10 Most Common Injuries After an Accident

A car accident can cause serious injuries to virtually any part of the body. These injuries can have long lasting effects and can require extensive care and time to recover. Every injury is different and there are plenty of factors that contribute to the speed and success of each individual person’s recovery.

1. Neck Injuries & WhiplashDuring a car accident, the quick jolt of the car, and your body cause your head to propel forward and back against the headrest. For this reason, neck injuries are a very common form of injury after a car accident – even in slow-moving accidents. Whiplash is the common name for muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries after soft tissue damage to the neck. These sorts of injuries can resolve within a few days, or last years and can become disabling.
2. Back InjuriesThe spine is not designed to sustain heavy sudden impact and are sensitive to forces in car accidents. Back injuries may present themselves after the accident and have painful, long-lasting effects. A serious back injury can be debilitating and may never fully recover. Lower back pain after an accident is often caused by disc injuries, lumbar sprains, disc herniation, or a degenerative spinal disorder.
3. Shoulder InjuriesShoulder injuries often result from someone bracing themselves by putting their arms against the steering wheel or dashboard. With shoulders locked, your arm and shoulder then absorb much of the impact from the collision. Certain shoulder injuries require surgery and can affect your range of motion permanently.
4. Broken BonesCommon car accident breaks occur to the legs, arms, ankles, and wrists. Certain car accident victims suffer a broken pelvis or collarbone. Recovery from these injuries look different depending on the severity of the break. It could be a hairline fracture, a clean break, or a compound fracture that may require surgery to fix. Rehabilitation and following the proper treatment plan is very important in healing a broken bone.
5. Disfiguring Facial Injuries and ScarsFacial injuries in car accidents can be caused by broken glass, impact to the steering wheel, dashboard, side window, or any hard surface. Burns and lacerations are also common in car accidents. Facial injuries and scars range in severity. Some may heal partially leaving victims with a long-lasting scar for the remainder of their lives, and some heal fully with the help of medical professionals.
6. Internal InjuriesInternal injuries are common when you are hit by flying debris or get pressed against the steering wheel or car door. Any heavy pressure or impact to your torso can cause internal crush injuries or bleeding that require emergency medical treatment.
7. Post-Traumatic Stress DisorderNot all car accident injuries are physical. You may suffer from mental and emotional injuries that make it hard for you to go about your day-to-day life. Post-traumatic stress disorder may be a part of your accident injuries and should be taken as serious as your physical injuries. Treatment is available for accident victims suffering from mental and emotional injuries – the earlier you seek treatment, the better your recovery will go.
8. Psychological InjuriesAfter being involved in a car accident, emotional distress and psychological impacts are common. Along with physical injuries, victims of car accidents can experience persistent anxiety that trigger panic attacks, phobias, and sleep disorders. It is also common for people to develop a depressive disorder which can decrease your amount of energy and enjoyment in activities, and can significantly increase fatigue.
9. Spinal Cord InjuriesThe impact of a crash on the body can cause long-term disability from spinal cord injuries. A traumatic blow to the spine may fracture or dislocate vertebrae that can cause bruising or tearing of the spinal cord tissue. These sorts of injuries can result in forms of paralysis.
10. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)Car accidents are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries and are common when involved in a motor vehicle crash. Traumatic brain injuries are often closed brain injuries that are caused by the rapid movement and shaking of the brain inside the skull which causes bruising and tearing of brain tissue and blood vessels.

CLG Injury Law has over 35 years’ experience representing Atlantic Canadians who have suffered injuries following a motor vehicle accident. For more articles and safety tips, go to https://cantiniinjurylaw.ca/blog/ or subscribe to our newsletter.