There are around 6 million car crashes each year in the US, with distracted driving the leading cause of accidents on America’s roads. In Nebraska, 244 people died in car accidents during 2022, and in 2023, 231 people died.
Nebraska has a crash death rate of 1.15 per 100 million miles traveled, which isn’t as high as Mississippi’s 1.76, but even when someone survives a car accident, they may still suffer life-changing injuries.
In this article, we are going to look at what happens to your body when you are involved in a car crash.
When a car crash occurs, the vehicle rapidly decelerates from its current velocity to zero. This change in momentum produces a large force on the vehicle occupants. According to Newton’s second law of motion, force is equal to mass multiplied by acceleration (F=ma). Since the human body is not securely attached inside the vehicle, it will continue moving forward while the vehicle stops. This difference in motion can cause serious injuries.
Forces on the Body
During the collision, the body experiences two main forces – the force from the seatbelt on the chest and lap and the force from hitting the interior surfaces of the vehicle. Seatbelts are critical for reducing injuries by spreading the rapid deceleration over the stronger parts of the body. But the force from the seatbelt can still be upwards of 3,000 pounds during a 30 mph crash. This immense force may cause rib fractures, lung injuries, and abrasions across the chest.
Airbags supplement seatbelts by cushioning the head and torso during the forward jerking motion. But airbags deploy at around 200 mph, so they can also cause injuries like facial abrasions, fingertip fractures, and back and neck strains. Unbelted occupants can experience much more severe trauma from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield at high speeds.
Whiplash
One of the most common injuries from car accidents in Nebraska is whiplash. More than three million people suffer whiplash every year, with most injuries occurring in low-speed accidents less than 12 mph. Whiplash occurs when the head is forced forward and back from the impact. The abrupt motion strains the ligaments and tendons in the neck beyond their normal range.
Symptoms like neck pain, stiffness, and headaches may appear hours after the accident due to the inflammation response. More severe cases can damage the intervertebral joints and discs and lead to chronic pain. Proper head restraint positioning can help minimize whiplash injuries.
Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
The brain and spinal cord are especially vulnerable in crashes. Striking the interior or having the brain collide with the inside of the skull can cause concussions, bleeding, and other traumatic brain injuries. These require immediate medical care to prevent permanent functional impairment or death. Spinal cord injuries typically occur when vertebrae fracture or dislocate, damaging the nerve fibers. Injuries range from temporary numbness to full paralysis below the site of the trauma. Properly fastened seatbelts and head restraints give essential protection to the head and neck.
Broken Bones
The impact of a collision can break bones throughout the body, including the ribs, arms, legs, pelvis, and facial bones. Bones may snap from hitting vehicle components or indirectly from the force traveling through the body. Airbags and collapsing steering columns help reduce direct facial and chest impacts. Fractures need prompt realignment and immobilization to heal properly.
Bleeding and Organ Damage
Any laceration caused from broken glass or twisted metal can lead to external bleeding. However, the blunt force to the body can also cause internal bleeding from damaged organs and blood vessels. This may not manifest until symptoms of hypovolemic shock appear. A thorough trauma evaluation after an accident checks for both internal and external bleeding. Prompt blood transfusions can become necessary to replace lost blood volume.
The many risks during a car crash highlight the importance of safe driving and wearing seatbelts. While modern vehicle safety features help minimize injuries, the force involved in collisions remains substantial. Seeking immediate medical care after an accident can identify any significant trauma and prevent ongoing health consequences. Being aware of the potential bodily harm can motivate smarter actions behind the wheel.
After a Nebraska car crash, contact a car accident lawyer from Monge & Associates immediately. We can investigate the collision and build your injury claim. We will negotiate with insurance companies, handle legal paperwork, determine fault and liability, advocate for maximum compensation for your losses, and fight for you in court if needed.
We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Nebraska, Iowa, and South Carolina.
Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597 if you have sustained injuries in a car accident caused by another driver. We can help!