Most Common Injuries from Car Accidents

A car accident occurs every minute of every day. In 2021, there were 6.3 million car accidents recorded on our roads. That is over 17,000 per day.

Accidents can happen to anyone, at any time. And while we hope we’ll never be involved in one, the reality is that most of us will be involved in a car accident at some point in our lives.

While some car accidents are minor fender benders with no injuries, others are much more serious, resulting in life-altering or even fatal injuries.

Some of the most common injuries that occur as a result of car accidents include:

Whiplash

Whiplash is perhaps one of the most common injuries that occur as a result of car accidents. Whiplash is a type of neck injury caused by the sudden jerking or jolting of the head, neck, and upper body.

Whiplash often occurs in rear-end collisions when the victim’s head is suddenly thrown backward and forward. The force of the collision can cause ligaments and muscles in the neck to stretch beyond their normal range of motion, resulting in pain, stiffness, and other symptoms.

While whiplash is not a life-threatening injury, it can be excruciating and debilitating. Symptoms of whiplash may not appear immediately after the accident but can develop over the following days or weeks.

Common symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, difficulty concentrating or remembering things, and irritability.

Broken Bones

Car accidents can lead to broken bones, including fractures to the arms, legs, hands, feet, ribs, and pelvis.

Broken bones often occur as a result of the force of the impact or from being thrown from the vehicle. In some cases, broken bones can puncture the skin and protrude through the wound.

If you’ve suffered a broken bone due to a car accident, you may experience severe pain, swelling, and bruising. You may also have difficulty moving the affected limb or body part.

If you suspect you’ve broken a bone, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately, as some broken bones can cause severe complications if left untreated.

Lacerations

Lacerations, or cuts, are another common injury that can occur in a car accident. Lacerations can range from minor scrapes and bruises to deep gashes requiring stitches or close surgery.

In some cases, lacerations can be caused by broken glass from the vehicle’s windows. In other cases, they may be caused by debris from the accident itself.

Lacerations can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the face, head, and hands. If you’ve suffered a laceration due to a car accident, you may experience bleeding, pain, swelling, and bruising.

If the laceration is deep, you may also need stitches or surgery to close the wound.

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is a severe medical condition that can occur after a car accident. Internal bleeding occurs when blood vessels are ruptured, and blood leaks into the space around the organs.

Internal bleeding can be caused by blunt force trauma to the abdomen, chest, or head. It can also be caused by a broken bone that punctures the skin.

Internal bleeding is a medical emergency and can quickly lead to death if not treated promptly. Symptoms of internal bleeding include abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, and weakness.

If you suspect that you or someone else has suffered from internal bleeding, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately.

Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of brain damage that can occur after a car accident. A TBI can be caused by a blow to the head or a penetrating head injury.

Symptoms of a TBI can range from mild to severe and can include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, blurred vision, slurred speech, sleep problems, and memory problems. More serious symptoms of a TBI may include seizures, coma, and death.

If you’ve suffered a blow to the head in a car accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately, as TBIs can be difficult to diagnose and can lead to severe complications if left untreated.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries may range from mild to severe and can include strains, sprains, and contusions.

Strains occur when the muscles or tendons are stretched or torn. Sprains occur when the ligaments are stretched or torn. Contusions occur when a blow to the body bruises the soft tissue.

Soft tissue injuries often occur as a result of the force of the impact in a car accident. They can also occur from being thrown around inside the vehicle or from contact with sharp objects.

If you’ve suffered a soft tissue injury as a result of a car accident, you may experience pain, swelling, and bruising. You may also have difficulty moving the affected limb or body part.

Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a type of injury that can occur after a car accident. An SCI occurs when the spinal cord is damaged, which can cause a loss of feeling and movement in the body below the point of injury.

SCIs can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the spinal cord. Mild SCIs may only cause temporary paralysis, while more severe SCIs can result in permanent paralysis.

If you’ve suffered an SCI due to a car accident, you may experience a loss of feeling and movement in the affected area of your body. You may also experience pain, numbness, and weakness.

Summary

While the injuries vary in severity, all car accidents have the potential to cause serious harm. If you are involved in a car accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately and contact an attorney.