What Happens to the Body During a Car Crash?
What happens to the body during a car crash depends upon the nature of the accident. When in motion, the body moves at the same speed as the car. When an impact occurs and the vehicle stops, the body continues to move at that same speed.
A seatbelt can stop the body from continuing to move forward. The same holds true for airbags. Because of the way the seatbelt rests atop the collarbone, a hard impact may cause this lightly padded bone to break.
The situation is even more dangerous if the person is not wearing a seatbelt or the airbags do not deploy. Under these circumstances, the body continues to move forward until something stops it. That is often the car door, the dashboard, or a window. The force of the crash can throw a body through a window.
The Los Angeles car accident attorneys at Ellis Injury Law know the devastation of a serious car accident injury. We fight aggressively so that you may receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
Head-on collisions
Head-on collisions are among the deadliest kind of car accidents. High-speed head-on crashes often cause catastrophic traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Other frequent head-on collision injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Collapsed lungs
- Herniated discs
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations
When the stomach or intestines are ruptured or bruised during an accident, they may release waste products into the body. Basically, the contents of the bowels are now in the chest cavity or stomach.
This may result in sepsis, an infection raging throughout the body that is fatal without prompt treatment. Internal bruising may cause blood loss, which may result in death without immediate medical attention.
Side impact collisions
Side impact collisions are among the worst because there is little protection for the body. These crashes may result in crush injuries. Accident victims may suffer damage to the upper body and internal organs. Rib and pelvic fractures are frequent occurrences.
Rear end collisions
Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries. It most often occurs in rear end collisions, even at low speeds. The impact causes the head and neck of those in the struck vehicle to move back and forth rapidly, similar to the cracking of a whip. Besides the neck, whiplash may affect the spine and stretch tendons and ligaments in the affected area.
Joints and limbs
Joints and limbs are vulnerable in any car accident. When hit at speed, they are likely to break from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or side of the vehicle. Flying objects in the car may result in limb and joint lacerations.
The hormone rush
Some car accident victims do not realize they were hurt right after the crash, and that is due to the body’s release of hormones. When trauma happens, the body responds by releasing adrenaline, the fight-or-flight hormone. That adrenaline rush can temporarily lessen pain and it also provides energy. The body also releases endorphins, “feel good” chemicals blocking pain transmission. That means you could have potentially life-threatening injuries, such as internal bleeding, that you do not feel right after the crash.
Car accident lawyers know that it is imperative for anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Failure to do so can seriously affect your claim. Even if you do not think you were hurt in the accident, go to the emergency room or an urgent care center right away. Once the hormones wear off, the accident victim can find themselves in great pain. An insurance company may deny the claim, or certainly try to minimize the injuries, of anyone who waits a few days before undergoing a medical examination and treatment.
Reach out to a Los Angeles car accident lawyer
If you suffered serious bodily injury in an auto accident due because of another party’s negligence, you need the services of an experienced car accident attorney at Ellis Injury Law. We offer complimentary consultations, so call or text us 24/7 or complete our online form to schedule your appointment.
After reviewing your claim, we will let you know whether you have a personal injury case. Because our dedicated lawyers work on a contingency basis, there is never a fee unless you receive compensation.