The 5 Most Common Car Accident Injuries

According to statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in a recent year alone, approximately 2.74 million victims suffered severe crash-related injuries. Even minor collisions can have grave and lifelong consequences for victims. At the Dietrich Law Firm P.C., our veteran car accident attorneys understand the profound impact that crash-related injuries can have on victims and, ultimately, their loved ones. Being mindful of the most common car accident injuries can help you be prepared to take the proper steps after your crash. 

Top 5 Crash-Related Injuries

Injuries resulting from car accidents tend to vary substantially from minor cuts and bruises to traumatic brain injuries and total paralysis. Some types of injuries are more prevalent than others. The majority of injuries caused by collisions are either impact or penetrating injuries. Impact injuries are generally caused when a victim’s body contacts part of the vehicle’s interior, such as your forehead hitting the steering wheel. On the other hand, penetrating injuries are usually caused by loose objects inside the car or shattering glass. In addition to the usual cuts and bruises, the 5 most common car accident injuries include: 

1. Whiplash: Whiplash is caused by violent back-and-forth jolts to the neck. This type of neck injury is prevalent in rear-end collisions. Symptoms of a whiplash injury tend to develop days after the accident and include dizziness, fatigue, headaches, neck pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. 
2. Fractured and Broken Bones: These injuries usually result from the force of the collision itself, being thrown around inside the vehicle, or being ejected. Ribs, hips, pelvis, elbows, knees, arms, and legs are the bones most frequently broken in car accidents. For fracture victims, symptoms often include swelling around the break, bruising, sharp pain, and contorted limbs or joints.
3. Soft Tissue Damage: Car crashes can easily strain, sprain, and even tear the body’s connective tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, and muscles. These injuries can cause various symptoms, including stiffness, discoloration, numbness, tingling, and pain when moving connected body parts. 
4. Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: The spine is not designed to withstand fast or heavy impacts. Consequently, back injuries are highly prevalent in car accidents. Signs that you may have suffered a back injury include back pain, trouble walking, difficulty breathing, and extreme pressure in your neck or back. 
5. Head Injuries: Collisions are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs usually happen when the brain suffers damage due to a blow to the head. Victims of TBIs regularly endure slurred speech, convulsions, loss of vision in one or both eyes, severe headaches, and pupil enlargement. 

If you or a family member have been involved in a crash, obtaining immediate medical treatment can be critical to preventing chronic health problems. Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his highly dedicated team of car accident injury lawyers want to ensure you receive the best medical care and the highest possible compensation. Please get in touch with us today by dialing 716-839-3939 or filling out our online consultation form.