4 Common Car Accident Injuries

If you've experienced a car accident, even without severe injuries, it can be unsettling. The injuries can lead to costly medical expenses. Here are the most common car accident injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) can occur as a result of a car accident when there is a sudden and violent blow or jolt to the head. These injuries can range from mild to severe. This depends on factors such as the force of impact, the angle of the collision, and whether the person was wearing a seatbelt or had proper head protection.

There are various types of traumatic brain injuries, but the most common ones after car accidents include:

• Concussions (a mild TBI often characterized by a temporary loss of consciousness or altered mental state).
• Contusions (bruises or bleeding on the brain's surface).
• Diffuse axonal injuries (widespread damage to nerve fibers in the brain, typically associated with high-speed accidents).
• Penetrating injuries (when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain).

TBI symptoms can vary widely, depending on the severity and location of the injury. Common symptoms include headaches, confusion, memory problems, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, mood swings, and sensory disturbances such as blurred vision or ringing in the ears.

Whiplash

Whiplash is characterized by a rapid and forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck, similar to the cracking of a whip, hence the name "whiplash." This sudden motion can cause damage to the soft tissues in the neck and spine.

The mechanism of injury involves the vehicle being struck from behind, causing the vehicle and its occupants to suddenly accelerate forward.

As the vehicle stops abruptly due to the collision, the head and neck of the occupants continue to move forward, stretching and straining the neck muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. Then, as the head and neck snap back into place, it can lead to further injury.

Common symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, pain or tenderness in the shoulders and upper back, and reduced range of motion in the neck.

Scrapes and Cuts

Scrapes and cuts are often caused by contact with various surfaces, objects, or broken glass within the vehicle or from the external environment during a collision. Scrapes, also known as abrasions, are superficial injuries to the skin's outermost layer, the epidermis. They typically result from friction or rubbing against a rough or abrasive surface during the accident. 

Common causes include contact with seat belts, airbags, or the interior components of the vehicle. Scrapes can vary in size and severity, from minor surface abrasions to more significant injuries with bleeding and potential contamination.

Cuts, on the other hand, are injuries that involve a break or opening in the skin and underlying tissues. They can be caused by sharp objects inside the vehicle, shattered glass, or external debris. The severity of cuts can range from shallow and minor wounds to deep and potentially life-threatening injuries. 

Herniated Discs and Spine Injuries

During a car accident, the spine may experience rapid compression and shearing forces. These forces can cause the discs to bulge or rupture, leading to herniation.

Herniated discs can cause a range of symptoms, including localized or radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. The specific symptoms depend on the location of the herniated disc and whether it's pressing on nearby nerves.

Car accidents can also lead to various spine injuries, which can affect different parts of the spinal column, including the vertebrae, spinal cord, and surrounding ligaments and tissues. The rapid deceleration forces in a car accident can cause fractures or breaks in the vertebrae. These fractures can vary in severity, from minor hairline fractures to more severe, unstable fractures.

If you're a victim of a car accident caused by someone else's negligence, you deserve fair compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. Many insurance companies try to pay less, but Walsh & Associates, PC, will fight for your rights with decades of experience, ensuring fair compensation. Contact us to get started.