What happens to your body in a car crash
THE NECK
At 40mph the sudden whipping movement of the head could cause serious injuries in. the neck. Shortly after impact (about 150 milliseconds), the spine undergoes what is called an S-shaped curve in this position, rather than simply being curved to the front in a normal C-shape as it would be at rest. It takes on an altered form.
When this ‘whiplash’ occurs, the lower part of the spine moves well beyond its normal range of motion, causing injury to the ligaments and discs (the fluid-filled sacks between your spinal bones) in that area.
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THE CHEST CAVITY
Much in the same way that the brain is damaged by impacting with the skull, the other internal organs can suffer a similar fate. Internal injuries from a car accident can include damage to bowels, kidneys, spleen, liver, lungs and the heart.
Fractured ribs are quite common at low speeds, and these may also puncture lungs and other internal organs. Torn spleens are also a frequent injury and may require extensive hospitalisation.
THE SPINE
If you are involved in a car accident at a speed greater than 45mph it can be assumed that you have a spinal injury. Below that speed you shouldn’t create forces large enough to cause paralysis.
The force at which your body is jolted backwards and forwards and side-to-side often damages discs, causing them to perforate. In more serious accidents the actual bones can be forced together with such ferocity that they can fracture, damaging the spinal cord, which will result in paralysis.
THE PELVIS AND HIPS
In a 40mph car accident, the pelvis is often thrown forward into the steering column, dashboard or other hard structure. This impact can fracture or smash the pelvis, often opening up the hip joint – an injury which as well as being very painful is extremely difficult to fix. A smashed pelvis can also damage or rupture other organs, such as the spleen and bowels.
THE HEAD
Head injuries are the cause of 50 per cent of all automotive-related fatalities. Injury is caused by the sudden forward movement of the head and impact with the inside of the car.
This ‘headbutting’ effect can cause the brain to smash into the skull, which damages tiny blood vessels inside. These burst open, causing blood to flood the brain, eventually causing coma and death. Brain injury could be severe at 40mph.
THE KNEES
The forward movement into the dash often causes damage to the kneecap and surrounding tendons. Even at low speeds these impacts can cause damage so severe it affects your ability to walk for life.
THE ANKLES
Because of their relatively weak nature, ankles can easily break and are often shattered in car accidents as the foot is forced against the pedals and dash. Twisting is the main cause, as the foot is forced into an unnatural shape, causing snapping of bones and ligaments.
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