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10 Most Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of modern life. Despite advancements in vehicle safety technology, collisions continue to result in thousands of injuries every year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 2.5 million people are injured annually in car crashes in the United States. The types and severity of injuries vary, but some are more common than others.
In this blog, our Naperville car accident attorneys explore the 10 most common injuries sustained in car accidents, their potential consequences, and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention and legal guidance after a crash.
1. Whiplash
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries from rear-end collisions. It occurs when the neck or back is forced to move back and forth rapidly, causing strain or damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Symptoms of Whiplash:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Limited range of motion
Why Whiplash is Serious: While often considered a relatively minor injury, whiplash can lead to chronic pain and long-term discomfort if not properly treated.
2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
What are Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Traumatic brain injuries range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. They occur when the head moves forwards rapidly, strikes an object, or experiences sudden acceleration and deceleration forces, causing the brain to collide with the skull.
Symptoms of TBIs:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Memory loss or confusion
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty concentrating
Why Brain Injuries are Serious: TBIs can have lasting effects on cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. In severe cases, they can lead to permanent disability or death, especially if you have had more than one TBI or concussion in your lifetime.
3. Broken Bones
What are Broken Bones?
Car accidents often result in fractures and broken bones, particularly to the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone. High-impact collisions can even cause multiple fractures.
Symptoms of Fractures and Broken Bones:
- Severe pain
- Swelling and bruising
- Inability to move the affected limb
- Visible deformity
Why Fractures and Broken Bones are Serious: Fractures and broken bones can require surgery, physical therapy, and extended recovery times. In some cases, improper healing can lead to long-term complications.
4. Spinal Cord Injuries
What are Spinal Cord Injuries?
Spinal cord injuries involve damage to the spinal column, discs, or nerves, and they often result from the force of impact in a car crash. These injuries may lead to partial or complete paralysis.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries:
- Intense back pain or pressure
- Loss of movement or sensation
- Weakness or numbness
- Difficulty breathing
Why Spinal Cord Injuries are Serious: Spinal cord injuries can be life-altering, requiring long-term medical care and rehabilitation. They often lead to permanent disabilities, impacting the victim’s independence and quality of life.
5. Soft Tissue Injuries
What are Soft Tissue Injuries?
Soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries are common in nearly all types of collisions.
Symptoms of Soft Tissue Injuries:
- Pain and swelling
- Stiffness or reduced mobility
- Bruising
Why Soft Tissue Injuries are Serious: Though they may seem minor initially, soft tissue injuries can lead to chronic pain or long-term limited mobility if left untreated.
6. Internal Injuries
What are Internal Injuries?
The force of a car crash can cause damage to internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, or spleen. Internal bleeding is also a common and potentially life-threatening consequence.
Symptoms of Internal Injuries:
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or fainting
- Signs of shock
Why Internal Injuries are Serious: Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent after an accident, making timely medical evaluation critical. These injuries often require emergency surgery and can be fatal if untreated.
7. Cuts and Lacerations
What are Lacerations?
Cuts and lacerations occur when broken glass, metal, or other debris impacts the skin during a crash.
Symptoms of Lacerations:
- Open wounds
- Bleeding
- Pain and swelling
Why Lacerations are Serious: While minor cuts may heal quickly, deep lacerations can cause significant blood loss, infection, or permanent scarring. Severe injuries may require stitches or reconstructive surgery.
8. Chest Injuries
What are Chest Injuries?
Chest injuries commonly result from the force of the body hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatbelt. Rib fractures and bruising are frequent outcomes.
Symptoms of Chest Injuries:
- Pain when breathing or coughing
- Visible bruising
- Difficulty breathing
Why Chest Injuries are Serious: Chest injuries can cause damage to internal organs, including the heart and lungs, and may require extensive medical intervention.
9. Burns
What are Burns?
Burns can occur if a car catches fire or if hot surfaces, liquids, or chemicals come into contact with the skin during a crash.
Symptoms of Burn Injuries:
- Red, blistered, or charred skin
- Intense pain
- Risk of infection
Why Burn Injuries are Serious: Burn injuries can lead to severe pain, disfigurement, and emotional trauma. They often require skin grafts, long-term care, and rehabilitation.
10. Psychological Injuries
What are Psychological Injuries?
Car accidents don’t just cause physical harm—they can also have a profound impact on mental health. Conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common among accident survivors.
Symptoms of Psychological Injuries:
- Flashbacks or nightmares
- Avoidance of driving
- Mood swings or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
Why Psychological Injuries are Serious: Psychological injuries can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. They may require therapy or medication and often negatively impact relationships, work, and daily life.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s essential to take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if you feel fine, some injuries—like internal bleeding or TBIs—may not show symptoms right away.
- Document Everything: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Keep all medical records and receipts.
- Report the Accident: File a police report and notify your insurance company.
- Consult an Illinois Car Crash Attorney: Navigating the legal process can be complex. An experienced Naperville car accident attorney can help you secure the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Why Choose John J. Malm & Associates for your Car Accident Case?
At John J. Malm & Associates, our top-rated Illinois accident lawyers understand the devastating impact car accident injuries can have on your life. With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, our award-winning team of injury attorneys has recovered millions for clients across Illinois. With over 90 years of combined litigation experience, we are committed to helping injury victims secure the compensation they deserve.
What We Offer
- Proven Results: Millions recovered for clients in car accident and personal injury cases.
- Experienced Team: Over 90 years of combined litigation experience.
- Personalized Service: Every client receives one-on-one attention and a tailored strategy.
- No Fees Unless We Win: You don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you.
- Free Consultations: We evaluate your case at no cost to help you understand your options.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation:
- Naperville Office: 630-527-4177
- St. Charles Office: 630-524-2323
Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Your recovery starts here.