The wrists are vulnerable during a car accident. The amount of force generated in crashes can cause various wrist injuries.
Wrist injuries can be painful, and depending on the severity, they can take months to recover from. Here are some of the most common wrist injuries associated with car accidents.
The different types of wrist injuries
The wrist is designed for intricate movements, which means various parts can be susceptible to injuries during a car crash. Some of the most common wrist injuries include:
- Sprains: The wrist can bend or twist into unnatural positions during a crash, resulting in sprain injuries. A serious sprain can be very painful and debilitating.
- Fractures: The radius and ulna bones are particularly vulnerable during a crash, and they can be fractured. Sometimes, serious fractures require surgery and lengthy rehabilitative treatment.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually a repetitive strain injury. However, sudden trauma during a crash can compress the median nerve, which is the cause of this condition.
All of the wrist injuries mentioned above can result in the sufferer losing mobility and being unable to work.
How do wrist injuries happen?
During a crash, the driver’s instinct is usually to brace for impact. This often means gripping the steering wheel tightly, which puts immense pressure on the wrists. A driver may also injure their wrists after placing their hands on their head to protect it.
Personal injury compensation is an option for those injured in road traffic collisions. Seeking legal guidance will help you uncover whether or not negligence was a factor in your case.