The severity of car accidents ranges from minor prangs and scrapes to head-on collisions, pile-ups, and rollovers. Whatever the extent of your car crash, there are several common injuries that you should know about because your claim for personal injury compensation is likely to include details of one or more of these common types of car accident injuries. Also, be aware that you are able to claim even if you were not driving – passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and road workers may also suffer similar injuries to the driver.
A quick note on passengers and personal injury claims…
Passengers of the car responsible for having caused the crash may find it difficult to bring a personal injury claim against a friend or family member. However, always try to remember that the crash was not your fault, and any expenses should not fall on your shoulders (e.g. loss of earnings, medical care, etc.). Also worth remembering is that the insurance company will pay the compensation amount, not your friend or family member from their own pocket. Now, let’s look at common injuries associated with car accidents.
Whiplash
One of the most common types of car accident is a rear end collision (see more info). Due to the sudden forwards-and-backwards jarring motion associated with such a road accident, occupants of both vehicles are susceptible to whiplash. Whiplash occurs where the muscles in the head, neck, and shoulders are stretched or contorted beyond normal physical limits, resulting in localised pain of varying degrees that may continue for several days or weeks. Head injuries associated with whiplash also include the impact of the head on the seat rest as the body returns to a seated position following the initial forward motion of the body caused by the crash (the seatbelt can also cause injury across the shoulder and chest as your body is stopped mid-motion.
Injuries to the knees
Knee and leg injuries are common types of injury associated with car accidents due to the proximity of the knees/legs to the dashboard. The impact of the knees on the dashboard can cause specific injury to the knee caps, resulting in pain and temporary or permanent issues with mobility. Where any leg bones are broken, internal bleeding may occur. This is especially of concern in the legs as the femoral artery runs the length of the thigh (internal bleeding to the femoral artery is potentially life threatening if not treated promptly).
PTSD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (commonly known as PTSD) is a psychological condition that could involve symptoms of anxiety, depression, mood swings, feelings of unworthiness or feelings of being on the outside of your family and friends, flashbacks, and nightmares.
If you experience any symptoms of injury – either physical or psychological – in the days, weeks, or even months after your accident, always seek medical attention.