Florida is considered the third most dangerous state in regard to car accidents, and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports over 1,100 accidents per day on our roads. Even more concerning is the over 400,000 injuries sustained annually due to vehicle crashes. These injuries range from bumps and bruises to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), with nearly 17,000 of these car accident injuries considered life-altering.
When you have been involved in an accident and sustained a long-term injury, medical care is often provided through your insurance coverage, settlement, or a jury award. Those who have sustained such an injury often require care for months or even years, either from a physician or chiropractor.
Car Accident Injuries We See Most Often
Here are the five most common injuries seen after car accidents in the Sunshine State.
1. Whiplash: Whiplash is not only the most common car accident injury; it is one of the primary reasons car accident victims visit chiropractors. Collisions, whether head-on, t-bone, or rear-end, jar the head and neck, resulting in overstretched muscles and sprained joints. One significant issue surrounding whiplash is that victims may not immediately show signs of an injury, but symptoms can manifest days or weeks later. That is why an evaluation is essential after any car accident, even if you “feel fine.” (Read more about Whiplash here.)
2. Concussions: Symptoms of a concussion are similar to whiplash in that they may take some time to reveal themselves. If you have been in a car accident and begin to experience nausea, amnesia, confusion, or even lose consciousness, seek medical attention immediately. Concussions are brain injuries and are not to be taken lightly. They can lead to chronic long-term health issues such as headaches, seizures, and inability to concentrate.
3. Breaks and Fractures: Even at slower speeds, vehicle accidents can result in a damaging force of impact. Common injuries from car accidents include bone breaks and fractures from minor to severe – affecting hands, feet, legs, hips, spine, ankles, and wrists. Some injuries require only a splint, while others may require surgery or metal pins and hardware to stabilize the break.
4. Musculoskeletal Injuries: A vehicular car accident often causes generalized pain because your entire system experiences jarring impact – suddenly and at high speed. These factors can result in injuries affecting both the muscular and skeletal systems and the tendons connecting them. Ligaments connecting bone to bone can also be traumatized and impacted. This injury class is often treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, but those seeking holistic care may choose physical therapy, massage therapy, stretches, and chiropractic adjustments for relief.
5. Emotional Trauma: A car accident can be very traumatic, and these types of events are known to cause distress for weeks or months. Many who are the victims of accidents may develop anxiety or PTSD, affecting their ability to operate or even ride in cars. Seeking the advice and guidance of a mental health counselor is an excellent way to process feelings of fear and stress following a severe or life-altering car accident.
Don’t Go Untreated
We check our cars after a collision to ensure they didn’t sustain any damage that needs correcting. In the same way, it is even more important to check our bodies to ensure that the unexpected impact didn’t cause any injury.
Remember, it may take days or weeks for symptoms to manifest completely, and injuries may have become aggravated and inflamed by that time. The best strategy after any accident is to see a chiropractor as soon as possible.
Dr. Ryan Johnson is a Sarasota chiropractor dedicated to his patients’ holistic health and wellness. If you live in the area or have been involved in a car accident while visiting, don’t wait to receive care. Call Dr. Johnson for an appointment today.
