Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries in the United States, whether the accident in question is a one-vehicle accident or a multi-car collision. Many types of sprains, fractures and other types of trauma can arise from a car accident.
What are some of the most common motor vehicle accident injuries in Louisiana?
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries occur when something damages the delicate nerves along the spine, which extends from the skull all the way to the tailbone. Someone may have a spinal cord injury if they notice pain or pressure in their neck or back after a car crash.
Burns
Burns can occur during a motor vehicle accident when the vehicle’s gasoline ignites and catches on fire. Four burn categories include:
- First-degree, which is the least severe of the four
- Second-degree, which affects the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin
- Third-degree, which happens when the burn goes under the dermis
- Fourth-degree, which occurs when a burn extends not only to the skin but to the surrounding muscle and bones as well
Most severe burns require medical attention right away.
Broken bones
Broken bones can occur when the bone suffers a severe blow, such as one caused by a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed running into another object. Fortunately, the majority of broken bones heal within six to eight weeks with proper medical treatment.
By being aware of some of the most common car accident injuries, people can know what to look for if they are in a collision.