On average, there are nearly 17,000 car crashes every day. Some of these crashes are minor “fender benders,” while some are more serious in nature. Almost 3 million Americans visit the emergency room annually because of car accidents.
Regardless, car accidents can result in injuries to the driver and passengers that require a trip to the emergency room. While some injuries are immediately apparent, some take several days or even weeks to develop. And while there are some injuries you can take care of at home, some require medical assistance.
If you or a loved one is in a motor vehicle accident, it is essential to know about the most common injuries that can result and when to seek emergency care.
Minor scrapes and cuts – If you or a loved one are in a car accident, it is quite likely to sustain a scrape or a scratch. Usually, these are minor and can be treated at home with supplies from your first-aid kit. However, if the bleeding doesn’t stop, you need to seek emergency care right away despite applying pressure.
Internal bleeding – When people are in car accidents, their major organs, especially the liver and kidneys, can experience trauma, increasing the likelihood of internal bleeding. Internal bleeding can be fatal if you do not receive proper medical care. If, after a car accident, you experience any of the following symptoms of internal bleeding, you need to head to the emergency room:
- Weakness on one side
- Numbness on one side
- Tingling in hands and feet
- Difficulty swallowing
- Vision problems or hearing difficulties
- Loss of balance or coordination
Broken bones – A broken bone is a common injury as the result of a vehicle crash. This type of injury requires immediate medical assistance. If a broken bone is left untreated, it can cause chronic pain and inflammation. It can also restrict movement, making everyday activities challenging.
Head and brain injuries – A concussion is one of the most common types of injuries to occur due to a vehicle crash. Other head injuries seen in car accidents include skull fractures, brain injuries, and internal bleeds. Head or brain trauma symptoms sometimes don’t appear right away, which is why it’s a good idea to be checked out by an emergency room if you or a loved one has been in a motor vehicle accident.
Chest injury: Broken ribs and collapsed lungs are common injuries sustained in car accidents, especially if the chest makes an impact with the steering wheel. Seatbelts, while designed to protect us, can also cause bruising in the chest area. All of these injuries to the chest area require emergency care.
Neck and back injuries – There are numerous neck and back injuries someone can sustain in a car accident. One of the most common ones is whiplash. Whiplash is the result of someone’s head experiencing intense backward and forward movement. It is an injury to the neck and can result in several uncomfortable symptoms including stiffness, spasms, headaches, and pain.
While whiplash can be treated at home with alternating heat and ice and gentle stretching, if the pain is too much to bear, you need to make a trip to the emergency room.
In addition to whiplash, people also can experience spinal cord injuries, which can lead to a host of issues, including mobility problems, intense pain, trouble breathing, and paralysis. Anyone with a spinal cord injury requires emergency care as soon as possible.
Sprains and strains – Someone in a car accident can experience sprained or strained muscles. These injuries can often be treated at home with over-the-counter pain relievers, ice, and heat. However, if the pain leads to too much discomfort or swelling, going to the emergency room is the best course of action to avoid any further damage. We have a state-of-the-art CT scan machine for emergency imaging.
Community First ER is here for you
If you or a loved one is in a car accident and needs emergency care, Community First ER will be here for you. We can quickly assess your injury and determine an appropriate treatment plan with access to sophisticated imaging equipment, including X-rays and CT scan capabilities. No appointment is necessary, and walk-ins are accepted. With both adult and pediatric care available, you will experience little to no wait times to receive our personalized, compassionate, and concierge-level services. Our board-certified physicians and registered nurses will treat your child like family, making their health a top priority. We are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
About Community First ER
Emergency health care is a critical resource. Our commitment is to provide a personal, transparent, and concierge-driven emergency health care experience to our community members. Locally owned and operated by health care providers and partners we trust, we strive to support and create meaningful relationships with those around us. We exist to put your health and wellness first. For more information, visit our website at https://communityfirster.com/ and engage with us on social media.