Did you know that there are an estimated 6 million car accidents in the United States each year?

Even if you’re a responsible driver, there’s no telling when an accident could happen. To keep yourself and those you love safe on the road, you’ll want to educate yourself on the types of car accidents that occur most often.

Keep reading to find descriptions of three of the most dangerous injuries you can sustain from a car accident, along with tips on what you should do if you find yourself in a crash. 

Whiplash

Whiplash is every bit as painful as it sounds. It occurs when your neck jolts backward and forward in quick succession.

Whiplash’s severity varies from accident to accident. However, it often comes with frequent and recurring headaches, nausea, neck pain, and trouble moving your head.

If left untreated, the symptoms of whiplash can become quite severe and may result in concussions, insomnia, or mood disorders.

Broken Bones

We often forget how powerful our vehicles are. That sporty sedan you drive to and from work? It’s almost 3,000 pounds of metal hurtling down the road.

So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that broken bones occur so often after an accident.

A collision doesn’t even have to occur at high velocity to result in broken bones. One study found that speeds of 25 mph or less can snap someone’s legs.

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is by far one of the most severe injuries a person can sustain during an accident.

The scariest thing about it is how difficult it is to detect. If you suspect you’re dealing with internal bleeding, watch out for the following symptoms:

• Sharp abdominal pain
• Bloody vomit or stool
• Unexplained dizziness
• Fatigue

In extreme situations, internal bleeding can be fatal. Make sure you seek medical assistance as soon as possible should you have as much as an inkling of a suspicion you’re bleeding internally.

What to Do If You Sustain an Injury in a Car Accident

First and foremost, remember that some injuries take time to surface. If you feel even the slightest bit injured, seek medical treatment as soon as you safely can.

Once your doctor clears you, your next step is to seek legal representation. The right car accident attorneys will fight for your rights in court and help you get the justice you deserve, even if you don’t speak English.

Along the way, document everything. From the insurance process to any medical bills, these documents can play an important role in your legal case.

Stay Safe and Arrive Alive

These accidents may occur often, but that doesn’t take away how scary and dangerous they are. Car accident injuries are serious business and it’s crucial to treat them as such.

If you’re in an auto accident, take care of yourself. Acting quickly may just save your life.

And to keep up to date on important health and lifestyle information, make sure to check back with our blog.