According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, in 2019, there were nearly 6,500 total crashes in Eau Claire County. Out of those incidents, more than 830 resulted in injuries, and 23 people lost their lives. [1]
Top 10 Injuries Resulting from Car Accidents in Eau Claire County
Car accidents can cause a wide range of physical injuries, some more serious than others. In Eau Claire County, the most common injuries resulting from car crashes include cuts and bruises, whiplash, and even death. Let us take a closer look at the top 10 injuries seen in car accidents in Eau Claire County.
1. Cuts and Bruises
2. Whiplash
3. Broken Bones
4. Concussions
5. Neck and Back Pain
7. Internal Injuries
9. Burns
10. Death
Cuts and Bruises
Cuts and bruises are soft tissue injuries that can range from minor injuries to deep lacerations and contusions. Superficial cuts resulting in small, open wounds on the skin, may be caused by:
- Broken glass
- Debris
- Shattered windows
These types of cuts often require basic first aid, such as cleaning the wound and using antibacterial ointments to prevent infection. Car accidents can also lead to more severe cuts that may require stitches or surgical intervention to close deep wounds.
Bruises are a common occurrence in car accidents as well. The forceful impact can cause blood vessels beneath the skin to rupture, leading to the appearance of black and blue marks on the affected area. Bruising can be painful and might take several weeks to heal, depending on its severity.
Individuals involved in accidents should seek immediate medical attention to ensure that these injuries are properly assessed and treated, as they can serve as indicators of more significant underlying injuries, such as internal bleeding.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury that often occurs in car accidents in Eau Claire. It is a soft tissue injury that affects the neck and occurs due to the sudden and forceful back-and-forth motion of the head and neck upon impact. This rapid movement can strain or damage the soft tissues in the neck.
Whiplash symptoms may not appear immediately after the accident and can take several hours or even days to manifest. Common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Sleep disturbances
- Stiffness
The severity of whiplash can vary from mild cases that resolve within a few weeks to more severe cases that may require extensive medical treatment, including physical therapy or chiropractic care.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help manage pain and promote a faster recovery.
Broken Bones
The impact of a car collision can cause individuals to come into contact with various hard surfaces or be thrown forcefully within the vehicle, leading to fractures.
Broken bones are a common injury sustained in car accidents. The intense force exerted on the body during a collision can cause bones to fracture or even shatter. The most commonly broken bones in car accidents are the:
- Arms
- Collarbone
- Legs
- Ribs
The treatment of broken bones depends on factors such as the location, type, and extent of the fracture. In some cases, casting or splinting may be sufficient, while more severe fractures may require surgical intervention, to realign and stabilize the bone, such as the insertion of:
- Pins
- Plates
- Screws
Prompt medical intervention not only ensures proper treatment and faster recovery but also allows healthcare professionals to assess for any hidden injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
It is vital for individuals to undergo regular follow-up care to monitor the healing process and address any potential complications or lingering symptoms.
Rehabilitation and support from medical professionals, as well as the understanding and care of family and friends, are essential for individuals to recover and regain their quality of life.
Concussions
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain sustains a violent jolt or blow that causes it to move back and forth within the skull.
In car accidents, this can happen when the impact causes the head to suddenly snap forward or sideways, leading to the brain hitting the inside of the skull.
Symptoms of a concussion can vary from person to person, but often include:
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Sensitivity to light and noise
In some cases, symptoms may be mild and resolve within a few days to weeks, but in more severe cases, symptoms can persist for months or even longer.
A healthcare professional can conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include a neurological examination, cognitive tests, and imaging scans to assess the extent of the injury.
Treatment for concussions typically involves rest, both physically and mentally, to allow the brain to heal. This may include taking time off from work or school, avoiding activities that can exacerbate symptoms, and following a gradual return to normal activities under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Repeat concussions can have cumulative effects and increase the risk of long-term complications, such as post-concussion syndrome or chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Neck and Back Pain
Car accidents in Eau Claire can often result in neck and back pain, which are common injuries sustained during these traumatic events.
The forces generated during a collision can cause the body to experience sudden and jarring movements, leading to strain, sprain, or other forms of injury to the muscles, ligaments, and discs in the neck and back.
The symptoms of neck and back pain can vary widely, but they often include:
- Limited range of motion
- Localized soreness
- Muscle spasms
- Stiffness
In more severe cases, individuals might experience shooting pain, numbness, or tingling sensations that radiate to other parts of the body.
In many cases, conservative measures such as:
- Chiropractic care
- Ice
- Physical therapy
- Rest
Medication may be prescribed to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. However, some individuals may require more invasive interventions, including injections or even surgical procedures, if the pain persists or if there is damage to the spinal structures.
Even seemingly minor neck and back pain should not be ignored, as they can be indicative of more significant injuries.
The impact of neck and back pain extends beyond the physical discomfort, often affecting an individual’s daily activities, ability to work, and overall quality of life.
Emotional and psychological well-being can be impacted as individuals deal with chronic pain and the limitations it imposes.
Brain Injuries
Brain injuries are a serious and potentially life-altering consequence of car accidents in Eau Claire. The strong forces generated during an accident can result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which occurs when the brain undergoes a sudden jolt or impact within the skull. [1]
TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe and permanent brain damage. Symptoms of a brain injury can vary widely depending on the severity and location of the injury. Traumatic brain injuries may cause:
- Cognitive impairments
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory problems
- Seizures
Treatment for brain injuries may include medications to manage pain and inflammation, and rehabilitation therapies such as:
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Psychological counseling
- Speech therapy
The recovery process for brain injuries can be lengthy and challenging, requiring ongoing medical care and support from healthcare professionals, family, and friends. In some cases, long-term or lifelong care may be necessary to accommodate the individual’s needs.
The impact of a brain injury extends beyond the physical aspects, affecting an individual’s mental and emotional well-being, work capabilities, and overall quality of life.
Internal Injuries
Car accidents may result in severe internal injuries, which, although not immediately visible, can have life-threatening consequences.
Internal injuries are among the most severe injuries and may include:
- Damage to organs such as the heart, lungs, or spleen.
- Rib fractures, which can result in damage to nearby organs or lead to a collapsed lung
- Aortic rupture or dissection, which causes severe internal bleeding
- Liver laceration or contusion
- Splenic rupture, which often leads to internal bleeding
- Kidney injuries
- Intestinal perforation or bowel injuries
- Spinal cord injury, which can lead to paralysis
The signs and symptoms of internal injuries may not be immediately apparent, and individuals involved in a car accident should remain vigilant for any potential indicators such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Lightheadedness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
Healthcare professionals may employ various diagnostic tools, including imaging tests, to determine the extent of the internal damage, such as:
- Bloodwork
- CT scans
- Ultrasounds
- X-rays
The treatment plan for internal injuries will depend on the severity and location of the injury.
Many internal injuries require surgical intervention to repair or remove damaged organs, stop internal bleeding, or address other complications.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains typically occur when a ligament is stretched or torn, while strains refer to the stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon. These injuries often affect areas such as the neck, back, shoulders, and limbs. Symptoms of sprains and strains may include:
- Limited range of motion
- Muscle spasms
- Physical pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
Treatment for sprains and strains commonly includes the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
This may be accompanied by pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs to manage discomfort and reduce swelling.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises may also be prescribed to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility to the affected area. The recovery time for sprains and strains can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the individual’s adherence to the treatment plan.
Burn Injuries
Individuals involved in car accidents can suffer from various degrees of burn injuries. Burns are classified into different categories based on their severity:
- First-degree - First-degree burns affect the top layer of the skin, causing redness, pain, and mild swelling.
- Second-degree - Second-degree burns extend deeper into the skin, resulting in blistering, severe pain, and swelling.
- Third-degree burns - Third-degree burns are the most severe, penetrating all layers of the skin and potentially affecting the underlying tissues, muscles, and even bones.
These burns may result in charred or blackened skin, numbness, severe pain, or even loss of sensation. Burn injuries can have long-term physical and emotional consequences.
Treatment for burn injuries may involve immediate first aid measures, such as cool water applications or using sterile dressings to cover the affected area. Prompt medical care is necessary for:
- Assessing the severity of the burn
- Managing pain
- Preventing infection
- Promoting healing
Severe burns may require specialized treatments, such as skin grafting or reconstructive surgery. Burn injuries can have a profound impact on an individual’s mental well-being causing emotional distress.
Coping with physical pain, scarring, and potential disfigurement can lead to psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and body image issues.
Death
Accident deaths are a profound and heartbreaking outcome that affects not only the individuals involved but also their families and communities.
The loss of life is a profound tragedy, and the grieving process can be challenging and long-lasting for those left behind.
Family members and friends left behind may need support and counseling to cope with their grief and navigate the emotional aftermath of losing a loved one.
Car accidents resulting in fatalities are often subject to legal investigations to determine the cause of the accident and establish liability. These investigations play a vital role in pursuing a wrongful death case with the help of a personal injury lawyer following the loss of a loved one. If you or a loved one have been injured in an Eau Claire Car Accident, contact our experienced Eau Clair car accident attorney to see if you have a case.
Source:
[1] Traumatic Brain Injury. (2023, January 1). Traumatic Brain Injury | Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/traumatic-brain-injury
