Car accidents are the leading cause of injury in the United States. In 2012, there were 5.6 million car accidents reported in the country alone. While the car accident injuries can vary, there are certain injuries more common than others. These injuries range from mild to life-threatening; some may resolve themselves in a matter of days without treatment, while others will require long-term treatment and may be permanent.
There are several factors that can impact the severity of an individual’s injuries, including:
Seat belt use
Side of the vehicle impacted (rear, front, side, etc.)
Airbag deployment
Position of the victim (facing forward, turned body, etc.)
Speed of the collision
Most Common Injuries from Car Accidents
Head Injuries - Head injuries are common in serious accidents. High-speed collisions can force a passenger or driver to strike their head against a dashboard, steering wheel, or window. The most common result is a traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as a concussion.
Spinal Cord Injuries - The sheer force from a car accident can lead to damage to the spinal cord. This can result in serious nerve damage, which may cause reduced sensation, difficulty controlling extremities, or even permanent paralysis.
Soft Tissue Injuries - This is an injury to the body’s connective tissue (muscles, ligaments, and tendons). It is one of the most common seen in car accident injuries– including low-speed impacts. Soft tissue injuries come in many forms, including whiplash. Whiplash occurs when muscles and ligaments are stretched due to sudden, violent force imposed on the head and neck.
Cuts and Lacerations - These can range from relatively minor cuts to deep lacerations that result in a loss of blood and may require stitches.
Contusions or Bruises - These can occur anywhere on the body, but are commonly seen across the chest from seatbelts. It may take several days for these to fully appear.
Broken Bones - Broken fingers and wrists are common from airbag impact, although oftentimes the accident itself leads to broken legs, ankles, arms, etc.
Also, while not a physical injury, it is common for accident victims to suffer from extreme emotional distress. In severe accidents, a victim may suffer from mild to moderate PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). This often requires professional counseling and psychological treatment to help the victim cope with the emotional trauma stemming from their accident.
Car accident injuries can cost an accident victim thousands of dollars in doctors’ visits, diagnostic tests, and treatment. For more serious injuries, a victim may find themselves overwhelmed with medical debt. Jodat Law Group, P.A. can help those injured in car accidents recover their medical losses and damages. Call 877-JodatLaw or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
