Seatbelts and airbags are invaluable resources that help protect you in the case of a collision. They prevent you from being thrown around the vehicle – or worse, out of it. While they are definitely great at saving lives, these tools can often cause car accident injuries, as well – albeit on a smaller scale than most of those they protect you from. Below, our team at Reimer Wellness Center in Los Altos discusses the most common injuries you might sustain due to a seatbelt or airbag.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a very common auto accident injury that is typically sustained when the head is rapidly jerked back and forth during a collision. This quick, forceful movement causes the neck to move beyond its normal range of motion, tearing the soft tissues in the process.
Disc Injuries
Disc injuries can occur as both an airbag injury and a seatbelt injury. In either case, the body is met with the force of one, the other, or both during a collision. When this occurs, it can cause a spinal disc to “slip” or herniate.
Pelvic and Abdominal Injuries
When the seatbelt locks in place to protect your body, the force of the collision can cause the seatbelt to damage your abdomen or pelvis.
Rib Injuries
It’s not unusual to sustain bruised or fractured ribs as a car accident injury. This can either be an airbag injury, seatbelt injury, or a combination of the two.
Burns and Abrasions
Another common car accident injury caused by airbags and seatbelts is burns or abrasions. These occur because the force of the collision causes the skin to come into close and rough contact with these protective tools.
Recover from a Car Accident Injury in Los Altos, CA
When you’ve sustained a car accident injury, chiropractic care can help you get back to life safely and naturally. Schedule an appointment with our team at Reimer Wellness Center by calling (650) 949-3232 today.