Statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) relative to types of car accident injuries are intimidating. Every year, more than 3 million persons suffer car accident injuries across the US.
The injuries, like the accidents that cause them, are broad-based. As expected, some car accident injuries are more common than others.
Factors that Contribute to Severity
NHTSA has identified several trends that can increase or decrease the severity of car accident injuries:
- Was the injured person wearing a seatbelt?
- Was the accident a rear end, sideswipe or front end collision?
- Was the injured party facing straight ahead or was the person turned in a different direction?
- Was the accident a low speed or high speed collision?
- Did the car have airbags?
Two Broad Categories of Car Accident Injuries
The two broad classifications of car accident injuries include:
- Impact injuries – These typically occur when part of the person’s body hits a part of the car’s interior
- Penetrating injuries – These injuries are usually cuts and scrapes that take place when loose objects fly inside the vehicle.
Other, General Types of Car Accident Injuries
There are several other, more definitive but still general types of car accident injuries, including:
Soft Tissue Injuries – Soft tissue injuries occur when there is damage to the body’s connective tissues such as muscles, ligaments and tendons. These are the most common car accident injuries due to sudden, unexpected movements. These injuries come in many different forms, such as:
- Whiplash accidents
- Mid-back injuries
- Lower back injuries
- Head and neck injuries
Scrapes and Cuts – These injuries usually occur when loose projectiles are released inside the vehicle. Loose projectiles can include:
- Eyeglasses
- Purses
- Books
- GPS systems mounted
- Coffee mugs
- Cell phones
When these loose items smash into the skin, scrapes and cuts will occur. Many can be minor injuries but all car accident injuries should be checked as stitches are often necessary.
- Head injuries – The majority of head injuries are minor but some can be extremely serious and quite scary. When a car unexpectedly stops or is involved in a collision, the heads of the occupants are usually jarred. Muscle strains to the neck and back are common but the head can be injured when it collides with a window, the dashboard or even the air bag. Bruises can be expected but in many cases, lacerations will occur. Severe head injuries can result in concussion and even brain damage.
- Chest injuries – The most common chest injuries include bruises and contusions. However, many car accident victims suffer broken ribs and internal injuries that can be difficult to see immediately. The driver behind the wheel is very likely to experience some type of chest injury. Even with a seatbelt and air bag, the chest is liable to undergo stress and bruising from the collision.
- Arm and Leg Injuries – Arm and leg injuries are very common in side swipe car accidents. Likewise, passengers in the front seat can suffer severe knee injuries when their knees fiercely impact the dashboard. Arm and leg bruises, scrapes and scratches are common car accident injuries as well.
- All car accident injuries can take weeks to fully surface. This is because inflammation, internal bleeding and fluid buildup can take time.
At Stoy Law Group (817-820-0100), we believe it is important that car accident victims take the time to be treated for their car accident injuries. In most cases, the insurance provider will bear the expense, making it smart to be safe rather than sorry.
Get a free case evaluation for any injury and especially for car accident injuries. We are here for clients in and around Fort Worth.
