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Dr. Mark Hosko, MD, June 30 2021

What Are Motor Vehicle Accidents?

Types of motor vehicle accident trauma explained

Motor vehicle accidents are something most of us do not get the chance to prepare for. This can leave us distressed, panicked, and confused about what to do. If you get in a motor vehicle accident, regardless of how big or small, you should seek medical attention right away. Furthermore, you may need continued care for post motor vehicle accident trauma. So does medicaid cover motor vehicle accidents? And what really are considered motor vehicle accidents? Keep reading to learn more about motor vehicle accidents.

How would you describe a motor vehicle accident?

A motor vehicle accident can also be termed “car accident” or “traffic collision.” While some motor vehicle accidents are caused due to collision with another vehicle, that is not always the case. A motor vehicle accident is the event in which a motor vehicle is involved in a collision amongst another motor vehicle, pedestrian, animal, or stationary object. Motor vehicle accidents can result in ranging severity of physical damage to the vehicle and bodily injuries of those involved.

What causes motor vehicle accidents?

Motor vehicle accidents have a variety of causes. These causes can be broken down into two main categories, human behavior and external conditions that may be out of our control. These external conditions may include things such as poor weather and road conditions. For example, after a rainy day the roads may become more slippery or covered with debris. Motor vehicle accidents due to human behavior are often those in which we can find ways to prevent or avoid. These causes are inclusive but not limited to:

Distracted driving: Things like looking at our cell phones, consuming foods and beverages, watching other surroundings besides the road, and even playing with the radio are all examples of how easily we can become distracted while driving a motor vehicle.

Driving under the influence or fatigued: Driving under the influence of any drugs or alcohol greatly reduces one's ability to operate a motor vehicle and increases the likelihood of a motor vehicle accident substantially. Driving while tired also decreases one's ability to focus the right attention to the road. There is also a possibility of falling asleep behind the wheel and causing a motor vehicle accident.

Speeding: Driving over the speed limit greatly increases the risk of a motor vehicle accident due to the ability of a driver losing control.

What are common car accident injuries?

While motor vehicle accident injuries can range in severity and lasting effects, there are some injuries that are most common post motor vehicle accidents. These injuries are inclusive of:

What is the impact of motor vehicle accidents?

Motor vehicle accidents can have detrimental impacts ranging from physical, psychological, and economic burden. Physical pain resulting from motor vehicle accident injuries can result in one needing to take time off work and even reduce one's ability to perform normal everyday activities. These impacts can have devastating mental and economic impacts on motor vehicle accident victims and their loved ones. The financial burden of a motor vehicle accident can leave individuals and families left dealing with costs incurred due to not only vehicle damage but healthcare costs as well.

How do you describe a minor car accident?

A minor motor vehicle accident may involve slight damage to the car or very minor injuries to the individuals involved. For example, a minor car accident may result in a slightly scratched bumper or a small dent in the vehicle. Those involved may not be injured, and would not have any long lasting impacts from the incident.

What is the most common cause of motor vehicle accidents?

In the age of having so many resources available to us at all times, there is often room for much distraction on the road. With that being said, it may come to no surprise that the leading cause of motor vehicle accidents is indeed distracted driving. In fact, distracted driving causes more accidents per year than both speeding and drunk driving. Distracted driving involves things such as looking at our phones, picking our favorite songs on the radio, trying to navigate to a local coffee shop, and even yes taking a drink of our morning coffee on the commute to work. Distracted driving does not only involve texting or looking at our phones, although technology is indeed a leading factor in taking our focus away from driving safely on the roads.

How can we avoid accidents?

While some things are simply out of our control (weather, etc), there are surely steps that drivers can take to reduce the likelihood of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Some of these steps include:

Keep your distance: Ensure there is plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. In the event that someone rear-ends your motor vehicle, keeping distance from the car in front of you can prevent you from another collision.

Keep the Distractions Away: Take steps to ensure you will not become distracted en route. This may involve reading directions before the drive, keeping your phone away to resist temptation, and enjoying that coffee and breakfast sandwich before hitting the road.

Don’t Drive Under the Influence or Tired: Avoid driving while tired in order to ensure you have ample focus on the road to get you and others to the destination safely.

Reduce Speed for Appropriate Conditions: Regardless of weather conditions, drive at a speed in which you are able to maintain control of your vehicle. In less favorable weather, reduce your speed to ensure ample control to prevent a motor vehicle accident.

What is the biggest reason for car accidents?

As we discussed earlier, distracted driving is the leading cause of motor vehicle accidents.

What happens to your body after a car accident?

After a car accident, your body may be in a state of shock. Many times as a result of a motor vehicle accident, symptoms of injury are delayed due to our bodies adrenaline and shock response to the incident itself. This is why seeking medical evaluation after a motor vehicle accident is so important regardless of immediate symptoms. Seeking care right away may allow healthcare providers to identify any injuries that may not be apparent to the victim at the time of the accident.

How do you not get hurt in a car accident?

While car accidents are usually unavoidable, there are some ways you can prevent injury. Here are a few ways you can avoid injuries in a car accident. . .

What happens if you get hurt in a car accident?

If you have been in a vehicle accident, your injuries may or may not be obvious. Whether you are showing signs of injury or not after a car accident you should seek medical attention.

Why choose Portland Urgent Care for Motor Vehicle Accidents?

Portland Urgent Care offers comprehensive integrated injury care for many motor vehicle accident injuries. Working in partnership with Portland Wellness Care, the continuum of providers and services range from Medical Doctors, Chiropractors, Physiotherapist, Injury Rehabilitation, Acupuncturists and Massage Therapists. These specialists and services can address a range of motor vehicle accident injuries, identifying the right care for you. Personalized auto accident treatment plans work to heal a range of injuries from whiplash to fractures and broken bones. With same day appointments available, Portland Urgent Care understands the importance in seeking a medical evaluation immediately post motor vehicle accident. At Portland Urgent Care, our team will examine you, take X-rays if needed, determine the extent of your injuries, provide a treatment plan and pain management all in one convenient location. We understand that a motor vehicle accident injury entails various levels of care. When you come in after a motor vehicle accident, our team may do the following:

Conduct a Medical Exam- “No matter the impact or severity of a motor vehicle accident, victims should get a complete medical examination at Portland Urgent Care immediately after an accident”

Identify a Treatment Plan- “We develop customized treatments for every patient, designed to meet his or her specific needs. Our services integrate western medicine and physiotherapy with chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy”

Offer Pain Management Care Options- Having a pain management plan is essential to ensuring a greater quality of life post motor vehicle accident injury. Managing day to day pain can improve both physical and psychological distress caused by a motor vehicle accident. Having the right pain management plan in place after getting in a motor vehicle accident will greatly influence quality of life regardless of the severity of injury. When appropriate, our team utilizes complementary approaches such as acupuncture and physical medicine. At Portland Urgent Care, “helping you get relief from your pain is our goal.”

Every driver in Oregon is required to carry Personal Injury Protection insurance, frequently called PIP, of at least $15,000 in medical coverage. This coverage is Oregon's version of no-fault insurance. Most auto accidents are covered through PIP insurance, which we gladly provide records for and bill.”

Conclusion

From medical exams, to injury treatment, to pain management, Portland Urgent Care offers a comprehensive care plan that provides a complete solution for most accident victims. Finding the right care after a motor vehicle accident can greatly reduce the physical and financial impacts that can incur when care is delayed. Portland Urgent Care (in partnership with Portland Wellness Care) understands that not all accident injuries are the same. We work to offer each patient the right care plan that suits the level of severity of their injuries. “We have helped 1000's of Portland auto accident injury patients. We strive to reduce pain and help our patients feel as good as they were before their accident.” 

Because not all motor vehicle accident injuries present symptoms right away, seeking a medical evaluation early on is critical. Don’t delay care, come see us at Portland Urgent Care today. Our team will work to provide a complete solution for most auto accident injury victims. “Portland, don’t live with pain any longer”

Suffering injuries from a motor vehicle accident? Visit Portland Urgent Care today!

Read More Accident Related Blogs Here:

What To Do After A Car Accident

Common Car Accident Injuries

Minor Car Accident Injuries

What To Do After A Bike Accident

Urgent Care Vs ER for Auto Accidents

Should I Go To Urgent Care After A Car Accident?

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Written by

Dr. Mark Hosko, MD

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