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Today’s vehicles are designed to absorb a great deal of impact in a frontal collision. Additionally, airbags and seatbelts can protect drivers and passengers from sustaining serious injuries. However, your vehicle can only take so much impact. What happens to your body when you get in a car accident?

When a frontal crash occurs at high-speed, you will likely sustain serious injuries, even if your vehicle’s safety features save your life. An article by Student Edge breaks down the physics of what happens to your body in a car wreck – and it’s not pretty.

You can still be injured, even when wearing a seatbelt

If you’re wearing a seatbelt, you may be protected from hitting your head on your steering wheel. However, injuries often include, but are not limited to:

• Broken collarbones: For drivers, a broken collarbone can occur on the right side. For passengers, it can occur on the left side.
• Broken ribs: As your seatbelt stops you from projecting forward in a crash, you may experience broken ribs.
• Damage to lungs: Your broken ribs can puncture the area between your ribcage and lungs.
• Damage to internal organs: Your seatbelt may dig into internal organs such as your spleen, liver and bowel.

Your seatbelt and airbag may not always protect you

What about when you get struck from the side? Your seatbelt, airbags and sturdy front-end frame will be less helpful during a T-bone accident (unless your vehicle is equipped with side airbags). In fact, the only thing shielding you is your door. Injuries can include:

• Upper-body damage
• Fractured ribs
• Spinal injuries
• Damage to internal organs
• Pelvic fractures
• Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
• Paralysis
• Death

The recovery process – often long, complicated and expensive

If you are involved in a high-impact crash, recovering from your injuries will likely be a lengthy process. You may require X-rays, surgery, physical therapy and pain medication. You may not be able to return to work, collect a paycheck and provide for your family. Activities that you once enjoyed may have to be avoided until you make a full recovery. Even worse, you may never be the same again. You could suffer pain, discomfort and other complications that could require a lifetime of treatment.

The attorneys at Lourie Law Firm know how devastating a single auto accident can be for crash victims and their families. Our experienced South Carolina car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping injured motorists maximize their compensation.

We proudly serve Columbia, the Midlands, Upstate, and Low Country. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.