Types of Accidents Accidents do happen. What causes most crashes is the result of driver error and poor judgement. After an accident, exchange insurance information and contact details with other drivers involved. Also, be sure to inform your doctor of any new injury or pain symptoms regardless of how minor. Definition Accidents are defined as events that occur without intention or fault on the part of anyone (although they can also be caused by carelessness, ignorance, or inattention). It's a sudden occurrence that causes loss, injury or damage. Accidents can also result in mental injuries, like anxiety or emotional anxiety. Accidents can also cause damage to property or death to the home or business of the person and the resulting costs of hospitalization, lost time at work medical treatment and transport expenses. In some instances, it's required for an investigation to be conducted to determine the cause of a workplace incident. This process is called an investigation into the cause of the accident or a root-cause study. This is a crucial step in accident prevention as it helps employers determine the causes that led to an accident and to take steps to avoid accidents in the future. The definition of an accident varies from country to country. In the United States, for example there are laws that define how an accident is to be defined to determine if a person has a valid injury claim against their employer. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the United States has defined an accident as a "unavoidable, unforeseen and inadvertent occurrence that results in injury or death." There are many different kinds of accidents such as car accidents and workplace injuries. It is important to know the difference between these types of accidents, as it could determine the amount of compensation an individual victim receives in their case. A car crash, such as, is an accident that occurs when two or more cars collide. The kind of accident that occurs can cause serious injuries or even death which makes it difficult to determine who is liable. A non-profit organization named We Save Lives has taken up the cause of changing the word accident to crash. They do this because they think that using the word "accident" implies that the incident was caused either by chance or fate, which is not true in the majority of cases. However, they do agree that the majority of car accidents result from driver's error. Causes There are a variety of accidents. Some accidents can be avoided by taking the appropriate precautions. Certain accidents are not preventable completely but they can be prevented or minimized. Accidents can happen at workplace or at home, playing sports or driving, among other places. Whatever the cause of an accident, it may cause injuries or deaths, as well as property damage. Certain occupations and professions are at a higher risk of certain types accidents. Car accidents are among the most common accidents. They can be caused by a range of causes, including driver errors or weather conditions, road conditions, as well as malfunctions in vehicles. More than half of car accidents are caused by driver errors. These mistakes include distracted driving, reckless driving, disregarding traffic laws, speeding, or drugged driving. Other causes of car accidents include problems with maintenance on vehicles and weather conditions, such as fog and snow, and inexperienced drivers. Certain accidents can be avoided by following the correct safety precautions and good practices at work. At work accidents could result from unsafe equipment, bad housekeeping, failure to follow company policies and procedures or not wearing the correct PPE. Implementing and enforcing safe working conditions can prevent accidents from happening and help a company attain its output goals. Accidents and deaths at home can be caused by a number of causes, such as faulty electrical wiring, inattention or inexperienced supervision of children, or improper use of household objects like ladders and power tools. In the home, there are a myriad of other dangers, such as poisoning, choking, and drowning. A variety of factors can cause injuries and even death during sporting events, including illegal checking and helmet-to -helmet contact during American hockey and football. Changes in rules and the availability of safer gear have reduced the likelihood of injuries, but they don't eliminate them completely. Signs and symptoms It's not unusual for victims of car collisions to sustain injuries to their joints. Even crashes with low speeds can cause displaced or sprained joints, which can cause swelling and pain. If the joint hurts and doesn't improve within some days, it may be a sign of a bruising to the cartilage, ligaments or the bones that surround the joint. The knee, elbow, wrist, or ankle could be an indication of a fracture or dislocation. The spine and neck are also common especially when the victim of a crash suffers whiplash. Neck and back pain can occur for weeks or even hours after an accident, and is often the result of damaged soft tissue or herniated discs. https://vimeo.com/709560857 are a common symptom of injury from accidents. They could be a sign of a brain injury, whiplash or a blood clot, or any other health issue that is serious. If headaches persist after a crash, see your physician immediately. If they're accompanied by nausea and other flu-like symptoms it could be a sign of a concussion, or a traumatic brain injury. Abdominal pain or tenderness is a typical accident manifestation that can be caused by seatbelt syndrome (bruising and internal trauma due to the belt's force pulling against the stomach) or more serious conditions like rupture or herniation of the abdominal disc. If you experience abdominal discomfort, vomiting, or a loss of appetite seek medical attention immediately. Dizziness and blurred vision are symptoms of head trauma, such as concussion or trauma to the brain. Insomnia, sleeplessness, mood swings and changes in personality could suggest a brain injury. If not treated quickly, injuries to the neck, head, and upper body could be serious and cause long-term complications. Whiplash can cause pain in the neck or shoulders. Pain in the arms and legs and the torso, can be caused by a variety of injuries, like strains and sprains. If the pain is experienced by numbness or a feeling of weakness, it could be a sign your spinal cord has been damaged. Treatment Accidents can cause injuries, and it is important that victims seek medical attention as soon as possible. Numerous sources can aid injured victims, including primary medical doctors, specialists and hospitals. Medical treatments may include prescription medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological treatment. A doctor might also suggest psychotherapy or other forms of psychotherapy to help people cope with the emotional trauma triggered by an accident. In the event of a car accident it is crucial to seek medical attention right as soon as possible. The first hour following an accident is known as the 'golden hour', and immediate first aid can save lives and reduce the severity of injuries. Bystanders and passersby can provide the initial treatment that can be lifesaving. Most accident victims need medical attention for their injuries. Most common injuries are head trauma, the neck, back, or spinal injuries. Depending on the severity of an injury the patient may require surgery or hospitalization. Many individuals require to be hospitalized for a few days so that their physician will be able to monitor their condition closely. Problems with psychological and emotional well-being are also common in car accidents. The victims who have been injured can suffer from insomnia, stress, anxiety or PTSD due to the trauma. To avoid long-term consequences, it is essential for a victim to seek out psychotherapy or psychological therapy. If a patient sees their doctor, he or she must be honest about the extent of their injuries and how they impact their daily life. Failure to report a medically significant injury or absence from work as a result of an accident can lead to delays in the process of filing an insurance claim. This can result in the loss of financial damages that could be crucial to recouping your lost wages and future earnings. A personal injury lawyer can help keep track of the medical treatment you have received and its effects on your ability to perform work. This information can be used in a lawsuit seeking financial damages to pay for your losses. Contact a personal injury attorney today for more information. The consultation is completely free.