Medical Providers: Colorado Injury Update – Common Medical Issues After a Car Accident

Medical Providers: Colorado Injury Update – Common Medical Issues After a Car Accident

Medical providers are well-versed in what types of injuries might arise after certain incidents. They know that a fall victim might be at risk for a head injury or a broken bone. They know that victims of abuse might have wounds in various stages of healing or spiral fractures. When it comes to motor vehicle collisions, there can be countless different types of injuries. The type, location, and severity of an injury depends on many factors, such as:

• The speed the vehicles were traveling at the time of the collision
• The types and sizes of vehicles involved
• How the vehicles landed
• If the victim was restrained or thrown from the vehicle
• If their vehicle’s airbags deployed

The Importance of Early Medical Intervention

Car crash victims rely on their medical teams to provide them with a timely and accurate diagnosis, as well as a treatment plan. To do this, it is crucial for individuals who are injured in a car crash to seek medical care. Even if they don’t think they are hurt or only believe they have a few bumps or scrapes, some injuries don’t start to reveal symptoms until later. The sooner an injured person reaches out for medical care, the better off they will be medically and legally speaking.

Common Medical Issues Post-Automobile Collision

Whiplash

Whiplash is arguably the most common injury suffered by car crash victims. The sudden and severe force placed on the neck in a crash can damage the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. The bones between the vertebrae or the intervertebral joints can become damaged, and nerve roots can become inflamed. Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes to whiplash injuries. Rest, over-the-counter pain medications, and sometimes physical therapy can help. The most effective treatment is time.

Back Injuries

Back problems often show up later than other types of injuries, making it imperative that those injured in a crash seek medical care as soon as possible even if they do not think they are injured. Those with back injuries may want to enlist the help of a chiropractor in their recovery.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord or the nerves connected to the spinal canal can be severely damaged in a traumatic incident. Affected motorists may suffer from temporary or permanent paralysis. These injuries can cause changes in strength, sensation, and other physiological functions in and around the injury area. A severe spinal injury may cause partial and complete loss of movement in the limbs, causing temporary or permanent disability.

Head Injuries

One of the most concerning injuries in any incident is a head injury, specifically a traumatic brain injury (TBI). If severe, a TBI can lead to permanent brain damage and sleep disorders, severe headaches, and seizures. The sooner the treatment, the better the outcome when it comes to head injuries. A TBI can be open or closed. A closed head injury occurs when there have been no penetrating or open head wounds. It is the force of the accident that causes the injury. An open head injury is one in which something has penetrated the brain.

Broken Bones

The force of a collision can impact the body in many different ways, causing bones to break or snap under pressure. Ribs, legs, arms, wrists, shoulders, knees, and ankles are commonly fractured in automobile wrecks.

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is one of the most concerning yet least obvious injuries someone involved in a car crash might suffer. Undiagnosed and untreated internal bleeding can lead to severe organ damage and even death. Even if someone feels fine, they should still receive a medical examination.

Burns

Some vehicle wrecks result in fires due to gasoline or other substances, such as those carried by tanker trucks. Suppose the victim becomes trapped, even momentarily, in the area of the fire. In that case, they can suffer severe burns or smoke inhalation injuries. Burns are one of the most painful injuries someone can sustain. They are prone to infection, can cause severe fluid imbalances, and scarring.

Mental Health Issues

Although commonly overlooked, mental health issues are no less critical than other injuries. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common among people involved in a car accident, especially incidents that include deaths. However, they often go undetected. Some medical conditions such as paralysis can also lead to psychological and emotional anguish for someone after an auto collision.

Turn to Patrick Collins Esq. LLC for Legal Assistance with Car Wreck Injuries

If you are a physician whose client needs legal assistance after sustaining injuries in a motor vehicle wreck, we are here to help. Dr. Patrick Collins, Esq. assisted countless patients who were injured in car crashes during his tenure as a chiropractor. He knows how debilitating and painful these injuries can be. Feeling an urge to help his patients even further, Dr. Patrick Collins, Esq. entered the field of personal injury law and now helps clients seek the compensation they deserve for their injuries. For a no-obligation car accident injury consultation, call Patrick Collins Esq. LLC today at 719-622-1352 or contact us online.