Car accidents remain a major concern across the United States, impacting millions of people every year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 6 million car accidents were reported in 2019 alone. These incidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to serious, life-changing conditions.
If you’re recovering from a car accident injury, understanding the risks and the types of injuries that may result can help you feel more prepared as you navigate the road to recovery.
Most Common Car Crash Injuries
The most common injuries include neck injuries, soft tissue injuries, head and brain trauma, broken bones, back and spinal cord damage, and emotional injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Neck Injuries
Neck injuries, especially whiplash, are among the most common results of car accidents, particularly rear-end collisions. Whiplash happens when the head and neck are suddenly and forcefully thrown back and forth, much like the motion of a cracking whip. This quick movement can overstretch or strain the muscles and ligaments in your neck, sometimes even before you realize you’ve been injured.
It’s important to know that whiplash and other neck injuries are not just minor aches—they can cause real pain and limit your ability to move, work, and care for yourself.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Beyond the Bruises
When you hear about car accident injuries, broken bones and head injuries might be the first things that come to mind. But another common—yet often overlooked—type is soft tissue injuries. These injuries are very real, even if you can’t see them right away.
If you’re feeling pain, stiffness, or swelling after an accident, there’s a good chance your muscles, ligaments, or tendons have been affected. Soft tissue injuries can disrupt your daily life just as much as more visible wounds—sometimes more.
Head and Brain Trauma
Head and brain trauma are among the most serious injuries you can suffer after a car accident. Even a seemingly minor crash can cause your brain to move suddenly inside your skull, which may result in a concussion or something much more severe, like a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
These injuries happen when your head is struck, jolted, or shaken during the impact, causing your brain to bounce or twist within the skull. This movement can bruise the brain tissue or damage important connections, affecting your ability to think, remember, or even carry out daily tasks.
If you notice symptoms like confusion, headaches, sudden memory loss, dizziness, or trouble focusing, it’s critical to seek medical attention right away. Head and brain injuries may not always be visible right after the accident, but their effects can be long-lasting and sometimes permanent.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Broken bones and fractures are a frequent outcome of car accidents, and they can disrupt your life in an instant. During a collision, your body absorbs a lot of force, which often leads to breaks in the bones of the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. These injuries can be both painful and stressful, sometimes requiring surgery and a lengthy recovery.
It’s normal to feel worried if you’re dealing with a broken bone after an accident. Healing takes time, and you may face challenges like missing work, handling medical appointments, or dealing with physical limitations. Some fractures will heal with a cast and rest, while others may need more complex treatment, such as surgery or rehabilitation.
Back and Spinal Cord Damage
Back and spinal cord injuries are among the most serious outcomes of a car accident. Your spine does a lot more than just support your back—it protects the spinal cord, which acts as the body’s main communication line, carrying signals between your brain and the rest of your body. When this delicate system is injured in a crash, the results can be life-changing.
Back injuries from car accidents can range from mild, such as strains and herniated discs, to severe spinal cord injuries that may cause partial or complete loss of movement or feeling below the point of injury. Symptoms might show up right away, or they could develop hours or days later.
Post-Traumatic Stress and Emotional Injuries
Emotional injuries after a car accident are more common than many people realize. Alongside physical pain, it’s very normal to experience ongoing stress, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a crash. PTSD can deeply affect your well-being and shouldn’t be ignored.
PTSD is a mental health condition that may develop after going through or witnessing something traumatic, like a car accident. People facing PTSD often have unwanted thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, or feel anxious when reminded of the event. If you find that certain places, sounds, or driving itself causes overwhelming fear or distress, know that this is a common response and you’re not alone.
Need a Car Accident Lawsuit Loan While You Wait for Your Case to Settle?
If you’re waiting for your case to settle and are facing financial constraints due to an injury, Baker Street Funding provides financial assistance for car accident victims. We understand that this is a difficult time for you, and we want to help.
Our car accident lawsuit loans are designed to give you the financial relief you need to put food on the table and pay your bills while you wait for your case to settle. All funding is non-recourse, meaning you pay nothing if you lose your case.
Our pre-settlement loan process is fast, and our rates start at 2.95% monthly simple, with a 2-3 year cap. You can apply for a car accident lawsuit loan online or over the phone by calling (888) 711-3599 today.
