Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatizing experience, not to mention the effects of car crash on human body. The collision itself or even the act of just hitting the brakes can cause the body to shake violently, which may result in injury and damage.
Accidents happen no matter how good a driver you may be and how many years of experience you have driving. It is important to understand what happens to your body during an accident. Some key facts on car accidents from World Health Organization (WHO)
- Approximately 1.19 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes.
- Car accident injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years.
- More than half of all victims of fatal car accidents are among vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
- Between 20 and 50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a permanent disability.
Understanding What Happens To Your Body In A Car Crash
So, what happens to your body in a car crash? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s report on Characteristics of Crash Injuries Among Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Drivers, “one of the most important factors that affects a person’s risk of injury in a motor vehicle crash is the age of the person.” Some of the key findings from this report include:
- Older drivers, especially females, are more likely to sustain severe injuries in crashes compared to younger drivers.
- In non-rollover crashes, older drivers are more prone to severe injuries, particularly in left-side impacts.
- Seat belt use significantly reduces car accident injury severity for all age groups.
- Major injury contact sources in rollovers are the vehicle roof and top, with the head and chest being the most injured body parts.
- Left-side impacts often result in head and chest injuries, with contact sources being the left-side interior and hardware.
- Right-side impacts show varied injury sources, with belt webbing being common across age groups.
- Rear-impact crashes frequently involve head restraint systems, with severe injuries mainly to the head.
Injury severity is measured using the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS), which rates injuries from 0 (no injury) to 6 (most severe). This scale uses current medical terminology to rank how serious an injury is, based on the body part affected. It’s a global system that helps health organizations manage trauma cases, assists crash investigators in improving vehicle safety, and supports researchers in studying injury patterns. These insights can influence public policies and regulations.
Understanding Risk Factors: How They Influence Injury Severity and Increase the Likelihood of Fatal Car Accidents
Car accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to a variety of risk factors. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one major contributor is the failure to use safety tools such as seat belts, helmets, and child restraints. Wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of death by up to 50%, while using a helmet decreases the likelihood of death in a motorcycle crash by over six times and cuts the risk of brain injury by up to 74%. Child restraints are equally crucial, as they lower the risk of death among infants by 71% .
Driving behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence (DUI) also significantly increase the risk of fatal accidents. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction times, leading to more severe crashes. Even at low blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, the chance of a crash increases, and when BAC reaches 0.04 g/dl or higher, the risk escalates considerably.
The Science of Impact: Understanding Forces in Major Car Accidents
The first impact in a car accident is the vehicle impact. The collision often results in extensive physical damage to the cars or trucks involved. Typical damage includes broken windows, crumpled metal, damaged axles, shattered headlights, and engine or transmission issues.
Beyond the obvious damage, there can also be hidden problems, such as damage to the suspension or the car’s frame, which may weaken the vehicle’s structural integrity. In such cases, an insurance company might declare the car a ‘total loss.’ Repairing vehicle damage can be expensive, and in severe cases, it may be impossible to restore the car to its pre-accident state.
In a major car accident, the forces involved can be incredibly powerful. When two vehicles collide, they can come to a sudden stop in a fraction of a second, experiencing a significant change in speed, known as deceleration. This force is often much greater than what our bodies experience in everyday life, which can lead to serious consequences.
When a car crashes, the human body is subject to these intense forces. As the vehicle abruptly halts, occupants are thrown forward due to inertia, which is the tendency of objects to continue moving in the same direction. This can result in injuries such as whiplash, where the neck is forcibly jerked back and forth, and concussions, which occur if the head strikes a hard surface, like the steering wheel or window. Other common injuries suffered in a car accident include broken bones and soft tissue damage, which can have lasting effects on a person’s health and mobility.
Understanding these forces can help emphasize the importance of safety measures, like wearing seat belts and using proper child restraints, which can significantly reduce the risk of severe injuries during a collision.
What to Do After a Car Accident: Prioritizing Safety and Injury Treatment
Your first priority should be safety and seeking car accident injury treatment. Start by ensuring everyone’s safety and seek medical attention promptly. Remember, injuries from auto accidents might not be immediately apparent and can show up hours or even days later, so getting an early medical evaluation is vital.
Even if you don’t feel pain right after the accident, it’s important to seek treatment for injuries as soon as possible. Some injuries take time to manifest. In Florida, it’s essential to have a medical check-up within 14 days of the accident to ensure your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage applies. This requirement is part of Florida’s no-fault insurance laws, specifically outlined in Florida Statutes §627.736.
For serious injuries, victims are often taken to the hospital immediately, which makes the two-week window less of a concern. However, if you feel fine or have minor injuries, it’s crucial to still get a medical evaluation within this period. Missing the 14-day deadline could result in your insurance company denying your claim, leaving you responsible for future medical expenses related to the accident.
After addressing medical needs, documenting the incident is important, which we cover in our blog: 5 Types of Evidence That Can Disappear Quickly After an Auto Accident. It is important to take photos and gather witness statements to support your case. Filing a police report is essential, as it provides an official account of the incident. In Florida, if the accident involves significant vehicle damage, injuries, or fatalities, you must file a police report as required by Florida Statutes, Section 316.066. This report is a key piece of documentation for your car accident case.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects of Car Crash on Human Body
The effects of car crash on human body can lead to both short-term and long-term effects on the human body, depending on the severity of the impact and the types of injuries sustained. Short-term effects often include immediate injuries such as cuts, bruises, whiplash, and concussions. These injuries might cause pain, discomfort, and limited mobility right after the accident, prompting victims to seek medical attention. Many people may also experience emotional responses, such as shock or anxiety, as they process the trauma of the accident.
In contrast, long-term effects can manifest weeks, months, or even years after the crash. Chronic pain conditions, such as post-traumatic headaches or ongoing neck and back pain from whiplash, are common long-term consequences. Additionally, some individuals may experience lasting psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can impact their daily lives and overall well-being. Understanding both the short-term and long-term effects emphasizes the importance of seeking timely medical evaluation and treatment after any car accident, as early intervention can significantly improve recovery outcomes.
Need More Information About the Effects of Car Crash on Human Body?
If you’ve experienced the effects of a car crash, don’t face it alone. Our team is here to help with your car accident case and ensure you get the support you need from the best car accident lawyer. Reach out for a free, confidential consultation at lipinskilaw.com/contact/ or call us at 561-453-4800. Let us be your trusted car accident attorney on the road to recovery!
At Lipinski Law, we understand the complexities of a car accident case. Our dedicated team ensures your voice is heard throughout your claim. We fight for not only the financial compensation you need but also the closure you deserve. Choosing Lipinski Law for your auto accident means entrusting your case to a firm that blends legal mastery with genuine concern for your well-being. With every step, with every piece of evidence, and through every legal argument, we prioritize what matters most—your healing and your compensation. Seeking professional guidance can help you achieve a fair resolution and focus on recovery.
Don’t stand alone against the daunting aftermath of a car accident. Contact Lipinski Law at 561-453-4800 or via https://lipinskilaw.com/contact/ for a free, confidential consultation today. Let us help you navigate the complexities and secure the compensation you deserve.
Lipinski Law, based in Jupiter, proudly serves clients throughout Palm Beach County, including but not limited to Jupiter, Tequesta, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, and West Palm Beach. We also accept cases throughout the state of Florida.
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- Why You Should Never Sign a Release Immediately After a Car Crash
- 5 Types of Evidence That Can Disappear Quickly After an Auto Accident
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