Although many aspects of the processes occurring within the human body are still a mystery to science, the human body has an incredible ability to recover. Over the years, we have seen many cases of recovery after a car accident; we have witnessed a number of victims with very serious injuries, who after some time of receiving the indicated treatment, integrating the experience into their lives, and delegating the legal aspects to our experts, have fully recovered from the damages caused by these events.
The injuries that the body can suffer after an impact at high speeds are diverse. Unfortunately, there is still no way to build a superhuman body that can be immune to these types of injuries. But who knows?
Maybe in the future, we will be able to have medicines that will relieve everything instantly, and through scientific development and true knowledge, we will be able to enjoy medicine at the service of humanity and not at the service of great economic interests.
Although we are not doctors, due to our work as legal representatives in accident cases, we have had to work together with doctors, who have helped us to understand the different situations that our clients have had to face.
Working together with medical specialists, we have also understood that it is important to give the right treatment in time in order to avoid lifelong consequences or to accelerate recovery.
There is no greater moment of happiness when we see our clients recover their health after an accident or see them finally walking without any kind of injury or practicing their favorite sport. Those moments are truly magical. Unfortunately, many of us value the importance of health when we have lost it.
We want to see a much healthier Queens community, a community that understands the importance of taking care of its body, of taking care of its integrity when moving around the city, with drivers who respect cyclists and pedestrians. Hopefully, someday our friends and doctors will be able to tell us that motor vehicle accident-related injuries have decreased in their emergency rooms.
In the following paragraphs, we would like to group the most relevant information about the injuries that can arise in this type of accident. We want to bring some light to these common car accident injuries so that all our citizens have valuable information, to avoid unnecessary suffering and to know how to proceed in these types of cases.
Introduction to the Types of Injuries
In order to understand the possible injuries that can be triggered by an automobile accident, it is necessary to take into consideration the following points:
- Due to the sudden impact and forces involved in car accidents, many different types of injuries can result.
- Different parts of the body can be affected by different types of injuries, which can range from minor to severe.
- It's imperative to seek the appropriate medical care after a car accident, given the potential injuries that may occur.
Differentiating Injury Severity
- Even though seemingly unimportant minor wounds like cuts, scrapes, and bruises can hurt.
- Sprains, strains, and small fractures are examples of moderate injuries that frequently result in observable pain, swelling, and restricted movement.
- The most troubling injuries are those that cause severe organ damage, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Mobility, cognitive abilities, and overall quality of life may all be negatively impacted by these injuries, which have potentially fatal results.
Importance of Prompt Medical Treatment
- Even if injuries seem minor, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention after a car accident.
- Even though some injuries may not immediately manifest symptoms, prompt treatment can avoid complications and increase the likelihood of a full recovery.
- A formal record of your injuries is created when you see a doctor, and this record is crucial for insurance claims and potential legal actions.
- During an accident, the adrenaline rush can obscure pain, causing injuries to go unnoticed; a professional evaluation is required to identify hidden injuries.
Understanding Whiplash Injuries
- The sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck during an accident is a common cause of whiplash.
- Whiplash is frequently brought on by rear-end collisions, though it can also happen in other types of accidents.
- Symptoms, which can include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and even cognitive difficulties, may not manifest immediately.
Long-Term Implications of Neck Injuries
- If not properly treated, neck injuries, including whiplash, can have long-term consequences.
- Stiffness, restricted range of motion, and chronic pain can last for months or even years.
- Serious neck injuries can have an impact on daily activities, such as work and leisure time, as well as overall quality of life.
Head and Brain Injuries
Can you imagine the possible consequences of a blow to the head after an accident at high speeds? We could be facing a case of immediate death due to the level of impact, although in the case of survival, there may be after-effects.
Surely you have heard of such curious cases in which someone develops a talent after a very strong blow to the head, such as playing the piano or speaking several languages. However, such scenarios are perhaps only 5%. Usually, the consequences are not as pleasant as developing a talent, but having to deal with injuries that could affect one's life forever.
Some aspects linked to head injuries are as follows:
- Head injuries from minor to severe can result from car accidents.
- Concussions frequently occur as a result of the brain colliding with the skull during impact.
- Contusions, intracranial bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the more serious wounds.
- High-impact collisions can break bones in the skull, which could injure the brain.
- Fractures can be open (where the skin is broken) or closed (where the skin is intact).
- For the purpose of evaluating potential brain damage, skull fractures require immediate medical attention.
- Intracranial Hematomas: These are blood clots that develop in the brain as a result of blood vessels that have broken.
- Hematomas can exert pressure on the brain, leading to various symptoms like confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
- Urgent medical intervention, including surgery, might be necessary to relieve pressure.
- Diffuse Axonal Injuries: When the brain rapidly shifts inside the skull, it damages nerve fibers and causes these injuries.
- Long-term cognitive, motor, and sensory impairments are potential outcomes of diffuse axonal injuries.
- The extent of the damage can be confirmed and used to direct treatment with prompt medical evaluation.
- Penetrating Trauma: In some circumstances, the cranium can be penetrated by jagged objects or accident debris.
- A penetrating head injury has a high risk of infection and needs to be treated right away.
- In order to remove foreign objects and avoid complications, surgery may be required.
Resources in Queens for diagnosing and treating head and brain injuries:
Medical science provides various techniques and mechanisms that aid in the accurate detection of this type of condition. Some of these methods that are available in the Queens area and throughout New York State are as follows:
CT Scan (Computed Tomography) in Queens Car Accidents
- A CT scan offers precise cross-sectional images of the structure of the brain.
- It's often used to quickly assess traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and bleeding.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) in Queens Car Accidents
- MRI uses strong magnetic fields to create detailed images of the brain's soft tissues.
- It's effective for detecting subtle brain injuries and abnormalities.
X-rays in Queens Car Accidents
- Fractures, damage to the skull, and foreign objects in the head can all be seen on X-rays.
- They are still useful for preliminary evaluations even though they are not as precise as CT scans or MRIs.
PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography) in Queens Car Accidents
- PET scans help evaluate brain function and blood flow.
- They're useful for detecting changes in brain activity caused by injuries.
Neurological Examinations in Queens Car Accidents
- These tests evaluate the brain's post-head injury cognitive, sensory, and motor functions.
- Reflex, coordination, and speech changes can be detected using neurological tests.
These techniques are essential for correctly identifying and assessing head injuries brought on by accidents, allowing medical professionals to offer suitable interventions and treatments.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Back Pain
Another part of the body that is vital to its proper functioning is the Spinal Cord. Any injury or impact that alters its function could affect the entire body and other organs. Below, we will describe the most relevant aspects of this type of injury.
Differentiating Between Spinal Cord Injuries, Herniated Discs, and Other Back Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries involve damage to the spinal cord itself, often resulting in loss of sensation and motor function below the injury site.
- Herniated Discs: Herniated discs are when the cushioning discs between the vertebrae rupture, resulting in pain from inflammation and nerve compression.
- Fractured Vertebrae: The stability of the spine and nerve function may be impacted by vertebral fractures, which can range in severity from minor cracks to severe breaks.
- Sprains and Strains: Strains affect muscles and tendons while sprains involve stretched or torn ligaments; both can result in severe pain and constrained movement.
- Soft Tissue Injuries in your back: Damage to soft tissues such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons can lead to localized pain and discomfort.
Early detection of any of these lesions will help prevent any type of complication in the long term. In this way, the recovery time will be shorter and you will be able to smile in much less time.
Each type of back injury requires specific diagnostic approaches and tailored treatment plans. Understanding the differences can aid in accurate diagnosis and effective rehabilitation.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Car accidents can lead to various types of bone fractures due to the forceful impact on the body.
- Simple Fractures: This type of fracture which is frequently brought on by abrupt impact, involves a clean break in the bone without piercing the skin.
- Compound Fractures: Compound fractures, also known as open fractures, involve a bone breaking through the skin, posing an infection risk.
- Comminuted Fractures: Comminuted fractures result in the bone breaking into multiple fragments, typically due to significant force.
- Compression Fractures: In the majority of cases, compression fractures in the spine result in the vertebrae collapsing or breaking under the pressure of the fracture.
- Hairline Fractures: Despite being less obvious, hairline fractures are tiny cracks in the bone that still cause pain and discomfort.
- Stress Fractures: Stress fractures, which are minute cracks brought on by repeated strain or overuse, are frequently observed in places that experience constant impact.
For a proper medical evaluation and treatment to ensure the best possible healing and recovery, it is essential to understand the type of fracture and its severity.
Internal Injuries and Organ Damage
Injuries in these types of accidents are not always noticeable or are considered exposed injuries. There are also cases where the affected part is in one of the body's organs, as the human body has hundreds of veins and delicate tissues that could be susceptible to tearing or bleeding. Some common issues surrounding this type of injury are as follows:
- Hidden Danger of Internal Injuries: Even without obvious external wounds, car accidents can damage internal organs.
- Symptoms and Complications: Internal injuries may not be immediately obvious, but symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and breathing difficulties can also include abdominal pain.
- Organ Damage: Due to the force of a car accident, organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestines may be harmed.
- Surgical Intervention: Surgery is frequently needed to repair damaged organs and stop further complications in cases of severe internal injuries.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Last but not least, the emotional consequences of this type of event can be very difficult to assimilate. This is the area where our healthcare system sometimes fails. Our doctors sometimes live obsessed with the laboratory, with germs or bacteria, when the emotional, holistic, and human aspects can be left aside. That is precisely what we do not want to happen, so we share valuable information about it to raise awareness around the subject.
To mention a few examples and some relevant aspects of this issue, we have encountered the following over the years by looking at various cases:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Being involved in or witnessing a car accident can cause PTSD, which manifests as nightmares, flashbacks, and extreme anxiety.
- Anxiety and Panic Disorders: Because they fear operating a vehicle or being in one, car accident victims may experience generalized anxiety or panic disorders.
- Depression and Mood Disorders: Trauma from an accident can lead to depression, which can cause melancholy, interest loss, and difficulty concentrating.
- Social Isolation: Some survivors experience social isolation because they avoid social situations out of anxiety or fear.
- Counseling and therapy: Expert counseling and therapy can assist people in overcoming emotional trauma and creating coping mechanisms for anxiety.
- Joining support groups with people who have also been in auto accidents can foster a sense of camaraderie and understanding.
In this last point of emotional consequences, we consider that it is of vital importance that the affected person finds spiritual meaning in his/her life, and with God's guidance, he/she can recover the lost path after a fatality of this type. At The Ward Law, we are advocates of a holistic approach to these types of cases.
Not only is legal expertise enough, but also a human approach and the ability to actively listen to our clients. Don't go through this journey alone. Contact our team of professionals at The Ward Law Group to make this experience a much smoother and easier event.