Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, depending upon where you were sitting, the type of crash, how you were hit, whether or not you were wearing your seat belt and more. All these factors together determine how your body reacts to the impact of the collision. Even in seemingly minor accidents, injuries can cause serious harm.

Being treated by a personal injury doctor immediately after an accident is important to get the right treatment in time. Be aware of your body during the days following the car crash because some symptoms may manifest later.

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the commonest auto accident injuries. Whiplash is the result of the neck being thrown back and forth rapidly when the car stops or turns suddenly. It causes pain and injury to the neck muscles and tendons. You may experience neck pain, stiffness, inability to move the neck properly and worsening of pain with movement. In some cases, the injury may heal itself over time, but others can be severe and you should talk to an auto accident doctor for the right treatment and care.

Bone Fractures

Broken bones are a common outcome in car crashes. They are caused by the blunt force of the crash or compression. Bones of the hands, arms, feet, and legs are more prone to injury during a car accident, especially in a rear-end accident. Bone fractures will show up as swelling, redness, bruising, deformity, loss of function and severe pain.

Musculoskeletal Injuries

Whiplash affects the neck and shoulders but musculoskeletal injuries can happen in any part of the body as a result of a car accident. Muscles, ligaments, tendons or nerves in your body may be stretched, compressed or bent during an accident.

Depending on the severity, soft tissue injuries can as painful as a broken bone. Signs include pain, inflammation, redness and swelling. An experienced auto or workers’ compensation doctor (if it is a work-related injury) can help you avoid chronic pain and long-term damage.

To learn more or to consult the best Phoenix workers compensation doctors, call Arizona Injury Medical Associates at 480-347-0941.