What Are the Most Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents?

The injuries that can be caused by car accidents vary in severity and nature and depend on a number of different factors, such as the type of collision, the speed at impact, the use of safety equipment (or not), and the physical condition of those involved.

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries resulting from car accidents, particularly rear-end collisions. It is caused by the head and neck being suddenly and forcefully thrown backward and then forward, much like the cracking of a whip. 

This motion strains the muscles and ligaments in the neck and upper spine. Whiplash-type injuries are the most frequently reported outcome of rear-end crashes. Symptoms can include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes cognitive issues like difficulty concentrating.

Soft tissue injuries can also affect other parts of the body, including the back, shoulders, and legs. Often these injuries cause great discomfort but do not become obvious until after the shock of the accident has worn off. This is just one of the reasons why it is important to seek medical evaluation and treatment after an accident.

Traumatic brain injuries, sometimes abbreviated to TBIs, including concussions, are another common consequence of car accidents. These injuries can occur when the head strikes an object such as the steering wheel, window, or dashboard, causing the brain to move around inside the skull.

A concussion is the mildest form of traumatic brain injury but can still result in symptoms like confusion, memory loss, nausea, and dizziness. More severe traumatic brain injuries may cause long-term cognitive deficits, mood disorders, or physical impairments. It is important that such injuries be diagnosed and treated promptly, as, in severe cases, significant rehabilitation may be required.

Fractures account for a significant portion of hospital visits following vehicular accidents, particularly among older adults. These can range from relatively simple fractures to more serious breaks that may require surgery to heal properly. The kinds of breaks often caused by car accidents include the following:

In the event of a crash, the body is often thrown around violently. Your back and spine are particularly vulnerable to injury when this happens. Injuries to the back can range from minor herniated discs and muscle strains to life-altering spinal cord injuries. Back injuries are common even in low-speed collisions and can lead to persistent pain and limited mobility. Herniated discs, for instance, may cause radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs due to nerve compression.

A spinal cord in jury is a much bigger deal, and vehicular crashes are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the US. In severe cases, damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or even complete paralysis. In such cases, a person’s quality of life is affected dramatically, and they may need lifelong medical care and assistance.

Blunt force trauma during a car accident can cause internal injuries. Though it may not be obvious immediately, or can even be mistaken for less serious injuries, such as bruising, blunt force trauma can be very dangerous because symptoms are not always immediately apparent. It is imperative to be checked out by a doctor to make sure that you are not suffering from internal bleeding, organ damage, or any other serious internal damage.

While usually minor, cuts and lacerations caused by car accidents can vary in severity and may become serious if they result in significant blood loss or infection. These injuries typically result from shattered glass, flying debris, or contact with interior components of the vehicle. Though airbags serve a valuable function in a crash, they can also cause facial lacerations or abrasions when deployed. Bruising is also common, particularly across the chest and abdomen from seatbelt restraints.

The following measures are proven to significantly reduce both the frequency and severity of injuries. Moreover, in the case of a personal injury suit, if you’ve done these things, you’ll be able to show that you took all precautions necessary to ensure your safety, which will help your case.

Not only is it the law, but making sure your seatbelt is fastened is one of the best ways to protect yourself from serious injury or death in a car accident. The belt doesn’t just stop occupants being thrown from the vehicle but also distributes the force of impact across the body to lessen the damage caused by the crash. Though you may find yourself bruised by the seatbelt after a crash, this injury is much less serious than the damage that can be done if you are not restrained when there is an accident.

Airbags prevent your head from hitting the windshield, the dashboard, the steering wheel, and, in some cases, the sides of the car. Although airbags do not require routine maintenance, their importance means it is best to have them checked out immediately if the warning light comes on or if you suspect an issue.

Safety belts are designed to prevent damage to adults, but children are much shorter and lighter than the average adult. That’s why they need child seats, which boost them up to the correct height to be held in by the seatbelt. Child seats also provide extra cushioning to protect them from injuries in the event of a crash.

If you’ve been hurt in a vehicle crash, you deserve compensation for your injuries. Whether you are involved in negotiations with an insurance company or considering filing a personal injury suit, the help of a personal injury lawyer can be invaluable. Our experience in the field, coupled with our devotion to our clients’ needs, sets us apart from the rest. We can advise you on the strength of your case, help you get your evidence together, find experts to interpret it, and advocate vigorously on your behalf. We can represent you in negotiations and even in court if needs be.

Prevention is better than cure, but when cure is what you need, we can help. We know that approaching the idea of a lawsuit can be intimidating, and we do our best to make sure that you are given the guidance you need without any confusing legal jargon. Get in touch with us Cesar Ornelas Injury Law in San Antonio, TX, to schedule an initial appointment. We are dedicated to getting our clients the compensation they need to heal and get on with living their lives.