The speed at which the vehicles were traveling before the crash, the direction of impact, and the safety features in the vehicle can all affect the potential injuries that car accident victims suffer. Some of the most common injuries in car accidents include the following:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Car accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries because the body can be jolted because of the force of the accident, leading the head to crash into a hard surface, such as the dashboard, steering wheel, or seat in front of it. Sometimes, the violent shaking of the brain during an accident can result in serious injuries even when there is no contact with another object.
According to the Mayo Clinic, common symptoms associated with traumatic brain injuries include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Speed problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Mood swings
- Sleeping more than usual or difficulty sleeping
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after a car crash, seek medical attention immediately.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The force of a car crash can cause long-term disability in the form of serious spinal cord injuries, including quadriplegia and paraplegia. These injuries can be complete, in which there is no feeling or ability to move the area below the injury, or incomplete, in which some sensation and ability to control remains.
Neck and Back Injuries
The momentum of being thrown about an enclosed space can result in severe neck and back injuries. The back also takes the brunt of the force involved in a car accident. These injuries can be painful and expensive to treat.
Burns
If a vehicle catches fire or the skin comes in contact with hot metals or liquids, serious and disfiguring burn injuries can result.
Internal Organ Injuries
The force of a crash can cause the body to be crushed and debris to fly throughout the vehicle, which can penetrate the skin and cause severe internal organ damage. Organs that are commonly damaged in car accidents include:
- Liver
- Small intestine
- Spleen
- Kidneys
- Bladder
Some accidents can cause internal bleeding, which requires emergency medical treatment to avoid deadly outcomes.
Fractures
The force of a crash can cause bones to break. Some of the most common bones broken during a car accident include:
- Legs
- Arms
- Hands
- Wrists
- Ankles
- Hips
- Ribs
- Pelvis
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common types of car accident injuries. It occurs when the neck snaps back and forward, mimicking the actions of a snapping whip. Even accidents that occur at slow speeds can result in this painful injury.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Whiplash is one type of soft tissue injury. Sprains, strains, and bruising to muscles, tendons, and ligaments are others.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Not all injuries are physical in nature. Car accident victims may suffer from various types of emotional or psychological injuries, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is characterized by:
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories
- Difficulty sleeping
- Trouble concentrating
- Avoidance behaviors surrounding car accidents
- Feeling easily startled or frightened
- Irritability
Were You Injured in a Car Accident? Contact Caruso Law Offices
If you were injured in a car accident, our car crash attorney in Albuquerque can help. Caruso Law Offices can work with your medical providers to ensure your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. We can then fight to recover compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. Contact us to arrange a free consultation.