What are Common Injuries From a Car Accident?

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death in the United States.

With millions hitting the road each day, the Association for Safe International Road Travel estimates that 2.35 million suffer injuries from a car accident each year.

Injuries from a car accident are both physical and emotional. Additionally, studies show that the severity of injuries suffered by those in car accidents can be affected by where a person is seated in the vehicle in relation to the point of impact or impacts in the accident.

If you have suffered injuries from a car accident, make sure you are fully compensated by contacting the experienced attorneys at McDonald Worley for a FREE case evaluation. 

Common Injuries From a Car Accident Include:

• Brain injuries

This type of injury is common because the force of the accident causes victims’ heads to impact things inside the car. Brain injuries can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries. Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine the severity of the injury soon after the accident. Those with traumatic brain injuries can face years or even life-long cognitive impairments.

• Head injuries

Other parts of the head, including the face, eyes, and ears are particularly vulnerable in a car accident. Broken teeth and jaw bones also commonly occur.

• Neck and back injuries

Neck and back injuries are common injuries from a car accident because the force of the accident often causes a great deal of stress. Victims’ neck and back are stretched quickly and then snap back leading to damaged vertebrae and ligaments. Results can be severe, including paralysis. Additionally, victims may suffer from back and neck pain for years after the accident.

• Chest injuries

The force caused by a car accident often affects the chest. Even if the passenger is wearing a seatbelt, the force can break chest bones or injure internal organs. Those who do not wear seatbelts have been found to suffer more severe injuries, including diaphragm ruptures.

• Abdominal and pelvic injuries

Front and side impacts often lead to injury of the organs in the abdomen and pelvis, as well as internal bleeding.

• Leg, knee, and foot injuries

The lower part of the body can be crushed in a car accident, leading to bruising, tearing, or broken bones. Additionally, front seat passengers often hit their knees on the dashboard in a car accident, leading to injury.

• Psychological injuries

The stress of being in a car accident often leads to emotional problems for victims, especially if the victims are dealing with unexpected medical bills, other injuries, injury to their family, or lost wages due to the accident. Depression can often be caused by a car accident as the victim may face serious and life-long changes from the accident.

In addition to impact, injuries from a car accident can be caused by broken glass or other sharp edges caused by the accident.

What Should You Do After an Accident?

Injuries from a car accident can be hidden and victims, full of adrenaline, may not realize they have been hurt until days, weeks, or even months after the wreck. These types of injuries include herniated discs, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), cartilage injuries to the knee or shoulder, and psychological injuries.

Those suffering injuries after a car accident also bear the additional stress of medical bills, lost work, and lost time with family and friends to deal with their injuries and aftermath of the accident.

If the accident was not the victim’s fault, then they may be entitled to payments to help cover the costs of their injuries and property damage. Unfortunately, insurance companies and other drivers try to escape their obligations, leaving the victim with the bills.

If you have suffered injuries from a car accident, make sure you are fully compensated by contacting the experienced attorneys at McDonald Worley for a FREE case evaluation.