With the summer driving season beginning in earnest, we have focused a number of our posts on how drivers can stay out of accidents. However, we know that life happens, and accidents occur. Combined with the potential for defects, the number of injuries in car accidents this summer could be high.
Indeed, cars are built to protect their occupants better than in generations past. But injuries still occur. This post will highlight some of the common injuries and ailments that occur in car accidents.
Head and neck injuries – Injuries to a person’s head and neck are very common in car crashes; especially those involving rear end collisions. For head injuries to a person’s head, this is likely caused by the action of a crash as it sends their head into the dashboard (or into a window). Neck injuries occur when the head is quickly sent back into the head rest after being forced forward. Because of this, a person could suffer whiplash injuries or herniated discs in the neck.
Chest injuries – Upper body injuries are also common in car accidents. They include, collarbone injuries, which can be caused (ironically) by the seatbelt. A person may also suffer broken ribs or a collapsed lung, also due to how a seatbelt may harm a driver through the force of a crash. However, if you were to choose between having a broken collarbone or a broken rib or being thrown from a car (and potentially dying upon impact), most people would choose a broken bone as opposed to being killed.
Of course, injuries can be compensated. To learn more, contact an experienced personal injury attorney.