About this topic
A motor vehicle accident can cause minor or very serious injuries. You may have minor injuries, like cuts or bruises. Other times, you may have more severe injuries like brain damage, broken bones, bleeding, or harm to organs inside your body. You may need surgery right away for head injuries or broken bones. An accident can lead to shock from blood loss. The blood loss may cause confusion, disoriented feelings, and body system shut down, or even death. ‚
If you have severe injuries, you will most often need emergency care at the scene of the accident. Staff will work to make sure you are breathing and have a pulse. They will control bleeding and protect you from any more harm. You may need I.V. medicines and other treatments. Then, you may be taken to the hospital emergency room. ‚
Doctors will treat you right away when you get to the hospital. You may need more I.V. fluids, drugs, or a blood transfusion. You may need emergency surgery. After treating your severe injuries, the doctors will treat your other injuries. You may go to the intensive care room or have to stay in the hospital based on your condition. This will allow the staff to watch you closely in case your condition changes. ‚
How long it takes for you to heal from a motor vehicle accident will vary based on how: ‚
- Serious the injuries
- Quickly care is given
- You respond to care
What are the causes?
Your chances of being seriously injured in a motor vehicle crash are higher if you are: ‚
- Sitting in the front seat
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- Thrown from the vehicle
- Hit by the vehicle
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Use of illegal drugs and alcohol abuse
- Poor weather conditions
- Falling asleep or driving when tired
- Driving too fast
- Distracted driving
What are the main signs?
- Pain and soreness from wounds, cuts, or bruising
- Major injuries like bleeding, broken bones, or not able to move
- Signs of shock like feeling cold, faint, dizzy, or sleepy
- Problems breathing
- Signs of a head injury like throwing up, headache, confusion, or feeling disoriented
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
At the hospital, the doctors will ask about your health history and the cause of the accident. The doctor will do an exam and will check your: ‚
- Airway, breathing, and blood flow
- Level of alertness
- Senses and reflexes
- Damage and deformities to bones
- Wounds, cuts, bruises, and bleeding
- Pain and swelling
- Changes in speech, actions, and recall
The doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- X-rays
- CT or MRI scan
- Ultrasound
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The doctor will treat your injuries and make a plan for care based on how badly you are hurt. Care needs may change as your condition changes and as rehab needs become more clear. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
- Infection ¢ ˆ ’ When germs enter the site of injury or surgery. An infection can slow healing and may spread to other parts of the body.
- Blood clots ¢ ˆ ’ Cause pain and may break loose and travel to block blood flow to the heart or brain
- Mental and emotional problems ¢ ˆ ’ Changes in behavior and issues with coping. May also include post-traumatic stress disorder also called PTSD.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Lifestyle may be different after a motor vehicle crash. You may need rehab care for a long time. Some people do not fully recover from accidents. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Ease muscle spasms
- Control nerve activity
- Prevent infection
- Prevent blood clots
What problems could happen?
- Long-term pain
- Mood changes
- Low blood pressure
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Disability
- Mental and emotional problems
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There are no specific ways to prevent motor vehicle accidents. Ways you can help to stay safe are: ‚
- Always wear a seat belt. Drive safely. Obey speed limits. Do not drink and drive.
- Avoid distractions while driving. Do not text or talk on the phone while driving.
- Take breaks and rest periods so you do not get drowsy when driving.
- Take extra care when in high-risk conditions:
- Rain, snow, or bad weather
- Traffic
- Late at night
Where can I learn more?
National Center for PTSD ‚
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/treatment/cope/coping-traumatic-stress.asp ‚
National Institute of General Medical Sciences ‚
http://www.nigms.nih.gov/Education/Factsheet_Trauma.htm ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-04-06 ‚
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Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚