According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2014 there were 32,675 individuals who died as a result of motor vehicle crashes. With this alarming figure in mind, it’s crucial to know about the most common types of car vehicle accident injuries, as well as focus on driving as safely as possible.
No two car accidents are ever exactly the same, however, there are some injuries that are more common than others. According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2015, an estimated 2.4 million individuals were injured in vehicle crashes.
Broadly speaking, there are two main categories of injuries that result from car accidents: penetrating injuries, and impact injuries.
Penetrating injuries are often caused by loose objects or glass shards striking an individual on impact, whereas impact injuries typically occur when someone’s body hits some part of the car’s interior.
Chest and Neck Injuries
Perhaps the most widely known injury sustained in a car accident is whiplash, as well as general neck pain and swelling.
Trauma to the chest area can also cause lungs to collapse, internal bleeding in the chest area, and broken ribs. In an individual suffering from a heart condition, the shock of an accident can bring on a heart attack. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek medical attention after an accident, even if nobody thinks they’re badly hurt.
Back and Head Injuries
The most serious injuries sustained in car accidents are to the head, and it’s common for drivers involved in high-speed collisions to hit their heads on windows, dashboards, or steering wheels. This can result in a range of injuries, from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries.
A herniated disk is a common vehicle accident-related injury, and it’s crucial to note that back injuries can also result in serious nerve damage, or even paralysis.
Other Injuries
Arm and leg injuries are very common, as often a car accident will cause a person’s knees or arms to either hit the seat or the dashboard in front of them.
Motorcyclists involved in car accidents can often be very badly hurt, or even fatally injured, as they have very little protection against an impact.
Emotional distress is another byproduct of being involved in a car crash, and can often last long after the physical pain has healed.
Because of the potential for these serious, and even fatal accidents, it is important to be protected with the proper auto insurance. Call us here at BOLT Insurance Agency at 1-800-216-4171 for your free auto insurance quote today.
