Car accidents can range from very minor to deadly on the roads of Kentucky. Millions of people are hurt in car accidents every year in the United States. It is estimated that the cost of car accidents each year in the country tops $277 billion. So, what are some of the most common car accident injuries?
Injuries to the Neck and Chest
Injuries to the neck and chest are quite common in car accidents, even in some of the most minor ones. A minor fender bender can lead to the airbag not deploying, which can cause the driver to be thrown into the steering wheel. This can do some damage to the chest cavity of the driver in the form of collapsed lungs or broken ribs. Victims with heart conditions could go into traumatic cardiac arrest during a car accident.
Whiplash
A common neck injury in car accidents is that of whiplash. This is when the head and neck rock back and forth violently during a crash. Swelling and generalized neck pain is also common. Some victims of car accidents can also suffer vocal cord paralysis for a short period.
Head injuries
Head injuries are another common type of car accident injury. Drivers and passengers can be subject to serious head injuries when involved in car accidents caused by high rates of speed, even if the airbags deploy. The victim could have their head slammed into the dashboard, the steering wheel, the windshield or the side windows.
Back injuries
Back injuries are also common in car accidents, no matter the speed either vehicle involved was traveling. The slightest collision can cause the driver of a vehicle or passenger to suffer a back injury. Common back injuries include spinal cord damage, nerve damage, paralysis and herniated disks. These injuries can lead to numbness, tingling, inability to move limbs and muscle weakness.
Severe Injuries
Some common severe injuries include:
- Limb amputation
- Impalement
- Decapitation
- Death.
Car accident injuries in Louisville, Kentucky, are common. Know your rights as a victim and how to protect yourself.
Source: Findlaw, "Types of Car Accident Injuries," accessed March 02, 2017
