Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries—some minor, others life-altering. Below are some of the most common injuries that victims suffer in motor vehicle crashes:

  1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries. A sudden blow or sharp object can damage the brain, often resulting in serious consequences. Every year, around 50,000 people lose their lives to TBI, and another 80,000–90,000 are left with long-term disabilities.

  1. Spinal Cord Injuries

The impact of a crash can cause severe spinal cord damage, leading to partial or complete paralysis below the site of the injury. These injuries can drastically alter a person’s quality of life and may require long-term care.

  1. Back Injuries

The human spine isn’t built to absorb the violent force of a car crash. Back injuries, such as herniated discs or vertebral fractures, are common and often result in chronic pain or mobility issues. Some symptoms may appear hours or even days after the accident.

  1. Burns

Burns can happen if a vehicle catches fire or if skin comes into contact with hot fluids, chemicals, or surfaces. Severe burns may require skin grafts or surgery and can leave permanent scars.

  1. Internal Injuries

Internal bleeding and organ damage often occur when the body is hit by flying debris or crashes into hard surfaces. These injuries are life-threatening and need emergency medical attention.

  1. Fractures and Broken Bones

Broken bones—like legs, arms, ribs, ankles, and wrists—are common in car crashes. Some fractures are simple and require only a cast, while others are complex and may need surgery.

  1. Facial Injuries and Scarring

Facial injuries can be caused by shattered glass, airbag deployment, or hitting the dashboard or steering wheel. These injuries often need cosmetic surgery and might result in permanent scarring or ugliness.

  1. Amputations

Severe crashes can result in the loss of limbs, either at the scene or later through surgical amputation. This type of injury often leads to lifelong disability and major lifestyle changes.

  1. Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash happens when the neck snaps back and forth due to sudden impact. Even at low speeds, whiplash can cause pain, stiffness, and soft tissue damage. In severe cases, it can lead to disc injuries or dislocation.

  1. Knee Injuries

A knee can get seriously injured if it strikes the dashboard or door during a collision. Injuries range from bruises and fractures to torn ligaments or cartilage damage, such as a torn meniscus.

  1. Foot and Ankle Injuries

Car crashes often lead to sprains, strains, or fractures in the feet, toes, or ankles. In extreme cases, these body parts may be severed in the crash.

  1. Shoulder Injuries

Bracing yourself against impact can transfer force to your shoulders, leading to injuries such as rotator cuff tears or dislocation. Shoulder injuries can severely limit mobility and require physical therapy or surgery.

  1. Wrist and Hand Injuries

Wrist and hand fractures, especially broken wrists (distal radius fractures), are common in auto accidents. Some of these injuries may need surgical repair to fully heal.

  1. Lacerations, Bruises, and Road Rash

Flying debris, shattered glass, or impact with hard surfaces can cause deep cuts (lacerations) and bruises. Road rash can occur if you’re dragged along pavement, causing painful scrapes and abrasions.

  1. Crush Injuries

Crush injuries happen when a part of the body is compressed between two hard surfaces. These are serious and may result in tissue death or even amputation if not treated immediately.

  1. Soft Tissue Injuries

Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons—like sprains and strains—are extremely common in car accidents. Though not always visible, these injuries can be painful and may take weeks or months to heal.

  1. Emotional Trauma & PTSD

Not every injury is physical. Anxiety, despair, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common among accident victims. Everyday activities can become overwhelming, and professional mental health support may be needed for recovery.

Need Help After a Car Accident in Connecticut?

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a car accident, The Reinken Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced Connecticut car accident lawyers can fight for the compensation you deserve.

📞 Call us now: 203-541-0090 | 203-418-7037 | 203-489-2825

Sources:

Common Injuries After a Car Accident