Understanding what happens to your body after being hit by a car is an essential part of recovery and protecting your legal rights. The force of the vehicle may cause injury ranging from minor bruising to life-threatening trauma. Some injuries can be apparent immediately, while others may take days to surface. At Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, we proudly help Dayton, Ohio, residents recover and pursue the justice they deserve.
The first seconds after being hit by a car are critical since extreme forces cause severe injuries. Speed, impact angle, and the position of the individual determine the extent of trauma. Let’s see how these factors affect the body.
When a vehicle strikes the human body, the force transfers kinetic energy, often causing severe injuries. The considerable size and mass of a vehicle compared to the human body make even low-speed collisions dangerous. This energy transfer often results in broken bones, internal bleeding, or traumatic brain injuries.
The severity of such injuries generally depends on the speed of the car and the angle of impact. Whereas frontal hits might cause head injuries, a sideswipe might cause some fractures of limbs. Pedestrians struck at higher speeds are likely to suffer life-threatening injuries since there will be little time for their bodies to absorb and distribute such forces.
Momentum is the product of mass and velocity, and it is a significant factor in pedestrian accidents. In the event of a car striking a person, the momentum is transferred to the body, which rapidly accelerates and decelerates. It is this deceleration that causes whiplash, organ damage, or even spinal cord trauma in an injury.
The injury may be increased by secondary factors such as being thrown onto the pavement or into another object. These cascading effects in vehicle-pedestrian accidents make these kinds of collisions among the most severe ones.
In cities such as Dayton, Ohio, pedestrian accidents most frequently occur at crosswalks, intersections, or in parking lots. Contributing factors include low visibility, distracted driving, and jaywalking. A car failing to recognize someone crossing while turning right could cause major lower-body injuries, such as knee fractures. High-speed open road collisions may be catastrophic or fatal.
Getting hit by a car can leave you with all sorts of injuries, depending on how fast the car was going and where it hit you. Let’s dive into some common injuries, why they happen, and what kind of long-term problems they might cause.
Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common in pedestrian accidents. The CDC reports that TBIs can cause symptoms ranging from confusion and dizziness to long-term cognitive impairments. In the case of severe head trauma, surgery or prolonged rehabilitation may be necessary to regain functionality.
Skull fractures or intracranial bleeding can also occur from a direct impact to the vehicle or the ground. Sometimes, injuries may be tempered with the use of helmets or headgear; however, this protection is rarely used by pedestrians.
The worst consequences of car accidents are spinal cord injuries. Most of the impact falls on the neck and spine, causing herniated discs, nerve damage, or even paralysis. Whiplash is one of the standard neck injuries from the head going rapidly backward and forward at the time of impact. Commonly treated as minor, whiplash can easily result in chronic pain or impaired mobility if it goes untreated.
The most common parts that are vulnerable in a car-pedestrian accident include the legs, arms, and ribs. Fractures can range from a simple break to compound fractures that pierce the skin. Severe cases may require surgical intervention, physical therapy, or even permanent implants.
Lower limb fractures are common in many accidents in the Dayton area because of the height of a vehicle’s bumper. Many of these injuries impact mobility, and recovery requires assistive devices.
Internal injuries, which may not be immediately apparent, can also be caused by blunt force trauma in a collision. When internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, or spleen, are damaged, internal bleeding occurs, which is life-threatening if not treated in time. Abdominal pain, dizziness, or even fainting are symptoms that one should never ignore because they may signal severe internal damage.
The psychological trauma of being hit by a car may last long after the physical injuries have healed. Most victims begin to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. This may be manifested through flashbacks of the accident, avoidance of busy streets, or hypervigilance around vehicles. Studies have shown that people who have been in traumatic situations, such as accidents, have a much greater chance of developing PTSD, which might need psychological intervention to recover from.
Therapy and support groups, which play vital roles in such cases, could treat this. Mental health is equally as important as physical recovery.
After being hit by a car, your body experiences shock, adrenaline, and delayed symptoms. While some injuries are apparent, others take time to surface, making it essential to monitor your condition and seek timely medical care.
Immediately following a car accident, the human body experiences an adrenaline hormone that initiates the “fight or flight” reaction. This can make victims numb to pain and injury and feel that they are not injured seriously. While the temporary energy surge may be a good thing, it’s very important to get to the doctor as soon as possible, even if one feels okay at the scene.
The body reacts with inflammation in the hours following an injury. Swelling, redness, and stiffness are common manifestations of the body’s attempt at self-repair. Non-prescription medication such as ibuprofen can reduce inflammation, but a physician best assesses persistent pain.
Some of the injuries, such as soft tissue damage or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms until days later. If these so-called delayed-onset injuries are not caught early, they can complicate recovery. Follow-up appointments are essential. Symptoms such as persistent headaches, abdominal pain, or dizziness require immediate medical attention.
The consequences of being hit by a car can be pretty long-lasting, reaching beyond the victim’s initial recovery. As we discuss in this section, common long-term consequences and their effect on daily life include:
One of the most debilitating long-term effects of car accidents is chronic pain. Arthritis, nerve damage, or lingering joint pain can reduce your quality of life. Sometimes, physical therapy, acupuncture, or pain management techniques can help, but the effects may be permanent.
The psychological consequences of a car accident can be as debilitating as physical injuries. Victims often develop a fear of driving or crossing streets, for which therapy is needed to regain confidence. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and support groups can be very helpful in guiding the victim through their recovery.
Untreated injuries can worsen over time, leading to permanent disabilities or secondary health complications. For example, a misaligned fracture could lead to arthritis, while untreated organ damage could become life-threatening. Prioritizing immediate medical care reduces these risks significantly.
Medical attention immediately after an accident is essential, even if the injuries appear minor. Delays in symptoms can mask severe conditions, and a prompt evaluation will ensure proper treatment and may support a legal claim.
Even if you feel fine after an accident, symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or even fainting could be severe. Prompt medical evaluations ensure that hidden injuries, such as internal bleeding or fractures, are found and treated.
Detailed and accurate medical records are an essential part of developing your legal case. These records will be used as proof of your injuries and may also be used to establish liability and determine damages. Medical consultation also helps you get the best possible treatment for your needs.
If you have been hit by a car, the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath can be overwhelming. At Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, we are here to help you through the legal process and obtain the compensation you deserve. Call a Dayton car accident lawyer today at 1.937.222.2222 to schedule a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights while you focus on healing.
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Mann who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.
Keep up to Date with Our Newest Firm Updates
Staying alert behind the wheel is crucial, but drowsiness can slow your reaction time, impair concentration, and lead to poor decision-making. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize how dangerous it is […]
Getting a driver’s license is a significant milestone, but it’s more than just passing a test in Ohio. The state has specific Ohio teen driving laws designed to help young […]
Obtaining a driver’s permit may seem straightforward, but there are specific laws and guidelines for individuals in Ohio over the age of 18. Ohio temporary permit laws over 18 are […]
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at 1.937.222.2222
