The Short Answer:
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from whiplash and broken bones to traumatic brain injuries and emotional trauma like PTSD. Even seemingly minor crashes can lead to serious health problems that affect your ability to work, drive, or enjoy life. If you’ve been hurt in a collision, it’s important to recognize the symptoms, seek medical attention, and understand your legal rights. This guide covers the most common car accident injuries and what steps to take if you’re suffering because of someone else’s negligence.
Key Takeaways:
- Always seek medical attention after a crash, even if injuries seem minor.
- Whiplash is likely the most common car accident injury.
- Emotional effects like PTSD are real and may require therapy and documentation.
- Keep detailed medical records and document your symptoms.
- If your injuries were caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
- Speak with an experienced car accident attorney to protect your rights and understand your options.
Skeletal & Musculoskeletal Injuries
These injuries are among the most common after a car accident and can include whiplash, broken bones, dislocations, fractures, sprains, and muscle tears. Even injuries that seem minor at first, like bruising or stiffness, can worsen over time or point to deeper musculoskeletal damage.
When to seek medical attention: If you feel pain when moving a limb, notice swelling, or can’t bear weight, get medical help right away. Early treatment prevents long-term damage and provides documentation of your injuries for an insurance claim.
Head & Brain Injuries
Car accidents often result in blunt force trauma or rapid acceleration-deceleration, leading to serious head injuries such as:
- Concussion
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Persistent headaches
- Facial trauma (broken nose, lacerations, eye injuries)
When to seek medical attention: If you experience dizziness, confusion, memory loss, or visual disturbances—even hours after the crash—go to the ER. Brain injuries can worsen rapidly and may not be obvious immediately.
Psychological Injuries
Crash survivors often experience mental and emotional trauma, especially after a high-impact collision. Common psychological injuries include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Depression
When to seek medical attention: If you’re struggling with sleep, irritability, flashbacks, or a fear of driving, consider seeing a licensed therapist. Mental health care is just as important as physical recovery.
Burns, Cuts, & Bruising
Airbags, shattered glass, or hot vehicle surfaces can cause a range of external injuries. These may include surface-level bruises, deep cuts, or even second-degree burns.
When to seek medical attention: Deep or wide cuts, excessive bleeding, or any burns should be evaluated quickly. Improper treatment can lead to infection, scarring, or nerve damage.
Internal Injuries
Internal trauma is one of the most dangerous types of car accident injuries because symptoms may not appear immediately, but they can be deadly. Common injuries include:
- Internal bleeding
- Chest injuries (such as broken ribs or damage to the lungs)
When to seek medical attention: Abdominal pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or visible bruising could indicate serious internal injuries. Visit the emergency room immediately.
Spinal Injuries
The force of a collision can cause damage to the spine or spinal cord, leading to long-term mobility issues or even paralysis. These injuries often include disc herniation or fractures.
When to seek medical attention: Seek immediate care if you notice numbness, tingling, difficulty walking, or loss of bladder/bowel control. Prompt diagnosis can be critical to your recovery.
If You’ve Suffered Any of These Car Accident Injuries, Here’s What to Do
After a car accident, your priority should always be your health and safety. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately—some serious injuries, like internal bleeding or brain trauma, may not show symptoms right away. Prompt medical care not only protects your well-being but also strengthens your legal case by documenting your condition early.
Once you’ve received care, you may be wondering when to hire a car accident lawyer. A consultation with an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At The McMahan Law Firm, we’re here to help guide you through every step of the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get the justice you deserve.
