A car crash, three common injuries and prompt medical attention

No one expects to be the victim of a vehicle crash, but in Colorado alone, there are some 100,000 traffic accidents every year.

Many collisions are minor, but they can still cause significant injury. In fact, car crashes result in three common injuries. Not all are immediately apparent, so it is wise to seek prompt medical attention.

Three common results

Distractions of various kinds, reckless driving and failure to account for poor road or weather conditions are among the many causes of vehicle crashes. Even a minor accident such as a rear-end collision can cause serious injury. Three of the most common crash-related issues are neck injuries, including whiplash from rear-end collisions; shoulder fractures, since the shoulder is a complex joint; and brain damage, which can range from concussions to life-altering traumatic brain injuries.

Delayed reactions

The human body reacts to the violent impact of a collision by releasing adrenaline and other chemicals, which can temporarily mask pain and injury. Therefore, it is possible for the victim of a car crash to walk away thinking there was no harm done. Symptoms may not appear for hours if not days after the accident. The possibility of an underlying injury is the reason anyone involved in a vehicle crash should see a doctor promptly.

Benefits of a medical report

The victim of a car crash may face hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy and more. A medical report is important, first, because it ties the patient’s injuries directly to the crash, and second because it can accompany a claim for insurance compensation. Medical costs can mount swiftly, and the victim of a vehicle crash has the right to expect a full and fair settlement to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.