Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents often can cause serious injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 3 million people are injured in car accidents each year. Many of these injuries may be life-threatening or can affect victims for many years. The types of injuries can vary widely, but there are certain factors that may cause catastrophic injuries.

Factors that can cause severe injury include:

• Lack of airbags, or failure to deploy correctly
• Incorrect seatbelt use, or failing to use a seatbelt
• Sitting in a twisted or turned position
• Speed of the collision
• The location of impact on the vehicle

In an accident, there are two categories of injuries—impact injuries and penetrating injuries. Impact injuries are sustained when a body part strikes the interior of the vehicle, such as a knee hitting the dashboard or the head hitting a window. Penetrating injuries are often caused by debris and include lacerations. These types of injuries account for many of the injuries victims often sustain in car accidents.

Soft Tissue Injuries

These are the most common injuries sustained in auto accidents. Even minor accidents will frequently cause bumps and bruises. Soft tissue injuries affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Whiplash is a form of soft tissue injury that affects the muscles and ligaments of the neck. This injury occurs when a sudden change in direction stretches the soft tissues in the neck. Sprains in the lower- and mid-back are also common soft tissue injuries that can have lasting consequences for victims.

Lacerations

Broken glass and personal belongings can be thrown around the interior of a vehicle in an accident. These objects can easily cause soft tissue injuries, as well as scrapes and cuts. Some cuts can be minor and may not require much care, but others can require extensive stitches or even surgical intervention. More serious skin damage can leave scars, and it is possible that cuts may be deep enough to injure muscles, ligaments, or internal organs. Blood loss is also a threat with serious injuries. These injuries can be life-threatening and may be debilitating even after they heal.

Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries

There are a number of different types of head injuries that can occur in a car accident. Sudden changes of direction can cause whiplash injuries to the neck and place strain on the head. Passengers’ heads can also strike surfaces inside the car, such as windows, headrests, and the steering wheel. Impacts with the interior of the car can cause scrapes and bruises, but it also can cause more serious injury, such as facial fractures, dental damage, concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). TBIs can have serious consequences for victims, and can greatly change their lifestyle and quality of life. These brain injuries can range from minor concussions to causing a coma or vegetative state. Because of the danger of these injuries, it is especially critical that victims receive adequate medical care to help prevent further injury.

Chest and Torso Injuries

Sudden stops or changes of direction can slam passengers into the interior of the car. Airbags and seatbelts may also cause injuries. These injuries can be bruises and scrapes, but they often include fractures, sprains, and internal injuries. Punctured or collapsed lungs, intestinal damage, internal bleeding, spinal cord and back injuries, and other injuries can cause a long recovery time and expensive medical bills. These injuries also can leave victims disabled or can have a lasting impact on their lifestyle and physical ability.

Limb Injuries

Arms and legs can also experience trauma in an accident. In addition to contusions and lacerations, victims may also experience fractions, crushing injuries, or even loss of a limb. Victims may require multiple surgeries, amputation of damaged limbs, and extensive hospital stays. These injuries can cause lifelong pain, limit mobility, and disable victims.

Get Help with Your Car Accident Claim

If you’ve been seriously injured in an auto accident, you may find yourself facing expensive medical bills, lost wages, and a future of discomfort of decreased physical ability. Your injuries deserve adequate compensation to ensure that your medical care and loss of income are covered. Our team of Montgomery County car accident attorneys is ready to fight for your rights. We can help you build your claim, and we will represent you through the entire process. At Morris Wilson, P.C., we understand how difficult this time can be for you and your loved ones, which is why we are committed to providing compassionate, personalized legal services to our clients.

Don’t wait to get help. Contact our firm to request a free case evaluation by calling (610) 825-0500.