According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are more than 6 million auto accidents in the United States every year. And while most of them result in only minor injuries, some can be pretty serious. Auto accident injuries are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States.
Many different injuries can occur in an auto accident, but some are more common than others. Here are the top 10 auto accident injuries and how to avoid them:
1. Head and Neck Trauma
This is the most common type of injury in an auto accident. It can range from a minor concussion to a severe brain injury. To help prevent this type of injury, always wear a seatbelt and ensure your headrest is adjusted correctly.
2. Spinal Cord Damage
One of the most severe injuries resulting from an auto accident is damage to the spinal cord. This can occur when the spine is fractured or dislocated, leading to partial or complete paralysis. In some cases, surgery may be required to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage.
It’s essential to wear a seatbelt and make sure that your headrest is adjusted correctly. You should also avoid driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
3. Broken Bones
Broken bones are another common injury that can occur in an auto accident. The most common breaks occur in the arms and legs, but ribs and other bones can also be broken. In some cases, a bone may even pierce the skin.
If you suspect that you or someone else has suffered a broken bone in an accident, it’s essential to get medical attention right away. The sooner a break is treated, the less likely it will cause long-term problems.
You can do a few things to help avoid broken bones in an accident. Try to avoid distracted driving. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. If you’re not paying attention to the road, you’re more likely to get into an accident.
4. Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury that can occur when the head is suddenly and violently jerked forward and then backward. It’s a common injury in car accidents, especially in rear-end collisions. Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
To help prevent whiplash, always wear a seatbelt and make sure your headrest is properly adjusted. It would help if you also tried to avoid driving in areas where there’s a lot of stop-and-go traffic.
5. Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are common in car accidents, especially when the impact is severe. They can occur in any part of the body but are most common in the neck and shoulders. Soft tissue injuries can be very painful and may require extensive rehabilitation.
It is essential to wear a seatbelt. Rt is also essential to see a chiropractor after car accident or other healthcare professional as soon as possible. Early treatment can help to prevent further pain and damage.
6. Chest Injuries
Although car accidents can cause a wide variety of injuries, some of the most common and potentially serious injuries involve the chest. The force of a car collision can cause the chest to strike the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatbelt, leading to severe bruising, broken ribs, or internal bleeding. In more serious cases, a car accident can cause a traumatic brain injury or even death.
To avoid chest injuries in a car accident, it is essential to avoid driving in an unsafe manner. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, and not wearing a seatbelt are all risky behaviors that can lead to chest injuries in a car accident.
7. Abdominal Injuries
The abdomen is another body area that is vulnerable to injuries in a car accident. The force of a collision can cause the stomach to strike the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatbelt. This can lead to serious internal bleeding and organ damage.
To prevent abdominal injuries in a car accident, it is essential to wear a seatbelt and maintain a proper posture while driving. Additionally, pregnant women should wear a seatbelt explicitly designed for them.
8. Pelvic Injuries
Pelvic injuries are another common type of injury in a car accident. The pelvis is a large bone that connects the lower body to the upper body and helps to support the spine. When the pelvis is fractured, it can cause severe pain and disability. Pelvic injuries are often caused by direct impact to the pelvis or by the force of the seat belt during a collision.
Car accidents can cause a wide variety of injuries, some of which are pretty serious. It is essential to be aware of these injuries and take steps to prevent them. Wearing a seatbelt, maintaining a proper posture, and avoiding distracted driving are important ways to help prevent injuries in a car accident.
