Car crashes can have severe consequences on the human body. Despite significant advancements in vehicle safety technology, serious injuries and fatalities still occur. This article aims to provide a detailed understanding of what happens to your body during a car accident in Decatur.
Contact the Weinstein Firm today so we can help you get the compensation you deserve. We serve clients in Decatur, Atlanta, and across Georgia.
The Underlying Physics
Understanding the physics of a car crash is crucial to understanding the impact on the human body. When a car is in motion, it carries momentum. According to Newton’s first law of motion, an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force.
In a car crash, this external force is the sudden stop or change in direction. Despite the vehicle stopping, your body wants to continue moving at the same speed and direction as before.
The Impact on Your Body
Car accidents can cause severe injuries. You should get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible.
Head and Neck Injuries
The abrupt stop during a crash causes your head to jerk forward and then snap back, a phenomenon known as whiplash. This rapid movement can strain or tear muscles and ligaments in your neck. In severe cases, it can lead to fractures or dislocations in the neck vertebrae.
Additionally, your brain can collide with the inside of your skull, leading to concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries.
Chest and Abdominal Trauma
The chest and abdomen are areas that often bear the brunt of the impact during a car crash. Seatbelts, while life-saving by preventing ejection from the vehicle, can cause injuries like fractures to the ribs or sternum. The force exerted by seatbelts can also lead to internal injuries to vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, or spleen.
Lower Body Injuries
The lower body is not spared from injury during a car crash. The sudden impact can cause fractures to the legs, hips, or pelvis. Feet and ankles can also be injured from bracing against the floorboard at the moment of impact.
The Role of Vehicle Safety Features
Modern vehicles come equipped with various safety features designed to protect occupants during a crash. Airbags inflate upon impact to provide a cushion that prevents your body from hitting hard surfaces inside the car. Seatbelts distribute the force of impact across stronger parts of your body like your chest and pelvis instead of more vulnerable areas.
The Importance of Post-Crash Medical Attention
Seeking immediate medical attention after a car crash is crucial, even if you feel fine. Here’s why.
Detection of Hidden Injuries
Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or brain trauma, may not present immediate symptoms. A medical professional can conduct a thorough examination to detect these hidden injuries.
Prevention of Long-Term Complications
Injuries left untreated can lead to long-term health complications. For example, a minor fracture if not treated properly, can lead to chronic pain or mobility issues in the future.
Mental Health Support
Car accidents can have psychological impacts such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. Mental health professionals can provide necessary support and treatment.
Documentation for Legal Purposes
Medical records serve as important evidence in personal injury claims or lawsuits.
These records can:
- Substantiate your claim: Detailed medical records can validate your claim by providing concrete evidence of the injuries sustained and the treatments administered.
- Quantify damages: Medical bills, treatment costs, and documentation of any ongoing required care can help quantify the monetary damages for your claim.
- Corroborate your timeline: Medical records provide timestamps that help create a timeline of events, which can be crucial in proving the cause-and-effect relationship between the accident and your injuries.
Remember, your health should always be your top priority. Always seek medical attention after a car crash, no matter how minor it may seem.
Call Our Decatur Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been involved in a car crash, it’s beneficial to consult with a law firm experienced in personal injury cases. They can help you understand your rights, navigate insurance claims, and guide you through any potential legal proceedings.
Contact the Weinstein Firm at 770-HELP-NOW to schedule your free consultation. We have recovered over $30,000,000 for clients across Georgia.
