Types of Accidents Accidents happen. The most common cause of accidents is driver error and poor judgment. After an accident, you should exchange insurance and contact information with the other drivers involved. Talk to your doctor about any new injuries or pains however small. Definition They are events that occur without intention or fault of anyone (although they could also be caused by carelessness or apathy). A sudden incident can cause injury, damage, or loss. Accidents can also result in mental injuries, for example, anxiety or emotional distress. Accidents also include the loss of life or property damage to the home or business of the person, as well as the associated costs of hospitalization, lost work time medical treatment and transport expenses. In some cases it is necessary to investigate the cause of a workplace accident to determine why the incident took place. This process is known as an investigation into the cause of an accident or root-cause analysis. It is an essential aspect of accident prevention, as it allows employers to determine the root causes that caused the accident and take measures to prevent any future accidents from occurring. The definition of an accident differs from country to country. In the United States, for example, there are laws that define the way in which an accident must be defined in order to determine if the person is entitled to an claim against their employer. In this country the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established the standard for an accident as "an unavoidable, unexpected or accidental occurrence which causes injury or loss of life." There are a myriad of types of accidents, such as accidents involving cars and occupational injuries. It is crucial to understand the difference between these different types of accidents, as it could impact the amount of compensation is awarded to a victim. For instance, a car crash is an accident that occurs when two or more vehicles collide. The kind of accident that occurs can result in serious injury or even death, making it more complex to determine who is responsible. A non-profit group named We Save Lives has taken on the task of changing the term "accident" to crash. This is because they believe that the term accident implies that the incident was caused by luck or luck, which isn't true in the majority of instances. They also believe that driver error is the primary reason for most car accidents. Causes There are a variety of accidents. Some accidents can be prevented with proper safety measures. Some accidents cannot be avoided completely however they can be prevented or minimized. Accidents can occur at home, work, driving, or while playing sports. Accidents can cause injuries, deaths, and property damage, no matter the type. Certain occupations and professions are at a higher risk of certain kinds of accidents. Car accidents are among the most frequently occurring accidents. These accidents can be caused by a range of factors such as driver mistakes and weather conditions, road conditions, as well as malfunctions in vehicles. More than half of car accidents are caused by driver error. These errors include distractions, reckless driving, failing to obey traffic laws, speeding, or impaired driving. Other causes of car accidents include issues with vehicle maintenance, weather conditions such as snow and fog, and drivers who aren't experienced. Some accidents can be avoided by taking the proper safety precautions and proper work habits. In the workplace, an accident can be caused by unsafe equipment, inadequate cleaning, a failure to adhere to guidelines and policies of the company or not wearing appropriate PPE. Establishing and enforcing safe work conditions can prevent accidents from happening and help a company reach its output goals. Death and injury at home can result from a variety of causes, such as faulty electrical wiring, careless or inadequate supervision, or improper use of household objects, such as ladders and power tools. Falls, poisoning, choking and drowning are also frequent hazards in the home. Injuries and deaths at sporting events can be caused by a number of factors such as illegal checking in hockey and helmet-to-helmet collisions in American football. Modifications to rules and the availability of safer equipment have reduced the likelihood of these injuries, but cannot eliminate them completely. Symptoms Car accidents cause a lot of force, therefore it's not uncommon for victims to sustain injuries in their joints. Even accidents with low speeds may cause sprained or deformed joints, which can cause pain and swelling. If you are experiencing pain in a joint that doesn't get better within several weeks, it could be an indication of an injury to the cartilage, ligaments or bones surrounding the joint. A dislocation or fracture could cause pain in the wrist, ankle or knee. Spine and neck are also common especially if the victim of an accident sustains whiplash. Back and neck pain may be felt for a few hours or even weeks after a crash and is often caused by soft tissue damage or herniated discs. Headaches are a frequent sign of injuries sustained in accidents and may be a sign of brain trauma, whiplash, a blood clot or other serious health issues. If you experience headaches after a crash, you should consult your physician immediately. If you experience nausea and other flu-like symptoms, it could be a sign that you've suffered an injury to your head called a concussion. Abdominal pain or tenderness is a common injury symptom. It is often caused by the seatbelt disorder, which causes internal trauma and bruises due to the belt pressing against the stomach. Other conditions like a ruptured or herniated abdominal disc can be more serious. If you notice abdominal pain, vomiting or loss of appetite, seek medical attention immediately. Dizziness, blurred vision and balance problems are sign of head trauma like a traumatic brain injury or concussion. Sleeping problems, irritability or mood swings as well as changes in personality could be a sign of a brain injury. Injuries to the head neck and upper torso can be very hazardous and lead to long-term complications in the event of not being treated promptly. Achy shoulders or neck can be a sign of an injury to the whiplash. Pain in the legs, arms, or torso can be caused by a myriad of injuries, including sprains and strains. If the pain is coupled with numbness or feeling of weakness, it could be a sign that your spinal cord has been damaged. Treatment Accidents can result in injuries. It is crucial to seek medical attention as fast as you can. Victims of injuries can seek help from a variety of sources, including primary care physicians and specialists, as well as hospitals. Medical treatment may include prescription medications and occupational therapy, physical therapy and psychological therapy. In addition, a doctor might suggest psychiatric therapy or other forms of psychotherapy in order to help victims cope with the emotional trauma of an accident. In the event of a car accident, it is especially critical to get medical attention right away. The first hour following a crash is called the "golden hour" and prompt first aid can save lives and decrease the severity of injuries. Passersby and bystanders can provide first aid which can be life-saving. https://vimeo.com/709546801 of accident victims require treatment for their injuries. Most common injuries are neck trauma and neck, back or spine injuries. Depending on the severity of an injury a victim may need surgery or hospitalization. Many patients are hospitalized for a few days to allow their doctor to watch their condition closely. Automobile accidents can also cause emotional and psychological problems. In the aftermath of trauma, victims of accidents may experience stress, anxiety, insomnia, or PTSD. To avoid long-term consequences, it is crucial for a victim to seek out psychotherapy or psychological therapy. When a patient goes to their doctor, they must be open about the severity of their injuries and how they are affecting their daily life. In the course of the process of submitting claims to insurance can be a result of your failure to note an injury that is medically significant or if you are absent due to an accident. This can lead to missing out on financial damages which could be significant in recouping lost wages or future earnings. A personal injury lawyer can help keep track of the medical treatment you have received and its impact on your ability to work. This information can be used to file a lawsuit requesting financial compensation for your loss. Contact a personal injury attorney today for more details. The consultation is absolutely free.