No matter how careful you are, car accidents happen. These accidents are sudden and scary and often result in injuries. Common car accident injuries can result in pain for days, weeks, months, and sometimes even years. You can reduce your chances of being involved in an accident by being an attentive driver. The following are some common injuries as a result of car accidents and helpful information about them.

Scrapes, cuts, and bruises

Scrapes, cuts, and bruises occur due to broken glass, items in the car being propelled toward you, and bangs that occur as the result of an impact. These types of injuries are often not considered too serious. However, that depends on several factors. You should expect to feel sore from these injuries for anywhere from a few days to a week or more. Depending on the depth of the cut, you may need stitches. 

Whiplash

Whiplash happens when muscles and ligaments are strained. The strain takes place during the fast and sudden impact of the crash. The soreness from whiplash can last for days or months depending on the severity of this soft tissue injury.

Head injuries

While no injury is a good one, when it comes to bad car accident injuries, head injuries are near the top. There are several areas of the vehicle where one could bang their head. The result could be swelling of the brain and traumatic brain injuries. Even a seemingly mild head injury can result in headaches. Brain injuries can have life-long effects including:

● Headaches

● Difficulty sleeping

● Changes in personality

● Loss of certain functions

● Paralysis

Brain issues can last for several years and some damage may be permanent.

Broken bones

The force that a car accident exerts on the body can cause bones to break. Ribs are fragile and can break easily. However, other bones such as the arm, leg, shoulder, and hip bones can also break during a car accident. Recovery time from broken bones is usually weeks. Even after the bones have mended, physical therapy is needed.

Internal bleeding

Internal bleeding is a serious medical condition that must be treated quickly. This condition can be life-threatening. For this reason and others, it's important to get medical care after any but the most minor car accident. Injuries are not always apparent to you immediately after the accident, so be safe and have yourself checked by a doctor.

PTSD

Car accidents are traumatic, even without injuries. Those involved sometimes suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. This mental and emotional condition can be short-lived or may last for many months or even years. A therapist can help with this condition. Having a professional to speak to about your feelings is an excellent way to work through them.

How long does it take to heal after a car accident?

If you're wondering how long you should be sore after a car accident, it depends on the type of accident and your injuries. Bumps, bruises, and bangs are often sore for about a week or so. Broken bones, whiplash, and back damage can take months before you feel better. There are some things that you can do to reduce the amount of healing time.

● Get medical care quickly. You could cause more damage by waiting.

● Follow the doctor's advice. If you're told to rest, make sure you do.

● Don't push yourself to do more. Take the time you need to heal.

No injuries

Not every car accident results in injuries. However, even without injuries, you could suffer damage. If you are involved in a car accident that damages your vehicle or property, you may be entitled to no-injury car accident compensation. Compensation could be through the other party's insurance, or you may need the help of an attorney.

The above are some of the most common injuries that occur in a car accident. Recovery time for each varies depending on the severity of the injury and your body. While there is no way to avoid every accident, you can help keep yourself safe by paying attention to the road. Put your phone away, and don't eat while driving. Also, if you're tired, pullover and rest. In the United States alone, 400,000 people per year are injured in car accidents caused by distracted driving.