Common car accident injuries and long-term health consequences

Traveling on highways in Delaware or elsewhere in the country is a risky business. Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, but the health consequences can be life-altering. Even at low rates of speed, the impact of a crash can cause severe injuries.

After any collision, having a medical examination is essential to get the necessary treatment and have a record of expenses for any subsequent personal injury claim. The following injuries are common in car accidents:

• Fractured bones: Arms, legs, feet, wrists and hands are most vulnerable, especially due to a rear-end crash.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries: Any of the crash victim’s tendons, ligaments and nerves can be damaged, and if left untreated, swelling, redness and pain could result.
• Whiplash: Upon the impact of an accident, the vehicle occupants typically suffer whiplash injuries caused by the violent and sudden movement of the neck and head. These injuries could cause long-term pain that is often chronic.
• Concussion: Whiplash can also cause a concussion, resulting from the brain smashing into the hard skull bones. This so-called invisible injury could lead to long-term brain damage.
• Emotional injuries: While most physical injuries are immediately evident, emotional injuries could develop in the aftermath of a crash. Anxiety and depression are examples of emotional trauma that could even result from witnessing a loved one’s trauma or death in the accident.

After a car accident in Delaware, declining a trip to the hospital is not advised, even if it is only to be medically cleared. The sooner treatment for injuries begins, the better. And an experienced personal injury attorney can assess the viability of a lawsuit, which might provide a way to recover medical costs and lost wages through Delaware’s civil justice system.