The Most Common Car Accident Injuries

The types of injuries that can be caused by a car accident are limited only by the number of ways a person can be injured. Every part of your body is subject to injury during a car crash. However, if you look at the statistics compiled from insurance claims, personal injury lawsuits and government agencies, then you will notice that some injuries occur more often than others do. The following are the five most common types of injuries that result from automobile accidents.

Spinal injuries

Spinal injuries are sometimes referred to as either neck or back injuries, but the neck and back can suffer from sprains and other forms of trauma that have nothing to do with the spine. Spinal injuries are very serious and can occur in even minor collisions. Spinal injuries include ruptured discs, nerve damage, and fractures. The most serious of these injuries may cause chronic pain or paralysis.

Neck injuries

Besides spinal injuries, the neck can become injured in other ways. One of the most common neck injuries is known as whiplash. This occurs when the head is violently snapped back and then forward again. Whiplash and neck strains are considered mild injuries, but they can cause temporary disability.

Back injuries

The back can be injured in a car accident in several ways, but the injuries are not always apparent on the scene. Some back injuries may not manifest until several hours or a few days later. After any motor vehicle accident, it is a good idea to be checked out by a doctor or EMT.

Facial injuries

Injuries to the face during car accidents are common because the face is totally exposed and easily traumatized. Facial injuries range from minor scrapes or bruises to severe disfigurement.

Psychological injuries

Car accidents do cause physical injuries as well as psychological injuries. Serious collisions may leave drivers and passengers emotionally distressed and in shock, or they may suffer from long-term conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD).