Each year in Minnesota, thousands of people are involved in automobile accidents. While most accidents are minor, some are serious and result in injuries and deaths. Some people sustain injuries in accidents that might seem minor at the time but then worsen.
Common minor injuries in collisions
Most people who are involved in car accidents will suffer minor injuries. These types of injuries might resolve within a few weeks. Some of the common types of minor injuries that people might suffer in car accidents include:
- Minor whiplash injuries
- Bruises
- Back pain
- Strains and sprains
- Minor cuts
While these injuries might be considered minor, people should still see their doctors any time they have been involved in collisions. Some injuries that initially seem minor can worsen without treatment and negatively impact the recovery process.
Common major injuries in collisions
Some people sustain catastrophic or severe injuries in motor vehicle accidents. Even with severe injuries, people might not immediately recognize that they have been injured. This can happen when the injuries are internal and not visibly obvious. Some of the types of serious injuries that commonly occur in car crashes include:
- Fractures
- Head, neck, and facial injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Herniated discs
- Thoracic injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
In serious collisions, some people might suffer multiple types of injuries. Getting immediate medical attention following a serious car accident is critical for the recovery process.
Seeing a doctor right after a collision is a critical step for accident victims. Even when people do not think that they have been injured, they should still see their doctors for examinations. Doctors might diagnose injuries and begin prompt treatment. Getting treatment for car accident injuries right after an accident might help patients to enjoy better prognoses and outcomes. Seeing a doctor right after an accident can also help to show that the injuries a victim has suffered were caused by the accident instead of a different event and help to preserve his or her rights to pursue compensation.