Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

From minor sprains and bruises to more severe injuries that can cause permanent disability or death, car accidents can significantly hurt drivers and passengers. Even if you escape the physical injuries, you may suffer emotional damage, impacting your quality of life. 

Learning the different types of traffic crash-related injuries is essential so you can take appropriate measures to treat them promptly. While some injuries are quickly noticeable, others may require a medical diagnosis. That is why seeking medical attention immediately after a car crash is crucial.

Here are the most common types of car accident injuries

Head and Back Injuries

Head and back injuries sustained from car crashes are often severe and challenging to recover from. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 30 percent of traffic-related deaths result from head injuries. 

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most severe head injury, which occurs when the brain is jolted. TBI can have a long-lasting impact, including brain damage. Other head injuries could include concussions, broken skulls, and eye damage. 

Regarding the back, victims of car crashes can suffer spinal cord injuries. These injuries require immediate medical attention and may lead to permanent disability if the accident’s impact is severe. 

Neck and Chest Injuries

The impact of being thrown forward from your seat during a car crash can result in bruising and other injuries to the neck and chest area. Also known as thoracic injuries, chest injuries can be tragic, so it is vital to take them seriously. 

The most prevalent type of chest injury is broken or bruised bones. While some cases of broken ribs can be mild and heal independently, others can be severe, causing complications such as damaging internal organs or puncturing blood vessels. 

You may also suffer whiplash during a car crash. This injury occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully jerked back and forth, damaging the neck muscles and ligaments. Common whiplash symptoms include headaches, stiffness, and neck pain. 

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries often cause damage to the body’s connective tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They may vary from sprains and strains to bruises. 

Sometimes, symptoms of soft tissue injuries may not manifest immediately and can take time to heal entirely. If these injuries occur to vital body parts, like near the chest area, they damage internal organs, causing long-term damage. 

Arm and Leg Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents can also cause arm and leg injuries, including broken bones and dislocated limbs. Most of these injuries are easy to notice immediately after a crash. However, others may require thorough scans by a medical expert.

In severe accidents, victims may lose their limbs, either due to the impact of the crash or other complications that might develop later. Losing a limb can make it hard to work and do everyday activities, leading to financial struggles and poor quality of life. 

Compensation for Car Accident Injuries

You may qualify for compensation if you suffer injuries in an accident due to another motorist’s negligence. This compensation can cater to your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. 

“The amount of compensation you receive in a car accident injury claim depends on various factors, such as the severity of the accident and the evidence you provide, says attorney Walter T. Clark of Walter Clark Legal Group. “For that reason, it is advised you speak with legal counsel to better understand your possibilities for compensation.” 

An attorney can help you gather crucial evidence for your case, guide you through the legal process, and negotiate on your behalf with the at-fault party’s insurance company.