No one expects getting hit by a car, but the reality is that it can happen to anyone at any time. If you are unlucky enough to be struck by a car, there is a good chance you will sustain injuries. In order to protect yourself as much as possible, it is vital to be aware of the most common injuries associated with car accidents. This way, you can be prepared for an accident and know what to do if you are injured.
What to Do If You Are Injured
If you experience getting hit by a car and sustain any type of injury, it is vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor, they could become more severe if they are not treated properly. If you can, get yourself to a safe place off of the road before calling for help. Once you have received medical attention, you can then focus on getting your car repaired or dealing with any other material issues you may have. Your life and health should always be your priority.
Concussion
A head injury can range from a minor bump on the head to a concussion or worse, severe or permanent brain damage. Head injuries are often caused by hitting your head on the steering wheel, dashboard, headrest, air bag or window during an accident. If you hit your head and are bleeding, feel disoriented, or have trouble speaking, it is vital to seek medical attention.
Neck and Back Injury
People often say, “I got whiplash” as an injury from their car crash. This is a common injury that occurs during car accidents. Whiplash is a descriptive word. It tells someone how an injury occurred. Whiplash is when something is jerked back and forth or side to side really fast and really hard. When this happens your joints, spinal discs, muscles, tendons and ligaments are forcefully and quickly moved in a way that is not normal that will cause damage.
This damage to the muscle, tendon, ligaments and joints can be referred to as a sprain strain injury and damage to the spinal disc is referred to as a disc bulge or herniation. Soft tissue damage (sprain, strain, disc bulge/herniation) does not heal with original tissue. Unlike a bone fracture that heals with new bone material, soft tissue damage heals with scar tissue. Scar tissue is not as good as the original tissue and will alter the way that tissue can work or move. Changing the way this soft tissue works or moves will then alter the way the joint or structure moves that the damaged soft tissue is attached to. An injury from a car crash will cause a chain reaction of problems throughout the body.
However, if these injuries are addressed immediately with the appropriate treatment, these injuries are provided the best chance possible for a complete recovery, or as close as possible depending on the severity. Contact us today to get started on the road to recovery.
Hip and Leg Injuries
Hip,leg, knee, foot and ankle injuries are also common in car accidents. The force of the impact can cause severe damage to the bones, muscles, and ligaments in these areas of the body.
Some of the most common hip and leg injuries include:
- Sprain and Strain of the hip, knee, ankle or foot
- Fractured pelvis
- Dislocated hip
- Femur fractures
- Tibia or fibula fractures
- Ankle or foot fractures
- Torn or damaged meniscus or ligaments in the knee
Shoulder and Arm Injuries
Shoulder, elbow, hand and wrist injuries are also common in car accidents.
Some of the common shoulder and arm injuries include:
- Rotator cuff tear
- Labrum tear
- Elbow sprain strain
- Wrist and hand sprain
If you have suffered any of these injuries, you will need an evaluation and the appropriate diagnostic testing (MRI, x-ray, CT scan) to fully and accurately assess the damage to determine the appropriate course of treatment. After a comprehensive and thorough exam is performed by Dr. McCranels at Injury Treatment Solutions, the appropriate diagnostic testing will be ordered and depending on those results, you may require physical therapy to regain full range of motion and strength in the affected area or surgery. If any treatment will be needed outside of our facility, we will make sure that you get referred to the appropriate doctor ASAP. We want you to get the best and appropriate care, whether it is with us or not.
Injury Treatment Solutions
Anyone who’s been hit by a car knows just how unpleasant and frightening the experience can be. If you or a loved one has experienced getting hit by a car, Injury Treatment Solutions can help.
Injury Treatment Solutions provides comprehensive physical therapy as well as medical and chiropractic care for all kinds of trauma injuries. Our team has years of experience treating patients who have been in car accidents, and we’re dedicated to providing the best possible care for our patients.
Make an appointment today and get started on the road to recovery. Our office provides you with minimal wait times, and we treat all of our patients like family. Contact Injury Treatment Solutions today at (321) 888-8888.
