Accidents and Injuries

Head and neck injuries are health issues commonly caused by automobile accidents. Due to the force of the impact, a moderate fender bender can sometimes even jerk a victim enough to make them hit their head inside the vehicle. The brain can be very susceptible to suffering damage after an auto accident, leading to neurological issues with lasting effects.

Nerve damage is a prevalent consequence after a car crash, and it can cause debilitating symptoms, such as pain, headaches, and mental health issues, among others, ultimately making it difficult for anyone to go about their everyday activities. When it comes to nerve damage, the most common types of automobile accident injuries include:

• Whiplash, an intense jerking motion of the head and neck which can cause the nerves to stretch or be pinched;
• Blunt-force trauma, hitting your head, arms, or legs on a hard surface inside or outside the vehicle, compressing the nerves; and
• Lacerations, deep cuts into the skin sustained during an automobile accident that can sever the nerves in the affected region.

Several signs and symptoms can help indicate when nerves are damaged. These include pain; partial or full paralysis of limbs and appendages like fingers and/or toes; muscular fatigue; twitching or uncontrolled movements of muscles; a prickling sensation; tingling or numbness on the skin or in limbs; or increased sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures on the surface. Below, we will discuss the effects of nerve damage after an auto accident.

Whiplash is a cervical spine, or neck, injury that is caused when the head is jolted either backwards or forward by acceleration or deceleration. The acceleration or deceleration in automobile accidents is typically abrupt, which will cause the head to jerk unexpectedly and be stretched beyond its normal range of motion, straining the neck’s muscles and ligaments. Whiplash can happen at any speed even when vehicles are traveling as slowly 25 mph.

Severe cases of whiplash can even cause fractures to the neck vertebrae. These accidents might need time off from work and physical activity in order to recover and are painful although a complete recovery is likely.

There’s a lot of information about tires, far beyond the reviews and recommendations on a variety of websites. Here we’ll talk about, from a post-collision perspective, car specifications, standard tire information, and how tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) work. We will then analyze how tire pressures relate to automotive collisions.

Vehicles offered in the United States have a placard in the driver’s door jamb or internal door. This placard contains some advice we need to explore the tires including the vehicle manufacturer recommended load rating tire size, and tire pressure.

(There’s a second placard particularly for tires but this should be supported contrary to the above mentioned placard as the next one does not include any vehicle identifying information such as a VIN. In this picture the last six digits of the VIN have been omitted.)

One of the most common issues with low speed collisions is determining the extent of the damage. The real world practice, typical to the situation is to examine the outside of the vehicle and document any damage. The problem with this is not knowing the extent of the damage behind the exterior panels. Very few cases have had a thorough and complete vehicle examination after an automobile accident. The question is why?

The crash re-constructionist has a tedious job ahead of him when facing a collision with what appears to be minimal damage at first glance. Happer et al (2003) acknowledges that different vehicles will have different damage, or appearance of damage, at the exact same speed due to their different designs. The objective of the paper was to provide a sound method. Happer et al (2003) also states that which the physical evidence remaining after the effect has to be reviewed. This process begins with splitting bumpers into three categories. In this writing we’ll focus on reinforcement beams which utilize a polymer absorber.

Approximately 17,000 alcohol related automobile accidents occur in the United States alone each year, meaning there’s an accident about every 31 minutes. Alcohol has been a factor in 39 percent of all severe auto collisions and in 7 percent of all crashes, according to a 2004 research study. In addition, about 248,000 people suffer injuries or conditions during an incident where police reported alcohol was involved, meaning one person is injured in a car wreck in the US about every 2 minutes. These statistics reveal why drunk driving related automobile accidents have become a major issue, affecting people’s health and wellness every year.

Alcohol related car accidents aren’t the only culprit of injuries, driving under the influence of other types of drugs can also be a great risk for drivers in El Paso, Texas. DUI stands for driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Often times, prescription drugs and medications can have side-effects or specific instructions where it’s not recommended for the individual to drive or lift heavy machinery after taking them. Any type of substance which impairs a person’s normal driving ability can be a cause for an auto collision resulting in damage, injury or the development of painful conditions. If an individual has been involved in an unfortunate automobile accident caused by a careless driver who was “under the influence” behind the wheel and they were harmed as a result of the incident, it’s fundamental for the involved parties to seek immediate medical attention. Unfortunately in many instances, the innocent party is the one who ends up with more severe injuries and conditions than the party at fault. This is largely in part to the relaxed state in which the inebriated driver is in at the very moment of the auto accident as opposed to the tensing up reflex caused before a known impending impact. Regardless of how severe the incident was or whether the individual has experienced symptoms following the car wreck, seeking medical attention as soon as possible can help prevent further complications. Early diagnosis can also help provide faster relief from your injuries caused after the sheer impact of the automobile collision.

The symptoms of whiplash generally occur immediately after the automobile accident, but occasionally, these can take several hours or even days to develop.

If you have been involved in a car crash, it’s important to take prompt action in order to minimize the recovery time. According to research presented at the World Congress on Neck Pain in Los Angeles, the initial level of pain after a whiplash-related injury as well as psychological factors, such as having positive expectations for getting better, can best predict which individuals will recover quickly from whiplash.

Most cases will resolve in a matter of a few days while others may take weeks or longer to heal. It’s always recommended to seek professional medical attention after experiencing pain and discomfort, but in the meantime, the individual can utilize home remedies to relieve their symptoms while they begin their recovery process.

Whiplash occurs when the muscles and ligaments of the neck stretch further than their average range of motion. While symptoms of neck injury may not occur instantly, it’s essential to keep a close watch over any physical changes which may result following the accident and seek medical attention as soon as possible to properly diagnose the presence of any other spinal complications. Although whiplash is considered a relatively mild condition, it can cause long-term pain and discomfort.

During an auto collision, the sudden force of the impact causes an individual’s head to abruptly move back-and-forth in any direction, depending on the type of car crash. The rapid flexion and extension of the neck pulls and extends the muscles, straining the soft tissues around the cervical spine, occasionally causing them to tear.

After several years of research, it’s evident that the spinal ligaments can be stretched and/or torn during an automobile accident. Prior research has shown that the anterior longitudinal ligaments, the transverse ligaments, and the facet capsules, found within the neck, can be damaged or injured even in minor crashes.

Whiplash and other type of neck injuries can occur from any type of auto accident, especially a rear-end collision. During the abrupt and forceful movement from a car crash, the body goes through an extremely rapid and intense acceleration and deceleration where the individual’s head can move back-and-forth very suddenly and with great force in any direction. As a result, the soft tissues of the neck extend beyond their normal range of motion, damaging and injuring the various structures surrounding the cervical spine.

Symptoms of whiplash generally appear within 24 hours following the incident, however, sometimes the symptoms may develop after a few days, weeks, or even months after the automobile accident. Many individuals believe they are not as injured as they really are, that’s why it’s always essential to seek immediate medical attention after being involved in an auto accident in order to determine the presence of an injury or detect the early development of a much serious medical condition.

The most commonly reported symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and discomfort, accompanied by stiffness, headaches, especially at the base of the skull, dizziness, blurred vision and constant fatigue. Other, less common symptoms associated with chronic whiplash include, chronic pain on the neck, shoulder or head, difficulty concentrating or retaining memory, irritability, ringing in the ears and/or inability to get a good night’s rest.

Automobile accidents are often unpredictable circumstances which can involve many complications. Whether it’s a minor or severe collision, many individuals are forced to deal with all the implications that come after being involved in an auto accident on their own, a frustrating process that frequently ends with victims being on the losing end of their benefits. Injured and without a car, approaching the best course of action following an auto accident doesn’t need to be a difficult circumstance and we know the best procedures to help you recover from your situation.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 2.6 million individuals are injured each year in automobile accidents, accounting for 95 percent of all injury causing accidents on the roads. During a car crash, the sudden force of the impact can commonly cause subluxations or spinal misalignments in the body, a condition where the complex structures surrounding the spine are affected, distorting the normal alignment of the vertebra, irritating nerves, ligaments, and discs, overall affecting their natural function and your health.

A Canadian study found that a considerable percentage of individuals who’ve been injured in these types of car crashes may eventually develop a form of chronic pain.

 The research was conducted at the University of Alberta where 268 people who had suffered a grade 1 or 2 neck injury as a result of an automobile accident were evaluated. These were the least severe types of injuries as the scale also consists of grade 3 and 4. Each individual was examined at 3 months, 6 months, and at 1 year after the time of the accident. Additionally, the individuals were specifically asked the question, “Do you feel that you have recovered from your injuries?”

The end results of the study revealed that 3 months post-injury, about 38% of individuals reported pain and other symptoms. Then, 6 months post-injury results revealed that about 22% of individuals reported pain and other symptoms. Finally, the end results of the study revealed that 1 year post-injury, about 18% of individuals still reported pain and other symptoms. The results confirmed what previous research had found. A British research paper from 2009 described that as many as 5% of individuals may be permanently disabled from an auto collision and that a considerable amount of more than 5% of individuals may experience painful symptoms even 10 years or more after the initial injury.

If you’ve been involved in an automobile accident and experienced an injury that is causing you symptoms of pain and discomfort, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention to diagnose a possible injury or aggravated condition after the collision. Early treatment can be the key to preventing chronic symptoms from developing in the first place. 

A study published in the journal BMC Public Health found that only 44% of individuals suffering from whiplash had returned to work after two years as compared to 57% of individuals with other musculoskeletal injuries.

Approximately 19-60% of individuals with whiplash-associated disorders still experience symptoms six months after the injury, and up to half of that percentage will fail to return to work within a year due to their symptoms. Researchers from Denmark conducted a study to determine whether the high rates of continuous and consistent symptoms actually affected the return-to-work rates of individuals with whiplash type injuries. By the end of the study, 56% of individuals with whiplash injuries were still on sick leave after two years. The results for this study proved to be much higher compared to the results found in earlier studies. For example, a study conducted in 2001 demonstrated that only 12% of individuals with whiplash-associated disorders hadn’t returned to their normal activities or they had resumed back only to modified job functions a year after their initial injuries. 

Regardless, both research studies showed that for individuals with chronic symptoms of whiplash, the chance of long-term work disability was greater. Active rehabilitation, such as chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, and exercise can promote an individual’s recovery as well as ensure they can return quickly to their regular lifestyles and work responsibilities.

The new study found that approximately 25.7% of individuals with whiplash injuries also experienced post traumatic stress disorder which adversely influenced their physical symptoms. Prior studies had suggested that PTSD and hypersensitivity to pain could ultimately increase the risk for an individual to develop chronic whiplash symptoms.

A study conducted by Ashley Pedler and Michele Sterling of the University of Queensland in Australia was utilized to determine whether individuals with whiplash and hypersensitivity could be categorized according to their symptoms. The study involved 331 patients who had experienced a whiplash injury approximately within 3 months from the automobile accident. Each patient was evaluated for neck pain, disability, cervical range of motion, mental health, and PTSD as well as hypersensitivity.

The fundamental element for protecting yourself from whiplash injuries involves your head restraint. A wide variety of studies have found that a majority of individuals have an improperly adjusted head restraint, more commonly known as a head rest, and their incorrect use could be the key to whiplash-associated disorders. Whiplash can put hundreds of pounds of force on the complex muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other structures that surround the cervical spine, causing damage and/or injury.

A good head restraint position can be obtained by eliminating or reducing the amount of space from which the head can move. In doing so, the strain which is placed on the neck can be greatly reduced. The head restraint also needs to be positioned where the back of the head will be leveled directly with the middle of the head rest while the seat will need to be positioned where the head is placed very close to the head restraint. There should be a maximum of 2.5 inches between the head and the restraint.

Properly adjusting the head restraint of your car can help reduce the chance of neck injury during an automobile accident. If you’ve been involved in a car collision, seek immediate medical attention to diagnose any other possible injuries or developing conditions, such as whiplash, to begin medical treatment as soon as possible. Chiropractic care can provide effective treatment for many individuals with whiplash-type injuries through the use of spinal adjustments to the cervical spine as well as manual manipulation to relieve muscle pain and soreness. Additionally, a chiropractor may also recommend following a specific routine of stretches and exercises to promote faster healing for your whiplash symptoms. 

Whiplash is one of the most prevalent types of injuries resulting from an automobile accident, most commonly during rear-end auto collisions. However, whiplash-associated disorders can develop due to a variety of other circumstances, including sports injuries, amusement park rides or physical abuse. Whiplash occurs when the soft tissues of the neck, such as the muscles, tendons and ligaments, extend beyond their natural range of motion because of a sudden back-and-forth movement of the head. Furthermore, the sheer force of an impact can stretch and even tear the complex structures surrounding the cervical spine.

The symptoms of whiplash-associated disorders may take days, weeks or even months to manifest, which is why it’s important for individuals who’ve been involved in an automobile accident to seek immediate medical attention. There are many different types of treatment options which can safely and effectively help treat whiplash. The purpose of the following article is to demonstrate the treatment guidelines of neck pain-associated disorders and whiplash-associated disorders.

In the prior composing we created the foundation of the significance of tire pressures. Specifically, we demonstrated that a third of the vehicles on the street and additional only a third of those vehicles have an underinflated tire and a warning light, respectively.

We also know a 20% decrease in pressure results in substandard performance, these are the factors we're likely to explore.

Underinflated tires have a different profile and contact patch with the road.

Where the tire meets the roadway is known as the contact patch. Maximizing the touch patch affords the motorist the most performance, specifically steering and braking. What happens if we reduce the contact patch? Under inflation does that.

The contact patch is what connects the vehicle to street, when a tire is properly inflated ( other variables being ignored), the scooter can provide 100 percent of the contact patch (and also the friction between the tire and the roadway) to steering, braking or a combination of both. If the pressure drops performance is also reduced and the contact patch is reduced – but by how much? There are schools of thought on this and a ton of research, for our argument we’ll say tires will have a reduction in performance.

Not only do tires play a vital role in the performance of your car or truck, but a lot of information can be garnered about what happened before, during, and after a crash. Tire marks will be explored by us and, generally, what those marks tell us.

First let us discuss where the marks come from. Skid marks are created by the extreme thermal relationship of a tire against the roadway surface during extreme stresses put on the tire, a simpler way to say this is, a tire will “mark” when it nears, or exceeds, the limits of its relationship with the roadway. These marks occur because the oils in the roadway and/or the tire(s) are brought to the surface and “melted or burnt” into the roadway. If a tire is heated enough since the surface of the tire will have changed, it’ll be obvious, it is going to have a spot and obvious abrasions.

For the second straight year, U.S. pedestrian deaths are setting alarming new records. The number of pedestrians killed on U.S. roads rose a projected 11 percent between 2015 and 2016, the largest year-to-year increase on record, according to a new Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) report.

During the first six months of 2016, preliminary data show 2,660 pedestrian deaths nationwide, compared to 2,486 for the same period during 2015. The year-long projection is based on those numbers. The report also projects a 22 percent rise in pedestrian deaths from 2014. Both estimates are sharply higher than the 9 percent increase in pedestrian deaths between 2014 and 2015.

“This is the second year in a row that we have seen unprecedented increases in pedestrian fatalities, which is both sad and alarming,” said report author Richard Retting, who’s with Sam Schwartz Transportation Consultants.

“It is critical that the highway safety community understand these disturbing statistics and work to aggressively implement effective countermeasures,” he added in a GHSA news release.

To build a proper personal injury case, seeing a physician is required, simply because without the proper documentation of the accident, many lawyers will refuse to take a case. Finding a doctor who will help the individual heal their injuries as well as help file a personal injury case is essential for those who’ve been involved in an automobile accident.

According recent studies, numerous car accidents occur on a daily basis in the United States alone. Suffering an auto accident can be quite traumatizing for the victim’s health, both physically and mentally. A wide variety of injuries or conditions may develop as a result of the unexpected forces from a car wreck and a majority of these are classified as soft-tissue injuries, which may not be immediately visible after the collision. As a result, many individuals don’t seek medical attention to properly diagnose any underlying injuries or conditions and doing so can have tremendous risks for the victim’s overall health. Thus, one needs to be conscious about these complications and see a healthcare professional immediately after an automobile accident to receive the necessary diagnosis and follow up with the appropriate treatment.

If there are financial concerns for visiting a doctor after being involved in an auto accident, there’s no need to worry. Some states offer PIP, or personal injury protection as part of their insurance plan. PIP was designed to pay for the necessary medical care considered reasonable and essential by the insurance company. Under PIP, insurance companies can additionally pay for lost wages after the individual’s missed work days due to the injuries from an auto accident. Make sure to speak to your healthcare provider or insurance company to know whether or not PIP can help you in your case. In the case personal injury protection, or PIP, does not cover the individual, there are other options to help pay for medical bills following a car wreck.

The spine is a complex structure surrounded by muscles, tendons, ligaments and other types of tissues. Although it is designed to be strong enough to support the weight of the head and hold the upright posture of humans, the spine is not built to withstand the shock of an automobile accident. The impact strains the muscles and ligaments in the back and the facet joints frequently bear the brunt of the force. This can result in several types of injuries, including whiplash, fractures and disc herniation. Among all these injuries and conditions, sciatica is repeatedly diagnosed throughout many accident cases.

Sciatica is best described as a set of symptoms rather than a single condition, characterized by radiating pain along the sciatic nerve, the largest single nerve in the human body.

One of the most common causes of sciatica after an auto accident is a herniated disc. The vertebral discs in the spine primarily function as a shock absorber between each vertebra. The tough yet soft jelly-like structure of the discs acts as a form of cartilaginous joint or cushion to provide smooth mobility to the spine, also acting as ligaments to hold the vertebrae of the spine together. Because the discs can absorb the majority of the shock from any direct trauma to the spine, it is possible for a disc to herniate during a car crash.

The human spine is a complex structure consisting of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and other tissues. Spinal health is essential towards maintaining the body’s optimal performance as it functions to support an upright posture, provides flexibility to allow the body to bend and twist freely, and most importantly, it protects the spinal cord. While a healthy back can easily be taken for granted, a back injury or other type of complication may result in long-lasting consequences that could alter an individual’s aspect of daily life.

Unfortunately, back injuries are among the most common types of complications suffered after an automobile accident. Each day, thousands of individuals are involved in head-on, side-impact, and rear-end auto collisions, often leading to spinal injuries even during minor car crashes. Depending on the force of the impact, a single or multiple areas of the back may be affected. Automobile injuries can range from mild sprains and bruises to fractured vertebrae and spinal cord damage.

If you’ve had a car accident, it’s essential to take note of any symptoms of back pain, as there are a variety of spine complications which could result after experiencing an auto collision.

The shoulder has a wider range of motion than any other joint in the body. The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and tendons which merge together to surround and protect the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff attaches the humerus to the shoulder blade, mainly functioning to provide motion to the arm, allowing it to lift and rotate in a broad extent of motions.

A tear is characterized when one of the four muscles and/or tendons around the shoulder joint become damaged or injured, usually from repetitive overuse of the shoulder, or in other cases, as a result of direct trauma from being involved in a forceful automobile accident. When a single or multiple of the rotator cuff tendons is torn, the tendon no longer fully attaches to the head of the humerus. Different types of tears may occur. A partial tear is identified as damage to the soft tissue where it hasn’t been completely severed. A full-thickness tear, also referred to as a complete tear, is identified when the soft tissue splits into two pieces. In a majority of cases, tendons may tear where they attach to the shoulder joint. With a full-thickness tear, there is essentially, a gap in the tendon.

Rotator cuff tears are most often associated with rear-end collisions, however, any type of car accident can lead to shoulder injury. During an auto accident, many individuals tend to tense up and brace their hands against the steering wheel which causes the shoulders to absorb a large amount of the force from the impact. Rotator cuff tears are very likely to occur in this instance.

Automobile accidents are one of the principal causes of spine complications and are responsible for more than 40 percent of spinal injuries every year, according to the Mayo Clinic. While the best possible precautions can be taken to avoid tissue damage or injury in the case of an auto collision, car accidents can be unpredictable and may not always be prevented, but knowing the right information can help an individual recognize a possible injury as well as be aware of the next steps to take for recovery.

 The spine is a complex structure consisting of bone, muscle, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and nerves. Although its capable of supporting the whole weight of your body in order to promote a proper balance, the spine can also be considered to be a delicate structure. The spine is not built to withstand the impact of a car accident and unfortunately, neck and back injuries are common during car accidents. The force of the impact causes strain on the ligaments and muscles in the back, and the facet joints endure the majority of the brunt from the collision. This can lead to several injuries including, whiplash, disc herniation, compression fractures, and spondylolisthesis.

Research conducted by the University of North Carolina, Department of Anesthesiology has indicated that weight differences among individuals who’ve been involved in an automobile accident can ultimately affect the recovery rate of auto injuries. The research determined that losing weight may be a necessary means towards not only improving an individual’s overall health but also, reducing the risk of possible injuries during a future automobile accident.

The study involved 1,000 adults whom had checked into an emergency department within 24 hours after a car collision. Overall, 37% of individuals were characterized as normal weight, 32% of individuals were characterized as overweight, 18% of individuals were characterized as obese, and 13% of individuals were characterized as morbidly obese. Each individual rated their injury symptom levels on a scale of 0 to 10, mainly describing pain and discomfort on their neck, shoulders, and back. Individual assessments were conducted at the end of the study as well as six months and a year later. The researchers at the Department of Anesthesiology of the University of North Carolina discovered that the more weight an individual carried, the more likely they were to report pain and other symptoms. 

Conclusively, maintaining a healthy weight and/or weight loss is fundamental for achieving overall health, fitness, and wellness, as well as to prevent complications and improve the recovery rate of injuries after an automobile accident.

For individuals who’ve been involved in an automobile accident, the symptoms of neck and back pain resulting from an injury can be disabling. The greatest issue with neck and back pain caused during an auto collision involves the continuous cycle of the body when it reacts to injury. Due to the traumatic nature of the accident, the damage or injury to the spine most often causes a chemical response to trigger, leading to symptoms of pain, inflammation, and swelling, well-known signs that unfortunately don’t resolve quickly.

Many chiropractors commonly diagnose and treat neck and back complications affecting individuals after being involved in an auto accident. After suffering an injury, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention to begin treatment for your injuries. When the body experiences trauma from an injury, its normal for the body to produce inflammatory chemicals that cause the region surrounding the tissue damage to become inflamed and swollen but if the individual doesn’t receive medical treatment, the chemical process will continue, causing worse symptoms to develop.

In addition to chiropractic care, applying ice therapy to the area of the injury and staying active can help improve the symptoms of the injury. Using ice can help temporarily reduce the inflammation on the muscle tissues and it also offers relief from the pain. Walking, for example, is a simple physical activity that can help stimulate the body to produce natural pain killers as well as help maintain the body’s flexibility.

A chiropractor can easily diagnose the source of your neck and back pain to decide which spinal adjustments, exercises, and stretches will be the best option for your type of injury and level of symptoms in order to speed up the healing process and promote the best recovery.

Over the last 10 years, new research has found that TMJ and its well-known symptoms resulting after an auto accident could actually originate from neck complications. After a neck injury, the pain signals travel from the spine to the brainstem. In this process, the nerves from numerous areas of the body also travel into the brainstem where they will gather together before being transmitted to the pain centers of the brain. As the nerve signals converge, the various signals can become crossed and confused.

The nerves found on the jaw connect through the neck with pain receptors from the spine. As chronic pain signals from an automobile injury trigger an over-stimulation, an individual suffering from a neck injury such as whiplash can also experience pain in other areas of the head, including the jaw. The jaw then reacts to the constant symptoms of pain by tensing up the muscles surrounding the jaw, causing even more pain and discomfort.

Chiropractic care is an effective treatment option for individuals who’ve experienced damage or injury as a result of an auto accident. With the use of spinal adjustments, manual manipulation, and occasional stretches and exercises, a chiropractor can help a person with temporomandibular joint disorders and other neck complications recover from their injuries. By getting to the root cause of your pain, a chiropractor can get you back on the road to health.