Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

Common Types of Physical and Mental Injuries Caused by a Car Accident

Millions of people are injured every year due to motor vehicle accidents across California. There are various types of injuries resulting from car accidents, while some are more common than others. Some car accident injuries can be resolved days after the incident without any need for medical treatment. Severe injuries may become permanent and can result in potential physical disability. 

If you were a victim of a car accident and would like to pursue legal action against the party at-fault for damages, our skilled car accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers are readily available to offer assistance. We will strengthen your claim and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

To schedule a free consultation, please contact our 24/7 legal team by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our quick contact form.

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

There are two types of injuries that are caused by car accidents: impact injuries and penetrating injuries. 

Impact injuries occur when an individual’s body hits a certain part of the interior of the car. An example could be when someone’s head clashes with the side window or when a knee slams on the dashboard. 

Penetrating injuries normally cause a range of injuries, from cuts and scrapes all the way up to more serious internal injuries. These injuries can be caused by shattering glass, along with loose objects flying out of the car after the collision. Additional injuries resulting from vehicle collisions may include:

• Brain damage

• • Broken ribs
  • Chest injuries
  • Arm & leg injuries 
  • Internal bleeding
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Head Injuries

There are various types of head injuries that may result from a vehicle collision. Some are minor while others can become severe. When a vehicle moves in an unexpected way -- such as when it comes to an immediate stop or changes direction suddenly -- the driver may shift their body in an unnatural way. This may inflict muscle strains in the neck and back area. 

A victim’s head also has the potential of being impacted. If the head hits the side window or steering wheel, it could result in scrapes or bruising. More severe collisions may lead to a closed head injury, which can affect the brain by causing fluid and tissue inside the skull to become damaged. 

Overall,  mild closed head injuries are expected to, at the very least, cause a concussion. A more severe injury can inflict brain damage. 

Broken Ribs 

Ribs are a fragile part of the body. Even after a moderate collision, they have a high chance of breaking or cracking. A victim may potentially suffer broken ribs during a car accident when their body is slammed forward, backward, or sideways due to the impact. Damage to the ribs can be painful and victims are expected to undergo self-healing for up to two months. 

Chest Injuries

Along with head injuries, chest injuries are very common in car accidents. This type of injury takes on the form of either contusions or bruises. Severe chest injuries include broken ribs and internal bleeding. The severity of a chest injury depends on the position the driver was sitting in. If the individual’s body is pushed forward, the chest area could experience a strong level of force against the shoulder, which will result in severe bruising or even internal bleeding. 

Arm & Leg Injuries

If an individual experiences a side impact collision, they could have their arms or legs struck aggressively against their car door. Since a driver typically has limited space for movement, knee injuries from hitting the dashboard are common.

Depending on the circumstances of the collision, injuries to an individual’s arms or legs may vary from scrapes to bruises to broken bones. Injury symptoms may become noticeable days after an accident rather than immediately. It may take days, weeks, or even months for symptoms to appear. It is highly recommended to seek medical treatment for all injuries after an incident takes place.

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is a dangerous form of injury. If not treated in a timely manner, there could be serious, life-threatening circumstances. It is recommended that an individual seek medical attention immediately after noticing this type of injury. Failure to do so will result in more serious symptoms or even death. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Getting into a vehicle accident may also result in mental injury. Fear of driving or development of guilt are common symptoms that could cause an individual to have a difficult time performing their day-to-day activities. It is highly advised for individuals going through PTSD to get medical treatment for mental and emotional suffering.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

Our qualified car accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers are highly-trained and have extensive experience with cases that are similar to yours. We are committed to helping you resolve your legal issues as quickly as possible while receiving the best results.

If you or someone you know has been injured, reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our contact form.