to the unpredictable movement. The force and direction of the impact play a key role in the types of injuries sustained.
How Kinetic Energy Can Cause Traumatic Injuries in a Crash
Kinetic energy refers to the energy an object has because of its motion. In a car crash, this energy must go somewhere, and usually, the human body absorbs a significant portion of it. The faster the vehicle is moving, the more kinetic energy is present, which increases the risk of traumatic injuries when that energy is transferred to the body.
Speed and force are critical factors in how much harm a person suffers during a collision. The higher the speed, the greater the force applied to the body, which can lead to serious injuries both on the outside, like broken bones, and inside, like organ damage or internal bleeding.
Common Injuries in Car Accidents
- Whiplash and neck injuries: Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked back and forth, straining the muscles and ligaments in the neck. It’s common in rear-end crashes.
- Broken bones and fractures: The impact can cause bones to snap or fracture, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis.
- Head trauma and concussions: A blow to the head can lead to concussions or more severe brain injuries, even if there’s no visible wound.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can result in temporary or permanent paralysis, depending on the severity of the injury.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage: Blunt force can cause internal organs to tear or bleed, which is often life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.
How Seatbelts and Airbags Protect Your Body
Seatbelts are one of the most important safety devices in a car, preventing occupants from being thrown out of the vehicle or colliding with hard surfaces inside the car. By keeping you securely in place, seatbelts reduce the risk of severe injuries and save lives in many cases.
Airbags work alongside seatbelts by deploying upon impact, cushioning the blow and preventing your head or upper body from hitting hard surfaces. However, they can also cause minor injuries, such as bruises or burns, especially if you are sitting too close to the airbag when it inflates. Despite these risks, seatbelts and airbags remain critical for protection during accidents.
The Role of External Forces: Speed and Angle of Impact
The speed at which a crash occurs greatly influences the severity of the injuries. A higher speed means more force, which translates into more damage to the body. The faster the vehicle, the harder it is for the body to absorb the sudden stop.
The angle at which a crash happens also affects the types of injuries sustained. For instance, a side-impact crash may result in more severe injuries to the chest or abdomen, as the sides of a vehicle typically offer less protection compared to the front or rear.
Types of Damages You Can Include in Your Claim
When filing a claim after a car accident, several types of damages can be included:
- Physical damages: These cover medical expenses for treating injuries and future medical costs for ongoing care.
- Emotional damages: Mental suffering, PTSD, and anxiety resulting from the accident are considered emotional damages.
- Financial damages: You may also claim lost wages due to the inability to work, as well as costs associated with property damage and vehicle repairs.
Psychological Impact of Car Crashes
Beyond the physical injuries, car crashes can also have a lasting psychological effect. Survivors may experience PTSD, anxiety, or depression, which can affect their ability to return to normal life. This emotional toll can be just as damaging as physical injuries, sometimes requiring long-term therapy or counseling.
Coping with mental trauma after an accident requires a combination of support from loved ones, professional counseling, and time. Taking care of one’s mental health is as important as physical recovery after a car crash.
Steps to Recover After a Car Accident
After a car accident, the first step is to ensure you are safe and seek medical attention, even if injuries don’t seem severe at first. Getting a thorough medical checkup is important because some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not be immediately apparent.
Once initial medical treatment is received, physical therapy may be necessary for long-term recovery. Rehabilitation can help regain strength and mobility. Mental health support is also crucial during the recovery process to address emotional trauma and stress.
Injured in a Chicago Car Crash? Get the Help You Need Today!
Injured in a car crash in Chicago? Don’t wait to get the help you deserve! Our experienced car crash lawyer is here to guide you through every step, making sure you get the compensation and support you need. Call us today for a free consultation at (312) 598-0917 and let us help you get back on track!
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