An auto accident has the potential to cause a variety of injuries. However, some are more common than others. Depending on the impact, speed, and type of vehicles involved, the injuries range from mild to severe. Some may even be life-threatening.
Brain and Skull Injuries
An auto accident in Hudson Valley may lead to brain and head injuries in drivers or passengers. Closed head injuries are more common, which range from concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Brain injuries do not always have a physical appearance. Instead, a victim may not realize they have encountered a brain injury until a few hours or days later.
Neck Injuries
Neck injuries are extremely common in motor vehicle accidents, especially rear-end auto accidents. Mild neck injuries, often referred to as whiplash, are not easily detected. However, they cause extreme pain, stiffness in the neck, and may lead to chronic headaches.
More severe neck injuries may include cervical damage or disc injuries. These may result in permanent paralysis, nerve damage, headaches, and other complications.
Back Injuries
Back injuries are also common in auto accidents in Hudson Valley. This is because an accident creates excess force on the human body, often resulting in a violent whipping motion. When this happens, the back is strained.
Passengers and drivers involved in accidents will often complain of back pain, such as a sprain or fracture. Other times the injuries are more severe, such as lumbar radiculopathy, spinal cord injury, disc damage, or thoracic spine injury. Some back injuries are apparent immediately after the accident, while others may take a few days to manifest.
Facial Trauma
After a car accident, it is not uncommon for facial trauma to occur. Most likely, the trauma is from an airbag, but other times it can be from broken glass or striking the dashboard. Facial trauma ranges from mild to severe, with some requiring plastic surgery to correct.
Emotional Injuries
An auto accident in Hudson Valley can be emotionally traumatic just as much as it can be physically harmful. It is not uncommon after a severe accident for a victim to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and fear. Some psychological injuries are long-term, while others dissipate after a few months or weeks.
Discovery of Injuries
Not all accident injuries are noted right away. While there are the obvious lacerations and broken bones, sometimes other injuries take a few days to few weeks. This is because the human body creates endorphins after the incident. These hormones act as natural painkillers in the body, which may mask some of the trauma. As they fade away, however, the victim will start to notice physical symptoms.
If an accident victim suspects they have an injury, they should seek medical attention right away. It is always best to seek medical treatment after an accident regardless if injuries are apparent. Some injuries are seen on diagnostic imaging and can be treated before they become life-threatening or painful.
