In Florida, car accidents are among the leading causes of preventable injuries. According to Florida's Integrated Report Exchange System, 395,471 crashes were reported in the state in 2016 alone, resulting in 254,237 injuries and 3,183 fatalities. When people are involved in accidents, they may suffer serious injuries necessitating ongoing medical treatment. While many different types of injuries can happen in car accidents, there are some injuries that are common. The chiropractors at South Florida Injury Centers can examine injured people in order to determine the types and extent of any injuries that may have occurred.

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INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND BACK

Both back and head injuries commonly occur in car accidents. When a person suffers a back injury, it may range in severity. Damage to the spinal cord may result in significant damage to the nerves, causing patients to experience a loss of control over and a reduced sensation in their feet, legs, hands, arms and other areas of their bodies. Serious spinal cord injuries may cause permanent paralysis, necessitating a lifetime of care.

 

Some people who are injured in car accidents may suffer herniations in their vertebral discs. While these injuries are normally less serious than are spinal cord injuries, they may cause multiple problems, including chronic pain in the legs or arms, muscle weakness, a tingling sensation or numbness.

 

Some of the most severe injuries that people may suffer in car accidents are head injuries. Passengers and drivers who are involved in crashes may strike their heads against the windows, dashboards or steering wheels. This may result in traumatic brain injuries that can range from mild brain injuries to severe injuries that cause permanent cognitive impairments or a coma.

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INJURIES TO THE NECK AND CHEST

Whiplash is a very common injury that may happen in a car accident. It is caused by the sudden movement of a person's head and neck forward in a rear-end collision followed by a sudden movement backward. This movement may cause the head and neck to hyperextend, resulting in serious damage to the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Whiplash injuries may range in severity and will depend on the severity of the accident and the health status of the injured victim. Some people experience generalized swelling and pain in the neck. The chiropractors at South Florida Injury Centers are able to diagnose and treat whiplash injuries so that patients may heal more quickly.

 

People may also suffer from chest trauma in accidents. These types of injuries may include collapsed lungs and broken ribs. Some people who have pre-existing heart conditions may suffer from heart attacks that are caused by accidents. Finally, victims may suffer from internal bleeding, organ damage, abdominal damage and pelvic damage. If chest injuries are suspected, it is important for people to seek immediate medical attention.

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OTHER COMMON INJURIES

There are other injuries that often happen in car accidents in addition to head, neck, back and chest injuries, including injuries to the feet, hands, legs, and arms. When pedestrians are injured in accidents, they often suffer from damage to their legs and feet. Motorcyclists may suffer catastrophic injuries in accidents, including ligament damage, broken bones, and amputations.

 

Car accidents may leave some injured victims with permanently disabling injuries necessitating ongoing care. Others may suffer less serious injuries but still require care for weeks or months. When people have been injured in car accidents, it is important for them to get evaluated by doctors as soon as possible following their accidents. The chiropractors at South Florida Injury Centers are able to examine accident victims to determine the types and extent of their injuries and then to provide the care that they need. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

 

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