What are Common Types of Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents in 2023?

There are several different types of injuries that can occur after a car accident. Injuries range from mild to moderate soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, all the way to catastrophic injuries; some even leading to death. Let’s dive deeper into common injuries caused by various types of MVAs.

 

Important Tip if You Sustain Injuries

Before we discuss the types of injuries, one important thing to keep in mind is you may not be fully aware of your injuries or the extent of them at the scene of the accident. Adrenaline has been proven to mask symptoms, and for the most part, soft tissue and muscular pain and injuries tend to become worse 12-24 hours post a car accident. If an ambulance is called to the scene, air on the side of caution with going to the ER if you have any inclination that something doesn’t feel right within yourself.

 

Key Statistics Regarding Car Accident Injuries

According to Forbes Advisor , certain injuries and deaths are more common in particular type of accidents. For example, according to NHTSA:

• 35% if people killed or injured in MVAs were occupants of cars
• 27% were occupants of small trucks
• 4% were occupants of semi trucks or buses
• 20% were cyclist or pedestrians
• 14% were motorcyclist

For the most part, car accident injuries can be placed into two groups as the most common causes of these injuries. These include impact injuries and penetrating injuries.

 

Let’s Discuss Head Injuries

• Traumatic Brain Injuries
  • Although there is a wide array of mild to severe head injuries, one of the most dangerous are traumatic brain injuries or TBIs. According to Forbes Advisor , a TBI is an injury to brain cells or tissue as a result of the brain being jolted inside the skull. They tend to happen after severe whiplash or if the occupant hits their head on a window, steering wheel or hard surface. TBI can range from mild, where the individual fully recovers, to severe, which leads to chronic effects and possible complete quality of life changes.
• Concussions
  • Next on the list of MVA injuries is a type of TBI, known as concussions. These tend to be on the mild spectrum of TBIs, also caused by jolts or blows to the head. According to the CDC, common reported symptoms include headache or head pressure, nausea and vomiting, dizziness and balance problems, sensitivity to light and noise, and confusion or difficulty concentrating.
  • One thing to keep in mind, is concussions are at times not noticeable right away, but prompt medical evaluation is highly recommended if there is a suspicion of a concussion.
• Injuries the Face
  • A third type of head injuries are facial ones. These tend to be very noticeable as the face tends to bruise and swell fairly quickly.
  • Some injuries include but are not limited to bruising, bleeding, facial fractures, eye injuries and chronic scarring.
  • These do require prompt attention, especially when dealing with possible facial fractures and orbital injuries, resulting in visual changes.

 

My Back and Neck Hurts – What Could Have Happened?

Injuries to neck and back are the most common injuries when dealing with minor accidents, especially rear end accidents.

According to Forbes Advisor , back and neck injuries range from mild, including low back strains and sprains to severe and possibly paralyzing spinal cord injuries.

Spinal cord injuries require immediate attention. These injuries can present with symptoms of complete or partial loss of feeling below a certain area. Paralysis can happen either right away or it can manifest slowly, which is why if there is an inkling or chance of a spinal cord injury to neck or back, immediate medical attention is required.

A milder form of neck injury includes whiplash. This is very common and is caused when the neck snaps back and forth causing a strain on the neck muscles. Many individuals recover in a few weeks to a few months.

 

Chest Injuries

“I was in a car accident last night, and now my chest hurts and I have a seatbelt mark.” This is another common complaint of clients post MVA. The forward momentum of the car, and backwards jolt of the seatbelt can be extreme causing bruising and possible broken or bruised ribs as a result. If you feel chest pain after a car accident, please go the ER promptly to be fully evaluated.

Broken or contused ribs tend to heal on their own, however depending on the extent of the fracture, if severe they can puncture organs or blood vessels. Immediate medical evalulation is recommended.

Although not common, a heart attack can occur as a result of the stress of a car accident. Drivers or passengers over the age of 65 suffering from chest pain, should always present to the ER to rule out the possibility of a heart attack post motor vehicle accident. Also to note, it may not happen the next day or week after the accident. An individual can still be prone to a heart attack, months after an accident.

What are Sprains and Strains?

Sprains and strains are very common after motor vehicle accidents.

• Sprains – happens between 2 bones
• Strains – occur between muscle or tendon that connects to bone

Sprains and strains tend to heal on their own, but if there is a concern for a deeper injury such as a fracture, please don’t hesitate to be evaluated.

Upper and Lower Extremity Injuries

There are various types of injuries to arm and legs that are caused by car accidents. These include:

• Broken Bones
  • These are common and sometimes mistaken for a sprain or strain, like mentioned above. Usually diagnosed by X-ray, so if you suspect it, don’t hesitate to see a medial provider.
• Dislocations
  • These tend to be very obvious, cause significant pain, and usually occur right away. Dislocations happen when two joints pull apart and need to be relocated by a medical provider.
• Amputations
  • Amputations tend to happen in severe accidents. They either occur immediately at the scene or as a result of loss of blood supply to a damaged limb.

What are Penetrating Injuries?

Penetrating injuries occur when a flying or loose object punctures your body. If this happens, first rule according to Forbes Advisor , is do not remove the object. Always wait for medical attention, unless the car you are in is in danger of fire or explosion. Penetrating injuries can lead to organ damage and internal bleeding, so they are always better evaluated by a licensed medical provider.

Finally, Lets Discuss PTSD

Accidents can not only cause physical damage but emotional trauma as well. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can affect anyone and it can occur at any given time. Please do not feel ashamed or embarrassed if you are having a hard time coping with emotional trauma after a motor vehicle accident. This is normal and medical attention is highly recommended for the best chance of healing.

 

Contact us at Symco Injury Law Firm!

We know all car accidents can be very stressful and traumatic. If you suffer any injuries from a car accident, please don’t hesitate to call or text us. We, at Symco Injury Law Firm, have years of extensive experience and are here to help you 24/7. Contact Us.

*This blog is not intended to be used for medical advice or legal advice. Please do not rely on the information noted above to make a decision, but rather contact a medical doctor for medical issues and our office or another attorney for legal issues.