Common Injuries in Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of injuries in Canada. The type, and severity, of injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents can vary greatly from person to person, and it is important that individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents seek assistance from appropriate medical professionals for treatment of their specific injuries. With that being said, certain injuries are commonly seen in individuals that are involved in motor vehicle accidents. A summary of common injuries that are sustained in motor vehicle accidents is set out below.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are a common consequence of high-impact collisions. Soft tissues connect or surround other structures and organs of the body, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, nerves, and fibrous tissues. The impact of a motor vehicle accident can lead to stretching or tearing of soft tissues, and strains or sprains of these structures. Soft tissue injuries can result in pain, and a restricted range of motion in the affected areas. Whiplash-associated disorders are a common example of soft tissue injuries, and common symptoms include back pain and neck pain. The severity of soft-tissue injuries varies from person to person, and the impact can range from minimal and temporary symptoms to debilitating and chronic symptoms. Physiotherapy, massage therapy and chiropractic therapy are commonly prescribed for treatment of soft-tissue injuries.
Orthopedic Injuries
Orthopedic injuries refer to injuries to the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Common examples of orthopedic injuries following motor vehicle accidents include shoulder injuries, knee ligament injuries, and arm and leg injuries, including fractures. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic injuries is often an important factor in improving an individual’s long-term prognosis. Treatment may include surgery, or other treatment with an orthopedic specialist, and physiotherapy.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull. In motor vehicle accidents, individuals may experience whiplash, whereby their heads may whip backwards at a high speed. When this happens, a person’s jaw may be pulled open, causing pressure on the temporomandibular joint, which may result in injury. Symptoms of TMJ disorders include pain or tenderness of the jaw, pain in one or both of the TMJs, ear pain, facial pain, difficulty chewing, and difficulty opening or closing one’s mouth. Treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders includes splinting, and in severe cases, surgery.
Concussion Symptoms
Concussions are common in motor vehicle accidents when individuals sustain a sudden blow to the head. When this occurs, the impact of the collision can jolt an individual’s brain and cause it to move around in his or her skull, causing injury. Concussion symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, blurry vision and more. Recovery from a concussion can be a long and arduous process, and symptoms can potentially persist for a year or more. The goal of treatment for a concussion is generally to effectively manage concussion symptoms.
Psychological Injuries
In addition to physical injuries, individuals that are involved in motor vehicle accidents commonly experience psychological injuries following an accident. A motor vehicle accident can have a significant impact on an individual’s mental health, and diagnoses of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder are not uncommon following motor vehicle accidents. Psychological injuries can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, and it is important that individuals receive appropriate treatment for psychological injuries.
Summary
While the above-noted injuries are common in individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents, the impact of a motor vehicle accident varies from person to person. Motor vehicle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, and it is important that individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents seek treatment from appropriate medical professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Consulting with a personal injury lawyer can help ensure that you receive appropriate treatment and fair compensation for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motor vehicle accident you can contact us here.
By Ian Miller