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7 Common Car Accident Injuries

 

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Injuries that occur during a car accident can be severe and disrupt a victim’s life. Individuals who are hurt in a motor vehicle collision may need surgery, long-term treatment, and could be unable to return to work for an extended period.

Seven of the most common injuries sustained through a vehicle collision include:

  • Broken bones

  • Brain injuries

  • Bruises, contusions, and cuts

  • Burns

  • Internal injuries, such as internal bleeding or organ damage

  • Spinal injuries

  • Whiplash


Learn more about injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident with Goodman Acker P.C.

Broken Bones


The level of speed and force that occurs in a car accident can easily cause bones to fracture or break. Broken ribs and limbs are some of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents, but harm to the spine and joints is common as well. Herniated disc injuries, in which the spine’s vertebrae move or break, are common occurrences in motor vehicle accidents. The rapid movement involved in a collision can also cause drivers and their passengers to hit their knees or elbows.

Brain Injuries


Harm to the brain is one of the most serious car accident injuries.

Hitting your head during a collision can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which debilitate the brain’s functionality and can contribute to symptoms such as:

  • Concussion

  • Confusion

  • Dizziness

  • Emotional effects

  • Headaches

  • Memory loss

  • Nausea

  • Sleep issues

  • Vision problems


A TBI can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe.

Of the brain injuries listed, concussions are among the most common types of injuries in motor vehicle accidents. In a collision, the driver might hit his head on the steering wheel, or a passenger might strike her head against the window. If the head suffers a physical blow, it could result in a concussion or it might be associated with a penetration injury. With a penetration injury, when something pierces the skull, severe bleeding and tissue damage will likely occur.

It is important to receive immediate medical attention following any head injury to ensure you receive the proper diagnosis and treatment.

Bruises, Contusions, and Cuts


Bruises and cuts that occur during a car accident can be mild, but in some cases, can cause extreme pain and blood loss. Like other common collision injuries, force is a factor in developing bruises and cuts, but these injuries can also be caused by contact with broken pieces of the cars, such as shattered glass.

Hard impacts can lead to serious bruises, or contusions, sometimes damaging the brain or other internal organs. In some cases, this requires surgery to repair, in other cases it could result in painful damage to the limbs, joints, muscles, or other areas of the body.

Burns


In some vehicle accidents, drivers and passengers can be burned. First- and second-degree burns damage the skin, and third-degree burns can affect tissue. Victims who sustain burn injuries in an accident may need a skin graft and/or other reconstructive treatment.

Internal Injuries


Internal injuries, such as internal bleeding and organ damage, are just as common in car accidents as broken bones and other external injuries. Harm to the body’s internal systems can be detrimental. Even if you do not see any visible injuries following a car accident, it is still possible that you may have sustained internal injuries.

After any motor vehicle accident, it is essential to receive medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor will be able to treat your injuries, and detect any more subtle ailment you may not have noticed yourself. Delaying treatment can cause your injuries to escalate and be detrimental to your health.

Spinal Injuries


Any trauma to the back or neck can result in spinal damage. Neck damage might also occur if the head suffers a massive blow or if the body is twisted and impacted. These injuries happen often in car accidents, usually due to a sudden or severe collision. Spinal injuries can be very serious and may lead to partial or full paralysis.

Whiplash


The rapid back-and-forth motion that bodies are subjected to during a collision can contribute to whiplash. The head whips back before being thrust forward by the force of the collision, all while the rest of the body remains unmoving. Whiplash is an injury that affects the muscles and tendons in the neck, when quick motion causes strain. Whiplash can cause severe damage to muscles, invertebral joints, discs and ligaments, and nerve roots, leading to the following symptoms:

  • Pain and stiffness in the neck

  • Shoulder pain

  • Lower back pain

  • Headaches

  • Dizziness

  • Irritability, sleep disturbances, and fatigue

  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering

  • Pain or numbness in the arm or hand


Injured in a Car Accident? Let Us Help.


If you've been the victim of a car, truck, motorcycle, or bus accident, we are sorry. But we can help.

We can be reached through our online contact form or via phone at (248) 286-8100. Our consultations are completely cost- and obligation-free.

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