What Are The Most Common Injuries From Car Accidents?

Accidents happen every day all over the world. In fact, more people get injured in car accidents every day than in planes, despite flying feeling more dangerous. Car accidents can be the cause of a number of different injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to injuries that can be fatal. These are some of the most common injuries that people suffer from in car accidents. 

1. Traumatic brain injuries

Head injuries are one of the most serious outcomes of a car accident. A traumatic brain injury can happen when the head hits a hard surface like the steering wheel, window, or airbag, or when the brain is jolted suddenly inside the skull. Symptoms are not always immediate. 

Headaches, dizziness, memory issues, confusion, or mood changes may appear days or even weeks later. Some people recover fully, while others are left with long-term cognitive or physical difficulties that affect everyday life. 

2. Neck injuries and whiplash

Whiplash is extremely common in rear-end collisions, even at relatively low speeds. It happens when the head is thrown forward and back suddenly, straining the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. Usually, your neck might feel sore or stiff when this happens, and you may develop a headache. 

3. Back and spine injuries

The spine is not designed to absorb the force of a car crash, which is why back injuries are so common. These can include muscle strains, disc injuries, nerve damage, or fractures. 

Back pain may not appear straight away, which is why people sometimes delay treatment. Unfortunately, untreated back injuries can become chronic and lead to long-term pain, reduced movement, and time away from work, so it’s best to have them looked at. 

4. Broken bones and fractures

Fractures and breaks are also quite common, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, wrists, and ankles. Some fractures are straightforward and can be treated with a cast, while others require surgery, pins, or plates. Recovery times can vary depending on the injury, which can also be an inconvenience to other aspects of your life. 

5. Internal organ injuries

Serious accidents and even sometimes milder ones can cause internal injuries, which are often worse because they only show symptoms later on. The force of a crash can cause damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs, often resulting in internal bleeding. Most internal injuries require immediate medical attention and can become worse if they are left untreated. This is why it’s essential to undergo a medical check after an accident, just to be safe. 

6. Knee injuries

When you’re in a head-on accident, your knees can take the brunt of the force when they slam into the dashboard or steering column. This alone is enough to cause damage to your ACL or PCL, meniscus, or other ligaments, muscles, and tendons in your knee. 

Unfortunately, knee injuries generally get worse with time and often require surgery or long-term physiotherapy to treat them. Even moderate knee damage can make standing, walking, or driving painful.

7. Shoulder injuries

Shoulder injuries commonly occur when a person braces themselves against the steering wheel or dashboard during a collision. The shoulder absorbs a lot of force and can suffer dislocations, rotator cuff tears, or fractures. These injuries can make everyday tasks like lifting, dressing, or sleeping uncomfortable and may take a long time to heal fully.

8. Psychological trauma

Let’s not forget about the psychological trauma that an accident can cause, too. Many people experience anxiety, sleep problems, flashbacks, or fear of driving after a serious accident. In some cases, this develops into post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychological injuries can affect work, relationships, and overall quality of life. They are just as real as physical injuries and often need professional treatment and support.

Getting compensation for your injuries

Understanding how injuries are assessed and compensated can be helpful, especially when dealing with insurance companies or legal claims after an accident. If you or someone close to you has been injured, seeking legal advice for a motor vehicle accident can help you understand your options, protect your rights, and pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income, and long-term impacts.

Final Thoughts

You can get into a car accident in the blink of an eye. One minute, the roads are clear, and you look down to change the volume on the radio, and suddenly, there’s another vehicle in front of you. It’s as easy as that. It’s common for people to walk away from an accident seemingly fine, only to find out that they are injured later on. Understanding the symptoms of the injuries above can help you identify them early if you’re ever unlucky enough to be in an accident.