When you get behind the wheel, regardless of your destination, you know in the back of your mind that your safety is more important than anything else.

Unfortunately, you aren’t the only person on the road. For this reason, your good intentions aren’t always enough to help you prevent a car accident.

Since no two car accidents are the same, there is no way of knowing what type of injuries you will suffer if you find yourself in this situation. Even so, it’s important to fully understand the most common kinds of auto accident injuries. With this knowledge, you’ll know how to conduct a medical check in the event of a crash.

• Neck and back injuries. These are common in all types of car accidents, such as those in which your vehicle is struck from behind. Since neck and back injuries are among the most serious, this isn’t something to treat on your own.
• Head injuries. Just the same as neck and back injuries, anything that has to do with your head is extremely serious. For example, a blow to the head could result in a concussion or traumatic brain injury.
• Chest injuries. These often come about when something inside your vehicle strikes your chest, such as the steering wheel. The end result can be broken ribs, collapsed lungs, and even cardiac arrest.
• Broken bones. With so much happening inside your vehicle during a car accident, a broken bone is a definite possibility. This can include almost every type of bone in your body.

If you’re experiencing any pain after a motor vehicle accident, make sure you call 911 for help. You’ll want an ambulance at the scene as soon as possible, as this ensures that you receive the assistance you require without delay.

Your job at this time is to treat your injuries, with the help of your medical team, in order to prevent additional damage. It’s not always easy to get through this difficult time, but you need to stick with your treatment schedule.

As you recover, learn more about your accident, who was at fault, and what you can do now. Depending on the circumstances, you may want to learn more about your legal rights with the idea that you can hold another driver responsible for his or her negligent actions.