The 7 Most Common Injuries Caused by Car Crashes

The most common types of injuries to result from car accidents include:

1. Whiplash
2. Soft tissue injuries
3. Cuts and scrapes
4. Head and brain injuries
5. Spine and back injuries
6. Broken bones
7. Psychological trauma

Here’s how these injuries typically result from auto wrecks and what you should know if you’ve sustained these (or other) car accident injuries.

Whiplash

Car accidents are the leading cause of whiplash, and whiplash is one of the single most common injuries people sustain in crashes.¹ This type of neck injury happens when the neck is suddenly snapped back and forth, similar to a whip. In a crash, whiplash usually occurs:

• Upon impact or when drivers suddenly slam on the brakes
• In read-end collisions

Soft Tissue Injuries

This can include any injuries affecting the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Most often, it means bruising, strains, and sprains. Soft tissue injuries from car crashes can affect any part of the body, and these injuries usually result from the force of impact—from the airbag or the crash itself.

Cuts & Scrapes

Anything from windshield glass to items within a vehicle can cut or scrape vehicle occupants when crashes occur. These car accident injuries tend to be the most severe when people are thrown from vehicles and suffer road rash.

Head & Brain Injuries

When an external force impacts the head, accident victims can sustain mild to severe head and brain injuries. These injuries can:

• Have lasting, irreversible impacts in more serious cases
• Initially have subtle symptoms, with the effects of the injuries becoming more prominent in the hours and days after the wreck
• Be caused by the head hitting the steering wheel or dashboard or an object penetrating the skull
• Result from extreme sudden back-and-forth movements, causing the brain to hit the inside of the skull.
• A concussion is a brain injury and can have long-lasting symptoms

Spine & Back Injuries

Another set of mild to serious injuries people commonly suffer in car accidents is spine and back injuries. Like other crash injuries, these are caused by the force of the impact with other vehicles, as well as the impact victims suffer afterward, like in the case that victims are thrown from a vehicle and/or the vehicle rolls over.

Spine and back injuries can include (and are not limited to):

• Sprains and strains
• Herniated discs
• Broken backs
• Paraplegia or quadriplegia

Broken Bones

Car crash victims often suffer bone fractures. From digits and appendages to hips, collar bones, and more, nearly any area of the body can suffer bone fractures in a crash.  

Psychological Trauma

While car accidents can cause all sorts of painful, debilitating, and sometimes lasting physical trauma, they can also cause profound mental suffering and trauma. In fact, many people who survive serious car accidents end up suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for months to years after their crash.²

Plus, it’s not uncommon for car accident survivors to suffer other psychological trauma, like depression, as they deal with pain and work on healing from debilitating physical injuries.

While car accidents can certainly cause horrific—and, in some cases, life-threatening—injuries, it’s important for survivors to remember that:

• They may have various legal options for seeking justice and holding negligent parties accountable.
• They are not alone during the recovery process.
• The attorneys at the Amaro Law Firm can help them get on the path to justice and compensation.

While we understand that money can’t reverse the injuries and damage caused by car accidents, we also know how financial recoveries can help survivors and families heal and rebuild their lives. 

When It’s Time to Recover from a Car Accident, It’s Time to Contact the Amaro Law Firm

After a car accident, you’re not alone. You can turn to the Houston car accident lawyers at the Amaro Law Firm for help.

Call (713) 352-7975 or Contact Us for Your FREE Consultation

Free Virtual & Mobile Consultations Are Available
If You Can’t Visit Our Offices

At the Amaro Law Firm, we know how to help victims navigate the claim and recovery process—and we know how to stand up to those whose negligent and reckless actions cause harm to others. Relentless and strategic, we can provide the advocacy victims need to get the justice and compensation they deserve.

The Amaro Law Firm’s record of excellence and success in motor vehicle accident cases has earned us a 5-star rating on Google and Facebook, glowing testimonials from former clients, and a 10 rating on Avvo.

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1: According to the Mayo Clinic
2: Research on PTSD After Car Accidents