Every day, tens of millions of Americans rely on cars to get where they need to go—from early morning commutes and school drop-offs to late-night drives home from work, dinner, or entertainment. Cars keep our lives moving, and because they’re such a routine part of daily life, it’s easy to forget the risks they can pose. All it takes is a sudden brake failure, a momentary distraction, a patch of ice, or an unexpected turn of the wheel for a helpful mode of transportation to become a two-ton hazard.
Modern safety features have undeniably made vehicles safer than ever, offering increased protection to drivers, passengers, and others on the road. Even so, accidents remain a common reality. While many collisions amount to nothing more than minor fender benders, others result in devastating injuries, long-term disabilities, or even tragic loss of life.
Understanding the likelihood of a crash, the types of injuries that can occur, and the steps you should take after an accident is crucial. Being informed can help protect you and your loved ones and ensure you know how to respond if the unexpected happens.
The Statistics of Car Accidents
Even though many people drive cars, they do not often consider just how likely it is that they will get into an accident. Out of the approximate 220 million drivers in the United States, 3 million of them each year get into a car accident. Now, with more drivers on the road than ever, the chance of an accident grows each and every year. In Ohio alone, there are at least 1,000 deaths related to car accidents each year, with many more people getting injured. As such, it is important to know exactly what you might be facing when you are caught in an accident.
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Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
One of the most common and likely injuries associated with a car accident is neck damage, either in a milder form such as whiplash, or as serious damage to a single or multiple vertebrae. The true danger of whiplash and lesser injuries to the neck and spine is that adrenaline might cover up that injury in the immediate aftermath of a crash, especially if there are other injuries that are more visible. In addition to neck injuries, many other parts of the body could possibly have strained, torn, or damaged muscles or ligaments. People who can tell an accident is going to happen often tense up as a part of the “fight or flight” response, which causes more damage to their muscles upon impact.
In addition to damaged muscles and ligaments, more serious accidents could lead to damaged or ruptured organs, other broken bones, or even Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs). Beyond just physical injuries, car accident victims often suffer from PTSD or anxiety related to the stress of the trauma. This could happen even in the case of an accident that does not physically injure the motorist. Mental problems such as these are a real problem, as they concretely impact a person’s way of life. Someone who has a chronic fear or anxiety of driving cars will struggle to commute to work, shop for groceries, take their kids to sports, and any number of other activities related to driving.
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What to Do After a Car Accident
The very first thing to do in the case of an accident is to call the authorities and, if it is warranted, calling for emergency medical assistance. Ensuring the immediate safety of yourself, other passengers, and the occupants of any other cars is the top priority. Once any immediate injuries or dangers are taken care of, it is important to then gather details from all drivers present, such as name, insurance companies, make and model of car, license plate, and any other relevant information. After gathering the information, it is recommended to see a doctor right away for a formal assessment of any injuries that may have occurred from the accident. This is not only important to protect your long-term health, but is important as a way to document injuries officially.
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Were You in a Car Accident in Preble County, Ohio?
Finally, it is important to contact a trusted car accident lawyer. In many cases, people try to go through the insurance companies on their own to seek compensation, but this is unwise. Instead, we here at Kruger & Hodges will work directly for you to pursue the financial compensation you deserve after your car accident, whereas insurance companies work to make sure you get the least possible. If you were in a car accident here in Preble County, then please do not hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free, no-risk consultation to discuss your case.
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