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Car accidents are a common occurrence on our roads and highways, and they can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere.
Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a catastrophic collision, car accidents can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s important to understand the most common types of injuries that can occur and how to seek medical and legal help to ensure that you receive the care and compensation you need.
In this blog, we’ll explore the seven most common car accident injuries in personal injury claims and how to get with your claim. So, buckle up, and let’s dive in!
Head and Brain Injuries
Head and brain injuries are among the most serious injuries that can result from a car accident. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can have lifelong consequences.
A traumatic brain injury occurs when a blow or jolt to the head causes damage to the brain. Symptoms of TBI can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury and the location of the damage but may include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Headaches
- Dizziness or disorientation
- Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
- Seizures
- Personality changes or mood swings
In some cases, TBI can result in long-term cognitive, physical, or emotional disabilities, such as difficulty with memory, speech, or motor function, depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
Neck Injuries
One of the most common car accident injuries we see is whiplash—a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward or backward. This type of injury is often seen in rear-end collisions but can occur in any car accident.
Whiplash can cause significant pain and discomfort, as well as a range of other symptoms, including:
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the neck
- Headaches, especially at the base of the skull
- Dizziness and fatigue
- Tingling or numbness in the arms and hands
At the same time, in personal injury claims, whiplash is often a highly disputed injury, with insurance companies frequently questioning the severity of the injury or whether it was caused by the accident. Therefore, working with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate these challenges and advocate for your rights is important.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are another serious injury that can result from a car accident. The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting messages from the brain to the rest of the body, so damage to this vital structure can have severe and permanent consequences. Spinal cord injuries can range from mild to severe and may result in partial or complete paralysis.
Symptoms of a spinal cord injury may include:
- Loss of sensation in the limbs or torso
- Loss of movement or coordination
- Difficulty breathing or coughing
- Incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction
The consequences of a spinal cord injury can be life-altering and may require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and personal care assistance. In many cases, individuals with spinal cord injuries may be unable to work or participate in activities they once enjoyed, which can significantly impact their quality of life.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are a common injury resulting from car accidents. They can range in severity from simple fractures requiring only minor medical attention to more serious breaks requiring surgery or physical therapy sessions. Broken bones can occur in any body part, but the most commonly affected areas are the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
The symptoms of a broken bone can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but they typically include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area. In more severe cases, the broken bone may pierce through the skin, causing an open fracture.
One of the biggest concerns with broken bones is the potential for long-term disability if they are not treated properly. In some cases, broken bones can cause permanent damage to the affected area, limiting a person’s mobility and ability to perform daily tasks.
Internal Injuries
Car accidents can result in serious internal injuries that are not immediately visible, making them particularly dangerous. These types of injuries occur when the body is subjected to a sudden force, causing internal organs and tissues to be damaged.
Some common internal injuries that can result from car accidents include:
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Pulmonary contusions
Since these injuries cannot be seen externally, it’s important for those involved in an accident to pay close attention to their bodies after a car crash. Even if you don’t feel pain right away, there could still be underlying issues that need addressing.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are common in car accidents and can cause significant pain and discomfort. These types of injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments and can range in severity from minor strains to more severe tears. Symptoms of soft tissue injuries may not appear immediately after the accident, and it can take several days or weeks for the full extent of the injury to become apparent.
Some common symptoms of soft tissue injuries include:
- Pain and stiffness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Limited range of motion
- Muscle weakness
Soft tissue injuries can take a significant amount of time to heal and may require medical treatment such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, or massage therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged tissue.
Psychological Injuries
Car accidents can profoundly impact a person’s mental health and well-being. Psychological injuries are often overlooked, but they can have long-lasting effects on a person’s life.
Some common psychological injuries that can result from car accidents include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and depression
- Fear of driving
- Social isolation
It’s important to seek help for psychological injuries after a car accident. Counseling and therapy can help you process the trauma and develop coping strategies to manage symptoms. In addition, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation for damages as part of a personal injury claim.
Do you need help with a car accident injury claim? Start by contacting our team at Injury.io today.
Justice McDaniel is an experienced copywriter and blogger. She has over three years of experience providing outstanding legal content that ranks.
