Types of Injuries Resulting from a RI Car Accident
Victims of a car accident in Rhode Island suffer all types of injuries depending on the severity of impact and circumstances surrounding the collision. Common types of injuries from a RI car accident are gleaned from personal injury insurance claims and lawsuits. Statistics from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) indicate that over 3 million individuals nationwide suffer injuries from car accidents every year.
At least one of the factors listed below increases the severity of injuries resulting from a Providence car accident, including:
• The injured victim was not wearing a seat belt
• The collision from the front, side or rear directly impacted the victim
• The victim’s body or head was turned in a specific direction upon impact
• High speed was involved
• The car was not equipped with air bags or they were not deployed properly
Medical professionals in emergency rooms handle specific types of injuries including those that were made by impact or penetration. Impact injury is usually caused when the victim’s body is hit with some component from the car’s interior. This can include impact from the steering wheel, side window, airbag, or other passenger.
Alternatively, a penetrating injury usually involves cuts and scrapes. This can be the result of being hit with loose objects or shattered glass acting as a projectile inside the vehicle.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Warwick, Cranston and Johnston
The most common types of severe injuries resulting from a Woonsocket, North Smithfield or Cumberland RI car accident include:
• Head injury and TBI – Injury to the head is often a debilitating and life-threatening wound. Many victims suffering of violent impact to the head often deal with TBI (traumatic brain injury). Other injuries to the head can also cause significant problems, especially when the victim takes a severe blow to the face. Many times, the collision causes the brain to be jostled or moved inside the skull upon impact, which can lead to brain swelling, bleeding and bruising. Head injuries are not always obvious.
• Spinal Cord Injury – The spinal column can easily suffer severe damage in a car accident when ligaments, disc material and bone fragments tear or bruise the tissue of the spinal cord. The injury can easily destroy axons, which are delicate nerve cells that transport signals to and from the brain. Many times, a spinal cord injury will result in paralysis, or sensory loss of feeling and function.
• Nerve Injury – Strain on the neck, whiplash and other neck injuries are common occurrences in vehicle accidents involving a rear end collision. Severe neck injuries can lead to cervical dislocation requiring extensive surgery, rehabilitation or chiropractic care.
• Back Injury– The brain can become strained or sprained in a car accident, where the victim suffers fractured vertebrae and herniated discs. Severe injuries can limit mobility and cause extensive pain. Many times, back injuries can take days, weeks or months to appear or develop after the accident, causing lifelong discomfort while limiting mobility and range of motion.
• Facial Injury – Injury to the face is a common occurrence in a vehicle accident due to the close proximity to the dashboard, steering wheel, windshield, airbag and side windows. Minor injuries might include bruises and scrapes, where more severe problems involved facial bone fractures, lacerations and dental injury.
In addition to physical injuries, many individuals also suffer psychological injury when involved in a severe car accident with physical damage or loss of life. Victims often deal with depression, persistent anxiety, PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and emotional distress.
Variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe
Car accidents can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. The type and severity of injuries can depend on factors such as the speed of the collision, the size and type of vehicles involved, and the use of safety features like seat belts and airbags. Common types of car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash: A sudden, forceful movement of the neck, often occurring in rear-end collisions, can cause whiplash. This can lead to neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and other symptoms.
- Fractures: Broken bones are common in car accidents, especially in the extremities, ribs, or pelvis.
- Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur when the head strikes an object, such as the dashboard or steering wheel. Concussions and more severe brain injuries can result.
- Back Injuries: The impact of a car crash can cause injuries to the spine, including herniated discs and other forms of back trauma.
- Cuts and Bruises: Impact with the interior of the vehicle or broken glass can cause cuts, bruises, and lacerations.
- Chest Injuries: The force of a collision can lead to chest injuries, including broken ribs and damage to internal organs.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can occur, resulting in pain and reduced mobility.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause injuries to internal organs, which may not be immediately apparent. These injuries can be serious and life-threatening.
- Knee Injuries: The impact from a collision can cause the knees to hit the dashboard or other parts of the car, leading to injuries such as dislocations, fractures, or ligament damage.
- Psychological Injuries: Car accidents can also have psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
It’s essential to seek medical attention promptly after a car accident, even if injuries seem minor at first. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately, and early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes. Always consult with healthcare professionals for accurate assessments and guidance.
