Common Musculoskeletal Injuries in High-Speed Crashes

 Posted on July 27, 2023 in Car Accidents

High-speed car accidents can result in devastating musculoskeletal injuries, significantly impacting the injured individual's overall well-being and quality of life. Today, we will provide an overview of the most prevalent musculoskeletal injuries with high-speed car accidents. Understanding these injuries is crucial when seeking legal remedies after such events and pursuing fair compensation. Regardless of whether your accident was high-speed, low-speed, medium-speed, or anything in between, a personal injury is ready and willing to assist you in any way they can.

Spinal Injuries

Of course, the greatest fear in high-speed car accidents is suffering a catastrophic injury. Spinal injuries, such as sprains, strains, herniated discs, fractures, and in worst cases, spinal cord damage. These injuries can cause chronic pain and limited mobility and may even result in paralysis. Seek immediate medical attention for spinal injuries, as prompt diagnosis and treatment may help aid the chance of a more successful recovery.

Whiplash

While not as permanently debilitating as a spinal cord injury can be, whiplash is a common effect of a high or low-speed car accident. This injury occurs when the head jerks abruptly in a back-and-forth motion, causing tremendous strain on the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes dizziness or fatigue. Although commonly considered a minor injury, whiplash can cause long-term pain and discomfort.

Fractures and Broken Bones

The impact of high-speed car accidents can lead to fractures in various bones throughout the body, such as arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, and facial bones. Fractures generally require immediate medical attention, often involving surgery, casting, or immobilization to promote proper healing. Healing time varies with the severity of the fracture, and rehabilitation may follow for complete recovery.

Joint Dislocations and Sprains

High-speed car accidents can subject joints to extreme force, resulting in dislocations and sprains. These injuries commonly affect the shoulders, knees, wrists, and ankles. Dislocations occur when the bones that form a joint are forced apart, often requiring medical intervention to relocate the joint. Sprains involve the stretching or tearing of ligaments surrounding the joint, causing pain, swelling, and decreased mobility. Appropriate medical assessment and treatment are vital to avoid long-term complications.

Soft Tissue Injuries

These can include muscle strains, ligament strains, and contusions. Strained or torn muscles can cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. Ligament sprains occur when a joint is forced into an unnatural position, potentially resulting in chronic instability. Contusions, on the other hand, are deep bruises that develop when soft tissues are compressed against bone or muscle. Prompt medical attention can help alleviate pain and facilitate recovery.

Contact a Northbrook Car Accident Lawyer

For assistance in pursuing compensation related to your high-speed accident injuries, contact the experienced Glenview, IL car accident attorneys with Gruzmark Law, Ltd.. Call us at 847-729-7660 for a free consultation.

Source - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3352010/