The Hidden Dangers of Ignoring a Car Accident Injury
(Devastating motor vehicle collision scene with car collision and debris on road)
In the first quarter of 2024, an estimated 8,650 individuals lost their lives in traffic crashes across the United States, marking a 3.2% decrease from the same period in 2023, which recorded 8,935 fatalities. This decline represents the eighth consecutive quarterly drop in traffic fatalities since the second quarter of 2022, according to preliminary data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (1)
Vehicular accidents affect a wide demographic, including drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians. World Health Organization (WHO) data reveals that motorcyclists make up 28% of all fatalities globally. (2)
Specific locations also contribute to the likelihood of vehicle collisions. Most car accidents occur within close proximity to home—within just 10 miles. Intersections are also identified as critical areas for safety concerns; nearly one-quarter of traffic fatalities and half of all traffic injuries happen at these junctions. (3) (4)
Despite the high incidence of injuries resulting from car accidents, some individuals may delay addressing their symptoms following a collision. An American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) survey found that nearly half of adults (47%) are deeply concerned about their insurance company refusing to cover them, a concern second only to the cost of care. (5)
According to No Fault Doctors, ignoring injuries can have dire consequences. Common injuries such as whiplash, concussion, and soft tissue damage may not present symptoms right away but can lead to chronic pain and suffering and long-term health issues if left untreated.
Harvard Health Publishing reports that whiplash injuries, which are common in car accidents, can lead to persistent symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. These symptoms often develop hours to days after the initial impact, making them easy to overlook. If left untreated, whiplash can result in chronic discomfort, reduced neck mobility, and long-term complications, including muscle weakness and nerve damage. (6)
Beyond whiplash, untreated injuries from car accidents can have far-reaching health implications. Internal injuries, such as soft tissue injury, broken bones, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent but can become life-threatening without prompt medical attention. In 1 in 5 individuals, TBIs, even mild concussions, can cause cognitive impairments, memory loss, or mood changes if not properly diagnosed and managed. (7)
Additionally, back injuries like spinal cord injuries (SCI) due to trauma from an auto accident can worsen over time, leading to severe pain, numbness, or even permanent disability. SCIs are a leading cause of long-term disability, contributing to over 4.5 million years of life lived with disability (YLDs) in 2021. (8)
A 2020 study has also noted that 15.4% of motor vehicle accident survivors experience psychological effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can further complicate recovery if not addressed promptly. The time elapsed since the car crash, a history of previous road traffic accidents, depressive symptoms, and common mental disorders were identified as significant factors influencing the development of PTSD. (9)
This highlights the importance of road traffic accident (RTA) survivors visiting adult emergency and orthopedic clinics for PTSD to get the appropriate medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Seeking timely medical attention ensures that any hidden injuries are identified early, reducing the risk of chronic conditions, disability, or worsening health outcomes. Even minor discomforts of a bodily injury should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to avoid potential long-term consequences.
(Costly Auto Accidents)
What Can Car Accident Victims Do to Protect Themselves?
Car accident victims can take proactive steps to safeguard their health and well-being. Seeking immediate medical attention is essential, even if injuries seem minor, as early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and reduce the risk of long-term health issues.
Utilizing safety equipment, such as seat belts and helmets, also decreases the severity of injuries. Research highlights that seat belts reduce fatal injuries for front-seat passengers by 45%, while helmets lower the risk of head injuries for motorcyclists by up to 69%. (10)(11)
Participating in driver education programs is another effective measure. These programs teach safe driving practices and have been shown to reduce motor vehicle accidents among young drivers by up to 38%. (12)
Reporting all accidents to law enforcement also ensures proper documentation, which is crucial for filing an insurance claim or for taking legal action like filing a car accident case with a car accident lawyer. Raising awareness about the risks of ignoring injuries and prioritizing timely care can help victims avoid severe health complications and protect their rights.
While early data from 2024 indicates a positive trend in reducing traffic fatalities, the complex challenge of car accident injuries persists. These injuries, when ignored or downplayed, can escalate from minor concerns into serious conditions, posing significant risks not only to individual health but also to broader public safety outcomes.
This reality underscores why awareness is crucial – understanding that every injury deserves prompt medical attention could mean the difference between full recovery and chronic pain or disability.
References:
- “NHTSA Estimates Traffic Fatalities Continued to Decline in First Quarter of 2024,” Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/2024-Q1-traffic-fatality-estimates
- “Sociodemographic characteristics, riding behavior and motorcycle crash involvement: a structural equation modeling approach,” Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10369328/
- “Close to home: An analysis of the relationship between location of residence and location of personal injury,” Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4375775/
- “About Intersection Safety,” Source: https://highways.dot.gov/safety/intersection-safety/about
- “Public Opinion on the Value of Emergency Physicians,” Source: https://www.emergencyphysicians.org/siteassets/emphysicians/all-pdfs/value-and-sop-august-2021-poll-final.pdf
- “Whiplash injury: Relieving the pain in your neck,” Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/whiplash-injury-relieving-the-pain-in-your-neck
- “Mental health disorders common following mild head injury,” Source: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/mental-health-disorders-common-following-mild-head-injury
- “Spinal cord injury,” Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/spinal-cord-injury
- “Prevalence and determinants of post-traumatic stress disorder among road traffic accident survivors: a prospective survey at selected hospitals in southern Ethiopia,” Source: https://bmcemergmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12873-020-00348-5
- “Seat Belts, Air Bags & Child Passenger Safety,” Source: http://www.rmiia.org/auto/traffic_safety/Seat_Belts_Airbags.asp#:~:text=The%20National%20Highway%20Traffic%20Safety%20Administration%20(NHTSA),risk%20of%20moderate%2Dto%2Dcritical%20injury%20by%2050%20percent.
- “Effects of helmet use on costs of motorcycle crashes,” Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5962396/
- “Graduated Driver Licensing,” Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov/book/countermeasures-that-work/young-drivers/countermeasures/legislation-and-licensing/graduated-driver-licensing
