Common Car Injuries to Look Out for And the Steps to Follow

Over 40 people experience fatal injuries, and an additional 20 incur permanent disabilities every day on South African roads, according to IOL. While injuries sustained vary from person to person, some are more common than others. You may experience minor injuries that heal within a few days without medical help. Sometimes fractures are severe or life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. No matter how small or critical injuries are, the aftermath of being in a car accident can be traumatizing. Looking out for symptoms linked to car injuries and following the right steps is essential if you want to live a healthy life again. 

Head and Brain Injuries

Head or brain injuries are often a result of hitting the steering wheel, window, or dashboard in a high-speed crash. The impact causes traumatic brain injuries, which can manifest as mild concussions, fatigue, nausea, or sleeping disorders. In severe cases, traumatic brain injury symptoms can range from slurred speech to coma and lasting cognitive problems. Consulting a doctor is essential if you experience mild headaches or other symptoms. It may be a sign of severe injuries that will require not only special medical attention but also legal action. Severe brain injuries require expensive treatment and may limit you from performing your daily duties. It is reasonable that you obtain a fair amount of compensation for medical bills, loss of income, and long-term medical care. And the only way to receive compensation is by hiring a brain injury lawyer to help you file a claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court.

Whiplash or Neck Pain, and Low-Back Injuries

The unexpected jerking of the head and neck when cars collide causes muscles and ligaments to stretch, resulting in soft tissue injuries. Signs of soft tissue injuries like neck pain or whiplash and low-back strain may occur days or weeks after the incident. When you experience neck pain and stiffness, headache, dizziness, and low back pain, contact your general physician immediately and do not wait until the condition worsens. Failure to report these common symptoms of whiplash may lead to serious back injuries. 

Broken Bones

Depending on the impact of the vehicle, arm and leg injuries can be minor scrapes and cuts, or broken bones. The force of impact unexpectedly throws your arms and legs hard against the door or dashboard, causing bone fractures. The signs of broken bones are always visible. It is wise to ask for medical assistance the moment you will call the police to report the accident. But that is not the only action you should take. Broken bones cause pain that may affect your health and finances for years. Finding a personal injury attorney should be on your to-do list to ensure you recoup medical expenses.

If you are dealing with any injuries caused by a road accident, seek medical evaluation. After proper diagnosis, medical professionals will recommend the right treatment. It is also critical to hire an attorney to help you fight for fair compensation for the pain and expensive medical bills.