As you drive on busy roads every day, you may not think about the dangers posed by other vehicles around you. While front and rear-end collisions are most common, side impacts can lead to serious injuries as well. In this article, we will explore some of the common car accident injuries that can occur in side-impact collisions and how medical professionals treat them. Understanding the risks and how to prevent and treat injuries can help you stay safe on the road. We will provide an overview of side airbags, how the body gets injured in side impacts, and treatment options for injuries like broken ribs, collapsed lungs, and damage to organs and blood vessels on that side of the body. Learning more about these injuries empowers you to protect yourself and recover if an accident occurs.
Understanding Side-Impact Collisions
Side-impact collisions, also known as ‘T-bone’ accidents, are extremely dangerous as there is little structural support protecting occupants on the sides of vehicles. In these types of collisions, the side of one vehicle is hit by the front or rear of another vehicle.
- The force of impact often crushes the side of the vehicle, causing severe injuries to anyone on that side. The most common injuries are to the chest, spine, and pelvic region.
- Chest injuries like broken ribs or a punctured lung can occur from the force of impact. The spine can be fractured or dislocated, potentially causing paralysis.
- Pelvic fractures are also frequent and serious, as the pelvis acts as a stabilizing structure for the torso. Damage to internal organs like the liver or kidneys may require emergency surgery.
To properly diagnose and treat side-impact injuries, you should seek immediate medical attention. Doctors will evaluate any loss of consciousness, pain, swelling, difficulty breathing, impaired mobility, or wounds. They may order imaging scans like X-rays, CTs or MRIs to assess internal damage before determining a course of treatment.
Hospitalization, physical therapy, medication, orthopedic devices or in severe cases surgery may be required depending on the nature and severity of your injuries. Recovering from side-impact trauma can take weeks, months or even years of rehabilitation to heal, though some permanent disability is possible. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, many people are able to recover and return to normal daily activities.
The most effective way to prevent serious injury in a side-impact collision is by properly wearing your seat belt and ensuring all passengers do the same. Seat belts save lives by keeping occupants secure within the vehicle. They limit the force placed on the body and spread the energy of impact over larger areas.
Most Common Injuries From Side-Impact Accidents
Side-impact collisions often result in severe injuries to the torso and spine. The force of a vehicle striking the side of another vehicle can cause broken ribs, internal organ damage, and spinal fractures or dislocations.
Rib and Internal Injuries
- Broken or fractured ribs are common and can puncture lungs or other organs.
- Damage to internal organs like the spleen, kidneys, liver or intestines may require surgery and hospitalization.
- Internal bleeding is a life-threatening injury that requires immediate medical attention.
Spinal Injuries
- Whiplash causes damage to the soft tissues of the neck and can result in long-term pain and disability.
- More severe impacts may fracture or dislocate vertebrae in the spine, potentially causing paralysis or nerve damage.
- Seeking emergency medical care and limiting movement of the spine is critical for these injuries.
Other frequent injuries from side collisions include fractures of the pelvis, hip or leg bones, facial lacerations from broken glass, and head trauma such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries from striking the door or window.
The severity of injuries sustained depends on factors like the size and speed of the vehicles involved and where the impact occurred on the vehicle. To minimize injuries, safety features like side airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control are highly effective, as are seat belts, which should be worn at all times. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment is key to recovering from these traumatic incidents.
Diagnosing Injuries After a Side Collision
After being involved in a side-impact collision, it is critical to get properly diagnosed and treated for any resulting injuries. Side collisions often cause damage to the torso, spine, and internal organs. Seeking medical attention promptly can help minimize complications and long-term health issues.
Spinal Injuries
The force of impact during a side collision frequently causes damage to the spine, including strains, sprains, fractures, and disk injuries. You may experience symptoms like back pain, numbness or weakness in the arms and legs, difficulty walking, or loss of bladder control. Diagnosing spinal injuries typically involves imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. Treatment may include rest, physical therapy, medication, braces, or in severe cases, surgery.
Internal Injuries
A side collision can also lead to internal injuries of the chest, abdomen or pelvic area from the safety belt or impact with the door or side airbag. Symptoms may include pain, bruising, bleeding, difficulty breathing, nausea or vomiting. Diagnostic tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans and blood work can detect internal injuries. Treatment depends on the severity and may involve hospitalization, medication, physical therapy, or surgery.
Other Common Injuries
Additional injuries frequently sustained in side-impact collisions include:
- Rib fractures or bruises: Cause pain, difficulty breathing or moving. Diagnosed by physical exam, X-rays. Treatment focuses on pain management and allowing ribs to heal.
- Lung contusions: Bruising of lung tissue leads to chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood. Diagnosed by chest X-ray, CT scan. Treatment includes oxygen, medications, hospitalization.
- Head injuries: Can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. Assess symptoms like loss of consciousness, confusion, nausea, vision problems. CT scans and MRIs used for diagnosis. Treatment depends on severity, from rest and medication to hospitalization or surgery.
Getting the necessary medical care and diagnosis after a side-impact collision is vital to recovering fully and avoiding long-term health complications. Be sure to get evaluated for a range of injuries, even if symptoms are not immediately apparent. Early detection and proper treatment can make a significant difference in your prognosis and quality of life.
Treatment Options for Side Impact Injuries
Side impact collisions often result in injuries that require medical treatment. The specific course of treatment will depend on the severity and type of injuries sustained.
Hospitalization
Serious injuries like internal bleeding, organ damage or head trauma may require hospitalization, surgery, or other intensive care. Diagnostic tests like CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays can determine the extent of damage and guide treatment decisions. You may need to stay in the hospital for observation even after emergency treatment.
Medication
Doctors will likely prescribe pain medication, such as opioids, to manage pain from injuries like broken ribs or a collapsed lung. Anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce swelling and ease pain. If there are signs of internal bleeding or organ damage, you may receive blood transfusions or intravenous fluids.
Therapy
For long-term recovery, therapy may be required to regain motion and strength. This includes physical therapy for injuries like whiplash, back strain or pelvic fractures. Occupational therapy helps redevelop skills for daily activities. Speech therapy assists with any damage to vocal cords or swallowing. Psychological therapy and counseling can help cope with the mental trauma from a serious accident.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery is necessary to stabilize and heal damage from high-impact side collisions. This includes procedures like:
- Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for broken bones
- Hernia repair for damage to the abdominal wall
- Reconstructive surgery for severe facial injuries
The injuries and treatments from a side impact accident can be complex. It's best to see a doctor right away for a full assessment and to discuss options to promote the best recovery possible based on the unique circumstances of your collision. With proper medical care and time, most side impact victims can heal from their injuries, though the recovery process may be long.
Finding a Texas Car Accident Lawyer if You've Been Injured
If you have suffered injuries in a side-impact collision, you may have grounds to pursue legal action against the at-fault driver. In Texas, you have the right to recover damages for any harm caused by another driver's negligence. To exercise your rights, you will need to hire an experienced car accident lawyer licensed to practice in Texas.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Pursuing an insurance claim or lawsuit after a car accident can be an complicated process. Insurance companies have teams of attorneys working to limit how much they pay for claims. To have the best chance of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and other losses, you need an advocate in your corner. An attorney can:
•Handle communications with insurance companies and at-fault parties on your behalf.
•Investigate your accident to determine who is at fault and liable for damages.
•Calculate the full amount owed for medical bills, lost work wages, pain/suffering, property damage, and other losses.
•Negotiate the maximum settlement possible from insurers before filing a lawsuit.
•Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation.
Finding the Right Lawyer
Look for Texas attorneys focusing on motor vehicle accident and personal injury law. Check their credentials, experience, reviews from past clients, and track record of success. Meet with candidates for free initial consultations to evaluate them, ask questions about your case, and discuss their fees before hiring one.
With an experienced car accident lawyer advocating for you, you stand the best chance of recovering damages for your injuries and getting back to normal life. Do not delay in seeking legal counsel - most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of an accident in Texas.
Conclusion
As we have discussed, side-impact collisions often result in severe injuries that require prompt medical treatment. While broken ribs and collapsed lungs are common, spinal cord and head trauma must also be evaluated. Getting checked over thoroughly after an accident is crucial, even if you feel fine initially. Seeking treatment quickly can make the difference between a full recovery or lifelong disability. Going forward, drive defensively, wear your seatbelt, and maintain your vehicle to avoid accidents. However, if you are involved in a collision, seek assistance from lawyers at Fletcher Law to claim your loss and get examined right away at the ER to get the care you need. With proper treatment, many common crash injuries can be effectively managed. Stay safe out there.