Common Car Accident Injuries and Their Long-Term Effects

In 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported over 5.4 million car accidents in the United States, leading to over an estimated 2,497,657 people were injured. Car accidents can cause various injuries, ranging from mild discomfort to severe, life-altering conditions. You might get away with some minor scrapes and bruises, but accidents also cause life-threatening injuries. The kind of injuries that disrupt your life, keep you from doing things you love, and drain your bank account.

Bone Fractures and Joint Dislocations

Bone fractures and joint dislocations are common in car accidents, frequently occurring in the arms, legs, pelvis, or ribs. According to a study of adults over the age of 50, motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of fractures from severe trauma. A separate study across all age groups found that men 15-30 are especially likely to have a fracture caused by a car accident.

High-impact collisions, such as frontal crashes or rollovers, often result in these injuries. Fractured ribs are particularly concerning as they can puncture nearby organs like the lungs or liver. Facial fractures can occur due to airbag deployment or direct impact with the dashboard. Joint dislocations, such as shoulder or knee injuries, may require surgery or prolonged therapy for recovery.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

TBIs occur when a sudden impact or jolt disrupts normal brain function. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a “major cause of death and disability in the United States.” Their data lists motor vehicle crashes as a leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations and death in individuals aged 15 to 34.

High-speed collisions, rear-end crashes, or rollovers where the head strikes hard surfaces like the dashboard or steering wheel often cause these injuries. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths, particularly among individuals aged 15-34.

Anyone involved in a car accident that could have caused a blow to the head should thoroughly investigate the possibility that they have a TBI with the help of medical professionals. They may need to be referred to a specialist who can test the extent of their possible injury and make a full diagnosis

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs)

SCIs result from damage to the spinal cord, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis. Side-impact collisions, rollovers, or head-on crashes often cause these injuries. Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of SCIs, accounting for nearly 38% of cases annually in the U.S.

You may also suffer from vertebrae fractures, bruising, compression, and more. Wherever your injury happens, the area below it will be affected. For instance, if your spinal cord injury is in your lower back, your legs and pelvic organs may be affected (paraplegia). But if the injury is in your neck, your entire body could be paralyzed (tetraplegia).

Some individuals who sustain spinal cord damage in a car accident may have neurological symptoms, difficulty performing normal functions, or paralysis. Individuals with severe spinal cord injuries are likely to require extended hospitalization and treatment from multiple specialists.

Internal Injuries and Organ Damage

Blunt force trauma in accidents can cause severe internal injuries, often without visible external signs. Broken ribs can puncture the lungs, while abdominal trauma can damage organs like the spleen, liver, or intestines. Side-impact collisions and seatbelt injuries are common causes. Internal bleeding is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. A ruptured spleen or perforated intestine can lead to complications that demand surgical intervention.

Some internal injuries can be difficult to detect without a thorough diagnosis. A perforated intestine or colon, for instance, may cause minimal pain but can lead to rectal bleeding and other symptoms. Because of the possibility of internal organ injuries, car accident victims should always be sure to get a thorough medical diagnosis after their collision.

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash occurs when the neck is violently jerked forward and back, commonly resulting from rear-end collisions. While not usually life-threatening, whiplash can cause significant discomfort, stiffness, and headaches, often impacting daily activities and work. Similar neck injuries, such as muscle strains or ligament damage, are common and may require physical therapy to restore mobility and reduce chronic pain.

Burns and Lacerations

Burn injuries occur in accidents involving fires, explosions, or fuel leaks. Severe burns can result in permanent scarring and require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts. Lacerations and deep cuts, often caused by broken glass or sharp debris, can lead to infections if not treated promptly. Impalements from vehicle parts or debris also fall under this category, frequently necessitating emergency surgery. Minor injuries can still be painful, and they can lead to complications if left untreated. For example, untreated wounds could lead to infection, and some serious abrasions could require skin grafts for the region to heal properly.

Psychological Injuries

Car accidents can cause lasting emotional and psychological distress, affecting victims long after physical injuries heal. Common conditions include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and phobias related to driving or travel.

PTSD often manifests through flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors, with symptoms like hypervigilance, difficulty concentrating, and emotional detachment. Approximately 9% of car accident survivors develop PTSD, with higher rates in severe crashes involving fatalities or injuries.

Anxiety and panic disorders frequently emerge, leading to fear of driving or traveling. Victims may experience panic attacks, avoidance behaviors, or specific phobias like driving at night or on highways. Depression is also prevalent, especially among those dealing with chronic pain, long-term disabilities, or financial stress. Survivor’s guilt can occur in accidents involving fatalities, causing self-blame and rumination over the event.

Children affected by car accidents may exhibit unique symptoms like separation anxiety or developmental regression. Psychological injuries can strain relationships, reduce work performance, and impact daily life.

Effective treatments include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, medication, and support groups. Early intervention is essential, as untreated conditions can worsen over time. With proper care, many victims can regain emotional stability and improve their quality of life.

Psychological injuries can also have financial repercussions, as victims may require prolonged therapy, medications, and time off work to recover. Compensation through a personal injury claim can help cover these costs, ensuring victims have the resources needed for comprehensive treatment and emotional healing.

Incapacitating Injuries

Incapacitating injuries from car accidents are severe physical or neurological injuries that significantly hinder a victim’s ability to perform daily activities or work independently. Examples of such injuries include spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) causing cognitive impairment or loss of motor functions, and multiple bone fractures that require extensive surgeries and prolonged rehabilitation. Severe internal injuries, such as punctured lungs or ruptured organs, can also fall into this category, often leaving victims with long-term medical complications or reliance on assistive devices like ventilators or wheelchairs. These injuries can drastically alter a victim’s quality of life, necessitating ongoing medical care, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

What To Do About Accident Injuries

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, seeking immediate medical attention is essential. Adrenaline from the impact can mask injuries, and prompt evaluation by medical professionals can identify hidden issues and prevent complications. First responders provide crucial emergency care, but hospitals offer advanced diagnostic tools for a thorough assessment.

You may be entitled to file a personal injury claim against at-fault parties to recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Acting quickly is vital, as evidence can deteriorate, and legal deadlines may apply.

For over 20 years, Steinger, Greene & Feiner has helped car accident victims secure fair compensation. Our car accident lawyers document every detail of your case and guide you through the legal process. Contact us today at (615) 590-3106 for a free consultation and to start your claim.