The Most Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents are incredibly common across the United States and have the potential to cause severe injuries and even death. According to the National Safety Council, there were 46,027 deaths and 5.2 million medically consulted injuries caused by car accidents in 2022 alone. There is a wide range of injuries that you may sustain after getting into a car accident, and we will further explore the most common injuries here.

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries and it is most prominent in rear-end crashes. Whiplash is an injury to the neck that is caused when your neck and spine are suddenly forced forward and then backward from a harsh impact. Individuals who have suffered a whiplash injury are likely to experience neck pain and stiffness, dizziness, muscle spasms, headaches, and more.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

It is also not uncommon for individuals to suffer traumatic brain injuries from car accidents. Motor vehicle accidents are one of the most common causes of TBIs and the effects of a TBI can be life-altering. There are three main types of traumatic brain injuries – mild (concussion), moderate, and severe, and common symptoms include nausea, dizziness, headaches, loss of balance, and fatigue.

Broken Bones

Another common car accident injury is broken bones or bone fractures. The impact of a car accident can be very harsh and abrupt especially when bigger vehicles, such as 18-wheelers, are involved. This impact can cause individuals to be ejected out of their car or cause them to smash into the vehicle at unusual angles that cause their bones to break or crack.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are also commonly experienced by car accident victims. These injuries affect the ligaments, tendons, and muscles of your body and can result in pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Soft tissue injuries also range in severity and commonly result in either strains or complete tears. In the most severe cases, surgery and rehabilitation may be necessary.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Another common type of injury is a spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries occur when the thick bundle of nerves of your spine that send signals to your brain are damaged. These injuries can be either complete or incomplete, can range in severity, and can affect different parts of your spine. While common symptoms include back pain, weakness, numbness, and instability, in the most serious cases it can lead to a loss of bowel and bladder control and even paralysis.

Psychological Injuries

In addition to the aforementioned physical injuries that car accident victims may endure, individuals may also experience psychological injuries as well. Psychological injuries affect your emotional and mental well-being, and they can be very debilitating. Some of the most common psychological injuries include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.

What To Do If You Have Been Injured in a Car Accident

If you have sustained any injuries after getting into a car accident, it is important that you take the appropriate steps to get your injuries treated immediately. This is not only important for your physical and mental health but also in the legal process of filing a car accident claim. A Tacoma car accident attorney will request that you provide evidence of any medical treatment in order to prove the severity and costliness of your injuries.