Some of the injuries sustained in car accidents are so severe that they impair the victim’s ability to function normally. These are known as catastrophic injuries.
According to the National Safety Council, the most frequent severe accidents involve multiple vehicles as opposed to a vehicle and fixed object. And, there are some common severe injuries associated with these severe wrecks.
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries damage the nerves that carry signals from the brain to the rest of the body, resulting in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation and chronic pain. Spinal cord injuries can also affect other bodily functions, such as breathing, digestion and temperature regulation. These can affect everyday life activities we take for granted, like eating or sleeping.
Severe burns
These injuries occur when the skin is exposed to flames, chemicals or electricity, which can occur during severe car accidents. Severe burns can damage multiple layers of skin, muscles, nerves, blood vessels and bones and can result in grafts or complications.
They can cause intense pain, scarring or disfigurement, and often require years of treatment and cosmetic surgery.
Traumatic fractures
Traumatic fractures occur when bones are broken or shattered by a strong force or impact. Traumatic fractures can affect any part of the body, but they are especially common in the head, ribs and limbs. Bone fractures caused by car crashes can also require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Takeaway
Severe injuries can leave any person feeling vulnerable. If you have dealt with a severe accident, you may know that in addition to the severe physical damage, there can be accompanying mental health problems.
These injuries, while not visible, are equally important to consider in your recovery.
Consider consulting with multiple experts to develop a full picture for your recovery. A serious accident can alter your future, but you do have options in your recovery, especially when another driver bears full responsibility for the crash.