What Is Considered a Major Injury in a Car Accident?

Car accidents can be devastating, and the injuries caused by them range from minor to major. Major injuries are defined as serious physical or psychological traumas that have permanent or long-term implications.

It is important to understand what constitutes a major injury, and the associated treatments and legal implications, so that victims of car accidents can get the help they need in dealing with their injuries.

Keep reading to discover more from our team at Impact Medical Zephyrhills.

Unveiling the Seriousness of Car Crash Injuries

Most people are aware of the dangers that come with operating a motor vehicle and understand that they should take precautions when doing so, but unfortunately collisions do occur. Knowing what kind of injuries can result from car crashes is essential for understanding how dangerous they can be.

In general, a serious or major injury causes significant physical impairment and/or substantial pain and suffering.

Some common major injuries from car accidents include:

• Fractures or broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Severe burns
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury
• Loss of limbs or amputation
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

Let’s look at a few of these a little more in-depth.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Often, traumatic brain injuries cause brain damage through blows to the head or piercing injuries to the brain. This often occurs in high-speed collisions when victims strike their heads against steering wheels, windshields, or side windows.

A sudden jolt to the head can lead to a concussion but can also cause more permanent damage to the brain.

Limb Loss or Amputation

The forces involved in a car accident can cause a leg to strike the dashboard, the front seat, or a door, leading to shattered joints and broken bones. A victim’s arm or shoulder could sustain similar injuries as well.

Amputation of a limb might be necessary in extreme cases. An amputation involves the loss of a leg, arm, hand, finger, toe, leg, etc. during an accident. Car crashes lead to amputations regularly, as there is a lot of sharp metal and glass involved, and body parts can easily be cut or amputated.

Spinal Cord Injury

The spinal cord is a crucial component of our central nervous system. Think of the brain as the command center for your body, and the spinal cord as the means to transmit signals throughout the body. In a car accident, the spine is at risk of several injuries to the vertebrae, ligaments, and discs.

Damage to the spine can cause chronic conditions as well as paralysis as well as:

• Loss of mobility
• Muscle spasms
• Loss of sensation
• Sexual dysfunction
• Difficulty breathing

Risk Factors of Severe Car Accident Injuries

Several factors are used to evaluate the type and severity of the injuries sustained by those involved in a crash including:

• Were the people involved wearing their seat belts?
• How did the impact occur?
• Which way did the occupants of the vehicle face at the time of impact?
• Was it a low or high-speed crash?
• Did the airbags deploy?

All these factors will have an impact on the severity of the injuries sustained in an accident.

Treating Major Car Accident Injuries

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating major accident injuries. All treatment plans are based on the specific needs of the patient and the severity of their injuries.

At Impact Medical Zephyrhills we have several treatment options available including:

• Physical or occupational therapy
• Pain management including epidural steroid or facet injections
• Splinting, casting, and surgery

We know that recovering from your injuries is a stressful journey. Our team is here to walk you through your recovery every step of the way.

After Accident Recovery

Recovering from a major injury, accident or medical issue can be incredibly difficult to manage. Impact Medical Zephyrhills can provide the care and support needed during this time.

Our knowledgeable staff, personalized treatment plans, and commitment to providing quality care are just a few of the reasons why we are an excellent choice for those in need of specialized treatment.

Though it may seem daunting, with the help of our team, recovery is possible. Contact us today for a medical evaluation at (813) 706-5156!