Anyone who has been in a car accident understands how traumatizing it can be. Even more troubling are the injuries and costs associated with the recovery process. Even the seemingly most minor injury can turn into a lifelong struggle to handle pain and the inconveniences associated with it. Below are some of the more common car accident injuries and how to navigate through the healing process effectively.
Determining Injuries
Regardless of whether the car crash was a minor fender bender or a more serious accident, it is important for victims to seek medical care as soon as possible. This is because while it may seem like there is no physical damage to the body, it can easily surface from quite soon to later. Therefore, it is critical that all car accident victims receive an examination by a physician as soon as possible.
Medical Care
After a thorough examination, victims should pay attention to how the body feels. For instance, if a headache or other symptoms begin to appear, make arrangements to visit an emergency room or urgent clinic right away. These symptoms may be a sign of something very serious. Some other symptoms may include neck and back pain, severe pain anywhere on the body, nausea, dizziness, vomiting or losing consciousness, as well as new wounds.
Injuries
Some of the more common car accident injuries may include:
1. Whiplash. Injury to the neck may occur even at the slowest of speeds since it is caused by the abrupt stop of a vehicle while the body is still in motion.
2. Back injuries can cause lifelong trauma to the spine. As one of the worst and most prevalent of all chronic pain, the force of a car crash may cause soft tissue to tear and bones to shatter.
3. Sprains and strains. The impact of a car accident may cause muscles to contract in such a way as to result in shortening the tendon, causing pain and swelling.
4. Shoulder and neck pain largely occurs due to injuries to muscles and ligaments. Injuries to the spinal cord, lungs, heart and abdominal region may also cause neck and shoulder pain, for example: Broken collarbone, Bursitis, and Heart attacks.
5. Numbness and tingling in arms, legs and feet may cause burning, pain and pricking of the skin. These symptoms usually indicate a malfunction of some of the sensory nerves.
Recovery Methods
Depending upon the severity of the injury, doctors may recommend a number of things. Some home remedies to alleviate pain and discomfort may include using ice for around the first 72 hours to reduce swelling. The doctor may also recommend anti-inflammatory medicine in the form of ibuprofin.
Massage and chiropractic care can be very beneficial after any accident. Contact a chiropractor to have an evaluation and examination as soon as possible. A therapeutic massage can also be very helpful in alleviating pain and calming raw nerves. In fact, it is sometimes possible to prevent or decrease severe muscle spasms later.
For any injury, victims must ensure that they get plenty of rest. Also, soaking in cool or icy water can serve to decrease inflammation at the outset, followed by warm water with epsom salts later. Stay hydrated, eat properly and refrain from any activities that could exacerbate the injuries.
Documentation
Keep a journal that details physical pain, emotional discomfort, lost time from work, doctor’s visits and recommended treatments. We also suggest that you keep information on your lost wages. The information concerning how the accident has impacted your life on every level will be critical in order to make a successful claim and to arrange for the payment of continue recommended treatments.
Victims should seek the counsel of a competent and experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. In doing so, some of the trauma that victims face with regard to recovery and finances can be alleviated. This will ensure that victims receive all of the compensation that they are entitled to for the most complete recovery possible.