How to React After Being in a Car Accident?

In the forthcoming years, it is forecasted that there will be an almost double increase in the number of cars on the roads and planes in the air. This increase is expected to come from upcoming markets such as India and China with large numbers of population, adding to the expected grand number of cars to go up to two billion by 2040. 

However, with this extreme growth spurt also come several adverse circumstances related to cars. Accidents have been on the rise with more than one million deaths from car accidents worldwide, in which the majority of the deaths take place in low to middle income countries. But it is important to understand that accidents do happen, like with any man-made machine. And it is not wrong to believe that people do survive these accidents as well. There are many factors and preventative measures that can be taken to ensure minimal damage and safety. Consequently, it is also imperative to know what to do after a car accident so that the right kind of steps can be taken by the driver/victim to avoid life-threatening car accident injuries.  

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

While you cannot control the traffic and how other people drive on the roads, what you can control and protect is yourself. Some points to be mindful of are: 

• Wearing your seatbelt at all times is the first measure towards proceeding with caution.
• Adhering to speeding limits of the area in which you are driving.
• Frequently servicing your vehicle and maintaining its optimal working position so that you can limit the chances of accidents that could take place due to faulty equipment.

Apart from the above mentioned guidelines, it is also essential to seek the assistance of relevant car injury doctors or medical professionals who can help you manage and deal with any minor or severe injuries if occurred. This not only helps you cope with your injuries, but also assists in documenting injuries and formulating the right kind of care plan.

Common Car Injuries

On average, it is calculated that approximately 5,000 people get injured every day due to a car accident. The most frequently occurring injuries are as follows:

• Whiplash: 

Considered to be a soft-tissue injury, a whiplash takes place when your body suddenly jerks due to the faster-than-usual movement of your body. This kind of injury impacts your muscles and can take its own time to fully heal. 

• Cuts and Scrapes:

While you may consider any scratches, cuts or scrapes as a minor wound, you should still get it checked to eliminate chances of any infections or further complexities. 

• Injuries on The Head:

Due to rapid impact, a driver might get hit on his/her head somewhere inside the car. This impact could lead to a traumatic injury of the brain which carries long term implications if not treated properly. Its side effects could include but are not limited to difficulties in falling asleep and headaches and it could be hard to diagnose if left to late treatment. 

• Broken Bones:

Whether the impact faced by the driver is light or severe, one is likely to suffer from broken bones due to a car accident. The ribs are the most vulnerable and fragile in such situations and their impairment can cause severe pain and discomfort. Its recovery is also long and demands complete rest. Apart from that, a driver’s legs, arms, or shoulders could also take a hit and result in a serious fracture. 

• Bleeding Internally:

While injuries like cuts and broken bones are not hard to miss, internal bleeding is. Therefore, it is crucial to seek timely assistance after an accident so that thorough tests and examination can point towards any chances or areas of internal bleeding. This step proves to be effective in reducing injuries that could be life-threatening. 

• Slipped Disc:

Similar to a fracture in a car accident, a slipped disc or herniated disc takes place when the vertebrae connecting your spine get displaced. The condition is a complicated and painful one and requires careful assistance. 

• Trauma To The Knee: 

Getting into a car accident can cause your knees to collide into the car’s dashboard with severe impact. This results in pain and damages to the kneecap which require either braces or surgery to repair the knee damage. 

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder:

It is not necessary that all injuries be physical. Quite often, accidents like this leave behind a haunting memory on the brain’s map which makes it difficult for the victim to continue with daily routine tasks. Injuries like these are known to be emotional or mental and can occur because of such accidents. They are capped under post-traumatic stress disorder and require therapy and a considerable amount of time to recover. 

Aspects to Consider At The Time Of The Car Accident

The severity of injuries can also be dependent on the following factors:

• Had the driver fastened his/her seatbelt at the time of the accident?
• Did the impact to the car occur from the rear, front or side?
• Was the driver’s head looking straight in front or was it turned towards a particular direction?
• How fast/slow was the car collision? 
• Were there any airbags and did they open? 

What Causes Car Accidents?

Each case and accident is different and so are its causes but a few common mistakes can be found to be the root causes of majority of such accidents. To prevent similar errors from taking place again, comprehending these oversights brings us one step closer to not repeating those same blunders.

• Fast Driving: 

Inability to drive within the recommended speed limit is most frequently found to be the major cause for car crashes. 

• Being Distracted By A Device: 

Using the mobile phone while driving to call, message, or to configure music while driving puts the driver at great risk for a car crash. This has become the leading cause for government laws now placing penalties on the use of such devices while driving. 

• Falling Asleep At The Wheel:

Not only does it sound dangerous, but it most definitely puts the driver at risk of a car accident. Therefore, it is always advised to not drive when too tired since one can enter a trance or fall asleep at the wheel without realizing until it’s too late. Pulling over to the side and giving your body some rest is a better option rather than continuing to drive in such a condition that not only puts oneself but other drivers in danger. 

• Driving Under The Influence Of Alcohol: 

This case where the driver is driving while being intoxicated due to drugs or alcohol can be fatal and greatly increases chances of a car crash.

• Faulty Car Parts:

Ignoring when the car has faulty brakes, tyres or airbags can result in increased chances of accidents and injuries while driving. 

• Weather Conditions:

Rain, snow, fog or other unforeseen weather conditions can reduce visibility and control over the vehicle. They can only be overcome by careful and attentive driving. 

To Conclude:

Naturally, one worries and starts to panic after getting into a car accident. But it is equally important to remain at the site of the accident until police or medical professionals tell you otherwise. While waiting, one must check if all parties involved are doing fine and haven’t suffered from a major injury. In case of serious damage, the relevant help should be called for. 

It would also be wise to take pictures of the cars and location of accident in case they could be required later. And lastly, contact information of those involved should be exchanged so that insurance can be claimed. 

It should not be overlooked that most of the accidents take place because the driver was not paying enough attention and lost control over the car. Prevention is always better than cure, ergo, while you are on the road and are driving a vehicle, it is your responsibility to act wisely to not only protect your life but also of those around you.