Common Injuries in a Car Accident | The Aftermath

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car accidents in 2022 injured 1,664,598 people in the United States. From whiplash injuries to fractures, sprains, and more, motor vehicle crashes can adversely impact the victims and their family members physically, mentally, and financially. It's important for the affected parties to seek legal representation to recover the damages incurred and ensure swift justice.

Fortunately, Powell Law Firm is here to help. We have helped thousands of injured victims across Missouri understand their rights and recover millions of dollars in compensatory damages. Our team has the skills, expertise, and resources to guide you on your next course of action.

If you've suffered injuries in a car accident in St. Louis, Missouri, call Powell Law Firm to learn more about your rights and legal options! They can also discuss common injuries in a truck accident.

What Are the Common Injuries in a Car Accident?

A motor vehicle crash can lead to devastating injuries, depending on the point and force of impact. Some of the most common ones include the following:

Head Injuries

If a motor vehicle collides with another in a head-on or T-bone collision, the car accident could result in a serious head injury. The impact of the incident could cause the driver or passengers to hit their head on the steering wheel, side windows, or the car's dashboard, leading to a concussion or internal bleeding.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

One of the most common causes of TBIs in the United States is car accidents. It can happen due to a blunt force to the head that may or may not penetrate the skull, resulting in serious injuries to the brain.

A car accident could leave the victim with permanent disability, adversely impacting their quality of life. In severe cases, the traumatic incident may result in wrongful death. It's crucial for victims and their family members to properly investigate the crash and hold the negligent parties accountable for their loss. For more information, our car accident lawyer in St Louis may be able to help.

Spinal Cord Injuries

While the head, hands, and feet are the most exposed parts of the body in motor vehicle accidents, some types of crashes, especially rear-end collisions or flipped cars, can cause damage to the spine. This can leave the victim with temporary or permanent disabilities, depending on the point of impact.

Spinal cord injuries are some of the worst, as they can cause partial or total paralysis below the level of injury. Depending on the severity of the damage, it can lead to loss of motor skills and bodily functions.

Back Injuries

A rear-end collision, where the vehicle in the back crashes into the car in the front, and other types of road accidents can cause a strain on the back, leading to muscle tears and stiffness.

While back injuries are pretty common, they often manifest a few hours, days, or weeks after the traumatic incident. Car accident victims need to monitor their health and seek immediate medical attention when they start to feel pain.

Burns

A car is made up of many different combustible components. An impact on any of these parts can cause a fire to erupt, engulfing the vehicle in flames.

In such situations, the fire, steam, or scalding chemicals can lead to burn injuries. Depending on the severity of the burns, the injured victim may require surgical intervention or skin grafting.

Fractures and Broken Bones

When a motor vehicle collides with another, the impact from the car accident may result in fractures or broken ribs. These are pretty common and may require a cast to heal.

However, surgery may be the only option to repair the damage in compound fracture cases.

Disfigurement and Scarring

One of the most common car accident injuries in the United States is facial injuries. Broken glass or smashing against the steering wheel or dashboard can cause damage to the face, leading to a broken nose, bruises, and scars.

Amputations

Sometimes, a motor vehicle accident could be so severe that the impact causes crushing injuries to the driver or passengers in the car. Crushed hands, legs, or other body parts may require immediate amputation to save the victim's life, leaving them with permanent disabilities.

Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash injuries are the most common car accident injuries, and they can also occur from minor impacts. Car crashes can affect the muscles and tendons in the neck, causing them to stiffen and tear.

While whiplash or neck injuries are non-fatal, the discomfort can linger on for months or even years. Seeking immediate medical treatment can help improve the victim's quality of life.

Knee Injuries

Although car accidents can cause direct damage to the legs and arms, they have the potential to injure other parts of the body, including the knees. Meniscus or cartilage tears are common in frontal collisions where the impact results in a twisted or crushed knee.

Foot and Ankle Injuries

The feet play an essential role in operating a motor vehicle. Depending on the type of collision, they are the most likely to experience the impact, which can result in strains and fractures.

While feet and ankle injuries are not life-threatening, the pain can be excruciating, making it challenging to live a normal life.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Damage to the soft tissues is pretty common in a car accident. While they can be painful and long-lasting, they don't pose a serious threat to the victim's health or life.

However, it's crucial to seek medical treatment immediately to reduce discomfort associated with soft tissue injuries.

Internal Injuries

Sometimes, car accidents may result in injuries that are not so apparent. These may include internal bleeding, organ damage, and chest injuries, among other types.

A complete medical examination after the tragic incident can help provide a proper diagnosis, allowing the injured victim to seek the right treatment immediately.

A Car Accident May Also Result in Mental or Emotional Injuries

While most car accident victims focus on treating their physical injuries, they often fail to realize the impact of the traumatic incident on their mental health.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, mood swings, anxiety, depression, and phobias are all common and can prevent the affected party from enjoying life.

Powell Law Firm Can Help Protect You Financially from a Car Accident Injury!

Car accident injuries can turn the victim's world upside down. Paying medical bills and experiencing lost wages may lead to a dire financial situation, further causing stress on the affected party and their family members.

If you've suffered a car accident injury due to another's negligence in St. Louis, Missouri, call us to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. We'll make sure that the other party does not hurt you financially by fighting for the compensation you deserve!