Our hands are often something that we often take for granted, but they play a key role in most things that we do each day. The hands are utilized for driving, and they can also suffer injuries in an accident.
It’s a natural reaction to put our hands over our face and head to protect ourselves in a crash, which means they can be injured in the process. Some people also grip the steering wheel tightly with their hands during a collision, which means the force of the collision travels through the hands first.
There are several types of hand injuries that can result from collisions. Outlined below are two of the most common hand injuries suffered in car crashes.
Dislocated fingers
It is not uncommon for the fingers to dislocate due to the impact of a crash. The knuckles of each finger are all susceptible to dislocations, but the middle knuckles are especially vulnerable. Generally, dislocated knuckles will result in severe swelling and bruising, and they can be very painful. In severe cases, the flow of blood to the fingers may be disrupted, which is why seeking medical attention quickly is very important.
Bone fractures
There are 27 bones in the hand, and these can all be fractured during a car crash. In serious cases, the individual may suffer multiple fractures and even crush injuries. The hand will be in extreme pain and there will most likely be swelling and bruising. Delicate surgery is often required with hand fractures to help ensure that the bones heal correctly. The recovery period can be as long as several months.
Any hand injury can be very painful and debilitating. If your injuries were the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to pursue compensation. This will help cover your medical bills and lost wages as well as your pain and suffering.