The most common injuries after a motor vehicle accident
Both minor and severe vehicle accidents can leave devastating injuries in their wake.
Did you know that South Africa has an annual road death toll that’s significantly higher than the world average or that teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are four times more likely to be involved in accidents?
Affinity Health is aware of the immense stress resulting from motor vehicle accidents and the injuries they cause.
“Sprains, strains, bruising, and other damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments (soft tissue injuries) suffered by drivers and passengers are very common in a low-speed collision. One of the most reported soft tissue injuries is whiplash, which affects the neck and upper back,” said Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“Often the type and severity of these injuries depend on whether the occupants were wearing seat belts, if the vehicle was hit from the rear, side or front, whether the occupant was facing straight ahead in the seat or turned in a certain direction and whether the vehicle had airbags that discharged.”
More severe injuries sustained during high-impact collisions include impact injuries, and penetrating injuries. Impact injuries, such as broken bones, are typically caused when part of the person’s body hits some part of the vehicle’s interior, while penetrating injuries generally are cuts and scrapes resulting from shattered glass or objects flying inside the vehicle.
A common type of serious injury following a vehicle accident is a close head injury, where the fluid and tissue inside the skull are damaged because of the sudden movement or impact of the head. Some closed head injuries result in concussions, while others can cause brain damage.
Both minor and severe vehicle accidents can leave devastating injuries in their wake. Regardless of the type of injury, many vehicle accident victims find themselves unable to return to work immediately. At the same time, even a minor fender bender may lead to a traumatic brain injury that causes years of therapy.
Keep in mind that some injuries are not readily apparent following a car accident. Depending on the nature of the injury, it may take days, weeks, or even months for symptoms to appear. So if you are in a vehicle accident, it is best to seek medical treatment for even the slightest discomfort or early indication of injury.
“It’s important that you are always medically covered in the event of a motor vehicle accident,” added Hewlett.
“By being adequately covered, you can focus on your recovery knowing that all the other expenses such as your hospital bills, prescription costs, and rehabilitation and physiotherapy costs are taken care of.”
