The Most Common Car Crash Injuries

While you might not think about the possibility of being involved in a car accident when you get behind the wheel of your vehicle, car crashes can happen at any time. Unfortunately, many people suffer serious injuries in collisions caused by driving mistakes made by other motorists. In 2020 alone, the National Safety Council (NSC) reports an estimated 4.8 million people suffered injuries in car accidents that required medical care. Let’s explore some of the most common car crash injuries and learn how to avoid them.

The Most Common Car Crash Injuries

Many different types of injuries can happen in car accidents because of the physical forces released. People can suffer injuries when their bodies strike surfaces inside of their cars, are struck by flying debris, are crushed, or are thrown from their vehicles. They can also suffer injuries when they are violently jolted and tossed around because of the impact. While you might suffer any number of injuries, the most common car crash injuries are detailed below.

Whiplash

Whiplash injuries are especially common in rear-end collisions. Whiplash occurs when an occupant of the front vehicle is propelled forward by the force of the crash before returning backward, forcing their head and neck to hyperextend. Whiplash can cause damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the shoulders, upper back, and neck and can range in severity. While mild whiplash might resolve in a few weeks, severe whiplash might cause lasting effects for months and leave victims with a reduced range of motion, muscle stiffness, chronic headaches, pain, and the potential development of depression or anxiety.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can happen when people suffer blows to the head or when their brains are jostled around inside of their skulls and strike the bones. TBIs can cause both immediate symptoms and long-lasting complications. If a TBI is not promptly and properly treated, the victim might suffer chronic symptoms, including cognitive problems, personality changes, headaches, sleep problems, and more. In the event of a severe TBI, the victim might require lifelong care. TBIs must be promptly treated to prevent them from worsening.

Fractured Bones

Many bones can be fractured in car accidents, including the following:

• Ribs
• Skull
• Arms
• Legs
• Wrists
• Ankles
• Clavicle

Fractures can result from striking various bodily parts on hard surfaces or having enormous pressure placed on them during a collision. Fractures can vary in severity and can be accompanied by other types of injuries.

Lacerations

Lacerations are common in car accidents. You might suffer cuts to your face or other areas of your body from flying debris, glass, torn metal, and more. When you suffer lacerations in a collision, it’s important to stop the bleeding and seek medical attention to repair them and prevent infections. In some cases, lacerations can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement.

Back Injuries

Being tossed around your vehicle during a car crash can cause back injuries, including herniated discs or fractured vertebrae. Back injuries can cause debilitating pain, reduce your ability to move, and limit your range of motion.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Severe car crashes can cause spinal cord injuries. If you suffer an injury to your spinal cord, getting immediate medical attention is important to prevent the injury from worsening. Depending on the type of injury, you could be left with paralysis below the site of the injury. Spinal cord injuries will generally require ongoing rehabilitation and might also necessitate ongoing personal care.

Preventing Car Accident Injuries

The best way to prevent car accident injuries is to always follow the traffic rules and exercise caution whenever you drive. Taking the following steps might reduce your chances of being injured in a car crash:

• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Obey the posted speed limit.
• Don’t use your phone while you drive.
• Never text while driving.
• Focus your attention on the road at all times.
• Be prepared to implement defensive driving when necessary.
• Keep your car well-maintained.
• Never drive after drinking or using drugs, including certain prescription medications.
• Don’t drive while drowsy.

Even if you’re always careful when you drive, you can’t control the behavior of other drivers. If you are injured in a car crash, seek medical care immediately to facilitate your recovery.

Talk to Ellis & Associates

Suffering injuries in a car wreck can be emotionally and financially devastating. If you were injured in a car accident because of the actions of someone else, you should speak to the attorneys at Ellis & Associates about your potential rights. Call us for a free consultation at 800-MR-ELLIS.