Car accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries. Whether someone is in a car accident due to poor weather or a driver who is under the influence, injuries are always a possibility.

What Factors Determine the Injuries in a Car Accident?

While there is no way of knowing what types of injuries a person will sustain in a car accident, there are many factors that contribute to this. These include but are not limited to:

  • The types of vehicles that are involved (including the size).
  • Whether or not the person was wearing a seat belt.
  • The type of accident: head-on, side-impact, rollover, etc.
  • The speed at which the vehicles were moving.
  • The position of the occupant at impact.

Other factors, like distractions, can also worsen the injuries from a car accident. If either driving is distracted when the accident occurs, their reaction time is likely to be slower, thus leading to a greater impact.

Types of Injuries in a Car Accident

Minor car accident injuries, such as scrapes and bruises, may heal on their own without medical treatment. On the other hand, there are more serious injuries, such as broken bones and head trauma, which require immediate treatment. Car accidents can lead to any of the following types of injuries:

  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Internal bleeding
  • Torn ligaments or tendons
  • Back or neck problems
  • Deep lacerations
  • Whiplash
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Broken ribs or bones

Additionally, some injured drivers and passengers will experience multiple of these types of injuries at once, worsening their condition.

How to Protect Yourself From Car Accident Injuries

As a motor vehicle passenger, the best thing you can do is protect yourself against a potential accident at all times. This means always wearing a seat belt and obeying the rules of the road. It also means avoiding distractions at all times. This includes using a phone while driving, or even smaller tasks that may not seem as dangerous, like looking for a certain song.

Driving under the influence can also be a main cause of car accidents. While the legal BAC limit may be 0.08%, any amount of alcohol can affect a driver’s reaction time. If you intend to drink, it may be a good idea to find alternative transportation ahead of time. Designate someone in your party as the driver, or put a rideshare app on your phone ahead of time.

Injured in a Car Accident? What Are Your Options?

If you are injured in a car accident, it is best to get checked out by a doctor without delay. Even if you feel okay, there is nothing wrong with being examined just to make sure you remain in good health. That way, if any pains do show up later, you will be able to connect the car accident as their cause.

It is also beneficial to discuss your case with a car accident lawyer. If you were injured, you may need help with determining liability and going after the responsible party for damages.