10 Most Uncommon Car Accident Injuries

When we think of car accident injuries, we usually picture whiplash, broken bones, or concussions. But not all crash-related injuries are so predictable. Some are rare, dangerous, and even life-threatening—and they often get overlooked.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we’ve represented hundreds of clients with injuries that required complex medical treatment and long-term care—injuries that insurance companies didn’t always take seriously. Below, we break down 10 uncommon car accident injuries—along with stats, symptoms, and why hiring a personal injury lawyer is critical if you were injured in a crash.

1. Pulmonary Contusion (Bruised Lung)

Blunt trauma to the chest during a car accident—like hitting the steering wheel or airbag—can bruise the lungs and interfere with breathing.

• Statistics: Up to 75% of patients with serious chest trauma suffer a pulmonary contusion.
• Risks: Respiratory failure, pneumonia, and other complications.

These injuries may not show symptoms right away. CT scans and oxygen monitoring are key.

2. Seat Belt Syndrome

Seat belts save lives, but they can also cause internal injuries, known as “seat belt syndrome”, when worn improperly or in high-speed crashes.

• Signs: Horizontal bruising across the abdomen or chest.
• Statistics: Around 30% of people with these bruises have internal organ damage.

Victims may suffer intestinal tears, spinal fractures, or internal bleeding—sometimes without obvious external symptoms.

3. Basilar Skull Fracture

This fracture at the base of the skull can occur in high-impact collisions and is extremely dangerous.

• Warning signs: Bruising behind the ears (Battle’s sign), raccoon eyes, clear fluid leaking from the nose or ears.
• Complications: Brain damage, hearing loss, or meningitis.

Early diagnosis and monitoring are essential to prevent further damage.

4. Roof Crush Injuries in Rollovers

In rollover crashes, the vehicle roof may collapse inward and cause crushing injuries to the head, neck, or spine.

• Statistics: Rollovers cause about 30% of vehicle occupant deaths in the U.S.

Federal law requires roof strength testing, but not all vehicles perform equally.

5. Burn Injuries from Vehicle Fires

Burns from car fires are rare—but when they happen, the injuries are severe and often disfiguring.

• Statistics: Over 1,500 people suffer serious car fire-related burns each year in the U.S.

Burn victims may need surgery, skin grafts, or years of rehabilitation.

6. Internal Organ Damage

Blunt force trauma in a crash can injure organs like the spleen, liver, or kidneys—even without visible injuries.

• Danger: Internal bleeding may go unnoticed until it becomes life-threatening.
• Annual deaths from trauma-related bleeding: Approximately 60,000.

Prompt medical imaging (CT or ultrasound) is critical for detecting internal damage.

7. Facial Fractures and Disfigurement

Facial injuries often occur when a person hits the dashboard, steering wheel, or airbag housing.

• Types of injuries: Broken noses, jaw fractures, eye socket injuries.
• Impact: May require reconstructive surgery and result in long-term disfigurement or vision loss.

These injuries are traumatic—both physically and emotionally—and often qualify as catastrophic in legal terms.

8. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Even in the absence of direct head trauma, the brain can be injured by the force of a crash.

• Symptoms: Memory loss, headaches, mood swings, and confusion.
• Statistics: According to the CDC, over 220,000 TBI-related hospitalizations occur annually in the U.S.

Many victims experience long-term effects—even from a so-called “mild” concussion.

9. Hangman’s Fracture (C2 Vertebra Fracture)

Named for its similarity to the neck trauma caused by hanging, a hangman’s fracture occurs when the neck jerks backward violently.

• Cause: Often seen in high-speed crashes and rollovers.
• Risks: Paralysis or death if the injury isn’t stabilized quickly.

Treatment often includes traction, a neck brace, or spinal fusion surgery.

10. Psychological Injuries (PTSD)

Not all car crash injuries are visible. Survivors may suffer from anxiety, nightmares, and PTSD.

• Statistics: 25%–33% of crash survivors develop post-traumatic stress disorder.

Mental health treatment is just as important as physical recovery—and should be part of any injury claim.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Crash

Car accidents—especially those involving rare or serious injuries—can turn your life upside down. Here’s why hiring an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney matters:

1. Proper Medical Documentation

Uncommon injuries often require specialists and extensive diagnostics. A lawyer helps ensure that every step of your medical treatment is fully documented and recoverable in your claim.

2. Standing Up to the Insurance Company

Insurers are quick to downplay rare injuries or deny claims altogether. We handle the paperwork, negotiate with adjusters, and fight to get you the full compensation you deserve.

3. Calculating Future Losses

Many uncommon injuries require long-term care, rehab, or home modifications. We work with financial and medical experts to calculate every dollar of lost earnings and future needs.

4. Peace of Mind

We take care of the legal side, so you can focus on recovery—without worrying about paperwork, deadlines, or insurance games.

Contact the Acclaimed Illinois Car Accident Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car accident, don’t wait. Whether your injury is common or highly unusual, the top-rated Naperville car accident lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates can help. Call us for a free consultation or contact us online to tell us about your case. We’re here to protect your rights and get you the compensation you need to move forward.