Many people across Northern Ireland suffer an injury when they’re involved in a car accident. Their injuries range from minor to severe and can impact them their entire lives.
Minor injuries are very common and often require medical attention. Despite what some people think, even a minor injury can have a major impact on a person’s life. The term covers a wide spectrum of injuries that range in variety and severity, affecting different people in different ways.
Recently, “minor injuries” have become a loaded term with hidden negative associations. However, just because these types of injuries aren’t typically critical or life-threatening, doesn’t mean that they aren’t painful or long-lasting. In fact, in many circumstances, a minor injury resulting from a car accident could leave you out of work for a number of weeks.
In this blog, we explore some of the most common minor injuries that result from car accidents, offering some insight into the potential impacts that they can have.
Whiplash
Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries are very common minor injuries following an accident. They typically happen when the sudden rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck damages the ligaments. Symptoms of whiplash include neck and shoulder pain, occasionally some people experience headaches. While most people get better in a few weeks following treatment and medication, others experience chronic pain that could result in long-lasting complications.
Scrapes and Cuts
It is not uncommon for broken glass and plastics to injure individuals in a car accident. Additionally, items such as mobile phones, eyeglasses, books, and thermoses can hit the body and easily puncture your skin. While most scrapes and cuts are minor, larger pieces of glass can result in serious injuries and could require immediate medical attention.
Bruising
Bruising is very common after an accident. Objects are typically thrown around a vehicle whenever an accident takes place and can hit your body. Additionally, airbags are often associated with bruising as their quick deployment often impacts your upper body. Even seatbelts are known to cause bruising as they stop the body from moving forward during an accident. While bruises can be painful, many heal in the space of a few weeks. However, it is always best to consult with a doctor if you suffered bruising during an accident as contusions can also develop deeper inside your body.
Concussion
While concussions often occur when an individual hits their head against a surface, they can also happen whenever your body quickly decelerates without hitting any object. It is not uncommon for those who suffer from whiplash to also suffer a concussion. Individuals who suffer from a concussion often have headaches and feel disorientated. Concussions can be quite serious so it is always worth speaking with a medical professional.
There are many circumstances where an injury may appear minor to you but is actually quite serious. It is always worth speaking with a medical professional to determine the seriousness of your condition. After doing so, it would also be prudent to speak with one of our solicitors, who will be able to provide you with the legal guidance that you deserve.
Our solicitors are ready to help if you or someone you know suffered an injury as a result of a car accident. Learn more about our services or contact us today.
