Types Of Auto Accident Injuries
Head, Neck And Back Injuries Are Common
While any part of the body can be injured during a car accident, the most common injuries are to the head, neck and back, and internal injuries and injuries to arms and legs are also reported often. Below you’ll find more details about some of the common injuries that occur.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Whiplash
Whiplash most often occurs as a result of a rear-end collision. It is a soft tissue injury, meaning it impacts the muscles, ligaments and even the nerves. Whiplash is generally a spinal injury and often affects the neck or mid-back. Sufferers most commonly experience symptoms such as pain and aching in the neck and back, shoulder pain, and sensory disturbance (tingling “pins and needles” feeling) in the arms and legs. Headaches are also a common symptom when a whiplash injury has occurred. The neck pain and stiffness can limit the neck and head movement, affecting peripheral vision, as well as the ability to turn or rotate the body (especially the neck).
In some cases, a whiplash injury may not be immediately apparent: pain and other symptoms often are not noticed or are not severe until a few days later. The injury may be temporary or can be permanent and result in the need for physical therapy and rehabilitation, chiropractic therapy or medication.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur during a car accident, and is more common in side-impact car accidents than in rear-end collisions. TBI occurs when the force of a physical impact during a car accident traumatizes the brain. Skull fractures, hematoma and nerve damage are injuries related to TBI. Some common signs and symptoms are:
- Concussions
- Seizures
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Lack of concentration
TBI is extremely serious and can cause temporary or permanent brain damage, leaving a victim with cognitive, emotional and physical disabilities.
Back Injuries
Sprains, strains, herniated disks and fractured vertebrae are all common back injuries, with injuries to the lower back being the most common. Back injuries can cause severe and persistent pain and limit movement and range of motion. Back injuries can require a long recovery or even bed rest. Some common treatments are drugs to manage pain and swelling, heat or ice therapy, physical therapy, ultrasound, chiropractic treatment and steroid injections, and in some cases surgery may be needed.
Lower Extremity Injuries
The lower extremities — the hips, calves, thighs, knees, heels and toes — can be seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident. Fractures are very common, especially to the pelvic bone, femur, patella, tibia and ankle. Serious injuries to the hip joints and knee ligaments are common and may require several operations. Sprains, tendon injuries and stress fractures are also very common. Lower limb injuries impact your ability to do everyday things like walk, drive and exercise, and the injuries can be permanent or require a long recovery. A long recovery can cause a financial impact as well as permanent physical and psychological problems.
Upper Body Injuries
It is common in a car accident to injure your upper body. Arms, wrists, hands, fingers, shoulders, collarbones and the sternum are often fractured. A fracture may require either surgery or a long period in a cast or splint. Some broken bones may cause permanent injury to nerves, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Physical therapy may be required after a bone has healed to improve strength and range of motion.
Injuries to the rotator cuff in the shoulder joint are also common and can be diagnosed with an MRI. Serious rotator cuff injuries often require extensive surgical repair.
Internal Injuries
In a car accident, internal injuries may not be immediately apparent, even to the victim. Some of the more common injuries are to the lungs, heart, spleen, kidneys, liver or even the intestines. A rib fracture can puncture a lung or other organ and cause internal bleeding. Spleen injuries are common and can be quite serious and may require a long recovery at a hospital.
Call A Lawyer Today
If you have been the victim of personal injury due to a car accident, contact our Atlanta auto accident attorneys. In cases where a family member has died a wrongful death due to an accident, we can help you also. Call us at 706-508-4292 or submit our quick contact form.
