What is Motor Vehicle Collision Injury

It is common to have injuries to your face, arms, and body after a car accident (motor vehicle collision). These injuries may include:

• Cuts.
• Burns.
• Bruises.
• Sore muscles.

These injuries tend to feel worse for the first 24–48 hours. You may feel the stiffest and sorest over the first several hours. You may also feel worse when you wake up the first morning after your accident. After that, you will usually begin to get better with each day. How quickly you get better often depends on:

• How bad the accident was.
• How many injuries you have.
• Where your injuries are.
• What types of injuries you have.
• If your airbag was used.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take and apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• If you were prescribed antibiotic medicine, take or apply it as told by your doctor. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if your condition gets better.

If You Have a Wound or a Burn:

• Clean your wound or burn as told by your doctor.
  • Wash it with mild soap and water.
  • Rinse it with water to get all the soap off.
  • Pat it dry with a clean towel. Do not rub it.
• Follow instructions from your doctor about how to take care of your wound or burn. Make sure you:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before you change your bandage (dressing). If you cannot use soap and water, use hand sanitizer.
  • Change your bandage as told by your doctor.
  • Leave stitches (sutures), skin glue, or skin tape (adhesive) strips in place, if you have these. They may need to stay in place for 2 weeks or longer. If tape strips get loose and curl up, you may trim the loose edges. Do not remove tape strips completely unless your doctor says it is okay.
• Do not scratch or pick at the wound or burn.
• Do not break any blisters you may have. Do not peel any skin.
• Avoid getting sun on your wound or burn.
• Raise (elevate) the wound or burn above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down. If you have a wound or burn on your face, you may want to sleep with your head raised. You may do this by putting an extra pillow under your head.
• Check your wound or burn every day for signs of infection. Watch for:
  • Redness, swelling, or pain.
  • Fluid, blood, or pus.
  • Warmth.
  • A bad smell.

General instructions

• If directed, put ice on your eyes, face, trunk (torso), or other injured areas.
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Ask your doctor if you have any limits to what you can lift.
• Rest. Rest helps your body to heal. Make sure you:
  • Get plenty of sleep at night. Avoid staying up late at night.
  • Go to bed at the same time on weekends and weekdays.
• Ask your doctor when you can drive, ride a bicycle, or use heavy machinery. Do not do these activities if you are dizzy.

Contact a doctor if:

• Your symptoms get worse.
• You have any of the following symptoms for more than two weeks after your car accident:
  • Lasting (chronic) headaches.
  • Dizziness or balance problems.
  • Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea).
  • Vision problems.
  • More sensitivity to noise or light.
  • Depression or mood swings.
  • Feeling worried or nervous (anxiety).
  • Getting upset or bothered easily.
  • Memory problems.
  • Trouble concentrating or paying attention.
  • Sleep problems.
  • Feeling tired all the time.

Get help right away if:

• You have:
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs.
  • Very bad neck pain, especially tenderness in the middle of the back of your neck.
  • A change in your ability to control your pee (urine) or poop (stool).
  • More pain in any area of your body.
  • Shortness of breath or light-headedness.
  • Chest pain.
  • Blood in your pee, poop, or throw-up (vomit).
  • Very bad pain in your belly (abdomen) or your back.
  • Very bad headaches or headaches that are getting worse.
  • Sudden vision loss or double vision.
• Your eye suddenly turns red.
• The black center of your eye (pupil) is an odd shape or size.