The most common injuries people sustain in car accidents

There is virtually no end to the number of injuries a person may sustain after an automobile accident; however, that doesn’t mean that certain injuries are not more common than others. Here are a few of the most common injuries accident victims encounter.

Head and Brain Injuries

Head and brain injuries commonly occur whenever the head is hit violently against a solid object such as a dashboard. It can also happen if one or more passengers are ejected from the vehicle. Brain injuries in particular may not have any outward signs of bleeding or bruising. After being jostled, the brain may swell or otherwise become damaged, resulting in headaches, a loss of motor function and difficulty remembering things.

Traumatic brain injuries can lead to significant life long emotional, physical, and financial consequences. For more information about traumatic brain injuries, read this resource by Florida brain injury attorney Tim David.

Neck Injuries

Aside from brain and head injuries, the next most common injury involves the neck. Whiplash is a common neck injury that occurs whenever the neck is thrust violently in one direction or another. The discs in the neck may also become damaged or dislocated due to trauma.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Back and spinal cord injuries range from moderate to severe, and can include everything from sprains to herniated discs. Minor back injuries could result in only minimal discomfort, while major injuries could greatly affect an individual’s ability to walk, bend or stoop. In some cases, they could even lead to paralysis. Many people will also experience a loss of feeling after suffering a back injury.

Internal Injuries

A number of internal organs could be impacted by an automobile accident, including the lungs, heart, spleen, liver and kidneys. Broken bones or fractured ribs may also penetrate internal organs, causing extreme pain. Internal injuries are often life threatening, and may not be immediately visible. This is a big reason why all accident victims are encouraged to visit the emergency room.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries and whiplash from car and truck accidents are very common and include things such as bruising, cuts, and scrapes anywhere on the body. They can also involve pulled muscles, torn ligaments or damaged tendons. When they appear on the face, soft tissue injuries can even involve torn cartilage in the nose and ears. Reconstructive surgery may sometimes be needed to repair the damage done as a result of soft tissue injuries.

Psychological Injuries

Some injuries may not be physical in nature, but instead can result in emotional trauma. This is normally the case in major injuries that result in the death of another. People may be fearful of driving or riding in an automobile, or suffer immense guilt over the loss of a loved one. Counseling is often needed to help people overcome psychological injuries, which may persist for years and adversely affect every aspect of an individual’s life. This resource on proving mental and emotional injuries from a car accident might prove useful.

It’s not uncommon for people to suffer injuries in more than one category, which is why determining damages is often difficult. The best way to ensure you are adequately compensated for your pain and suffering is to contact a personal injury attorney who will fight for your rights. At David & Philpot, P.L., we have been protecting the rights of auto and truck accident victims for over 20 years. We understand the law, we understand how insurance companies work, and we work every day to help our clients obtain the maximum compensation they deserve. Give our office a call today at 800.360.7015 for a free, no obligation consultation.