Did you know that there are different types of car accident injuries? Most people only think about the neck and back when they think about car accident injuries, but many other body parts can be injured in a car accident. This blog post will discuss some of the most common low-impact car accident injuries. Keep reading to learn more!
Bone Fractures And Breaks
Low-impact car accidents are less likely to cause serious injury than high-speed collisions, but they can still result in bone fractures and breaks. The most common type of fracture caused by a low-impact accident is a compression fracture, which occurs when the bones are crushed together. It can happen when the vehicle is hit from the side or rear, causing the occupants to be forced forward into their seat belts. Low-impact collisions can also cause distraction fractures, which occur when the bone is pulled apart by the force of the impact. These fractures typically occur in the arm or leg bones and can be very painful. If you have been injured in a low-impact car accident, it is vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid any long-term damage.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Low-impact car accidents are often dismissed as minor, but their injuries are genuine and can impact a person’s life. A low-impact car accident is defined as an accident in which the damage to the vehicle is minor, and there is little or no visible damage to the occupants. However, the occupants can sustain soft tissue injuries even in these accidents. These injuries can occur when the body is jarred by the sudden stop of the car, resulting in strains or sprains. In more severe cases, the impact force can cause significant damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Whiplash
Low-impact car accidents are relatively common and often result in whiplash. Though whiplash is often used to describe neck pain after an accident, it refers to a specific type of injury. Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward or backwards, causing the neck muscles and ligaments to stretch beyond their normal range of motion. The resulting pain can be debilitating and even lead to long-term problems. In certain situations, surgery will be required to repair the damage. Fortunately, most people who suffer from whiplash recover completely with rest, ice, and physical therapy.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can occur when the head is subjected to a sudden and powerful force, as in a low-impact car accident. Even low-impact collisions can generate enough force to cause a traumatic brain injury, particularly if the victim is not wearing a seatbelt. When the head hits something during a crash, it can be jarred loose from its connections and tossed about inside the skull. It can cause bruising, bleeding, and damage to delicate nerve tissue. A traumatic brain injury can lead to coma or even death in severe cases. Wearing a seatbelt is one of the best ways to protect against a traumatic brain injury in a car accident, as it helps to keep the head and body in alignment. However, sustaining a traumatic brain injury in a collision is possible even with a seatbelt.
Low-impact accidents can still result in injuries, so it is essential to be aware of the most common ones and know how to deal with them. If you are involved in a low-impact accident, make sure you take care of yourself and seek medical attention if necessary.
