Accidents can cause injuries ranging from temporary soreness to conditions requiring surgery, rehabilitation, and months of recovery. Common accident injuries include broken bones, whiplash, soft-tissue injuries, knee injuries, chest injuries, nerve damage, burns, herniated discs, and fractures of the tailbone or sternum. Some injuries may also cause delayed pain or symptoms that do not appear until hours or days after an accident.
When an injury was caused by another person’s negligence, the victim may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
What Are the Most Common Accident Injuries?
Common injuries following car crashes, truck accidents, falls, and other accidents include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Knee injuries
- Chest injuries
- Nerve damage
- Burns
- Herniated discs
- Tailbone and sternum fractures
- Delayed pain and other accident-related symptoms
The severity of an injury depends on the circumstances of the accident and the part of the body affected. Even an injury that initially appears minor can require significant medical treatment.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Broken bones are among the most common injuries caused by vehicle collisions, falls, and other accidents. A fracture can occur when an impact places more force on a bone than it can withstand.
Common accident-related fractures include broken arms, legs, wrists, ribs, ankles, and fingers. Treatment may involve immobilization, casting, physical therapy, or surgery.
A fracture can also cause complications, including nerve or blood vessel damage, infection, reduced mobility, or chronic pain. The location and severity of the fracture can affect how long recovery takes.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden back-and-forth movement of the head and neck. It frequently occurs in rear-end collisions but can result from other types of accidents.
Symptoms may include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Shoulder or upper-back pain
- Reduced range of motion
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Tingling or numbness
Whiplash symptoms may develop immediately or become noticeable hours or days after an accident. Medical evaluation can help identify the injury and document its connection to the accident.
Soft-Tissue Injuries
Soft-tissue injuries affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. Sprains, strains, and bruising are common examples.
These injuries can result from sudden impact, twisting, falls, or being thrown against another object. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising, stiffness, and limited movement.
Soft-tissue injuries do not always appear on standard X-rays, but that does not mean they are insignificant. Depending on the injury, treatment may include rest, medication, physical therapy, or other medical care.
Knee Injuries
The knees can be particularly vulnerable during vehicle crashes and falls. An impact may cause damage to the ligaments, tendons, cartilage, or bones in and around the knee.
Common accident-related knee injuries include:
- Torn ACL or other ligament injuries
- Meniscus tears
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Tendon injuries
- Cartilage damage
Serious knee injuries may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation. They can also affect a person’s ability to walk, work, exercise, or perform everyday activities.
Chest Injuries
Chest injuries can occur when the body strikes a steering wheel, dashboard, seat belt, airbag, or another object during an accident.
Possible injuries include bruising, fractured ribs, a fractured sternum, internal bleeding, and damage to internal organs. Some chest injuries may initially seem minor but can become more serious as swelling or internal damage develops.
Chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing blood, dizziness, or worsening symptoms after an accident should receive prompt medical attention.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage can occur when an accident stretches, compresses, cuts, or otherwise damages a nerve. It may accompany injuries to the spine, limbs, or other parts of the body.
Symptoms can include:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Burning or shooting pain
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of sensation
- Difficulty controlling part of the body
Some nerve injuries resolve with treatment, while others can result in permanent pain, weakness, or loss of function.
Burns
Burn injuries can result from vehicle fires, explosions, hot liquids, chemicals, electrical accidents, or contact with hot surfaces.
Burn severity can range from superficial injuries to deep burns requiring surgery, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation. Severe burns may also result in scarring, disfigurement, nerve damage, infection, and permanent limitations.
Treatment costs can be substantial, particularly when repeated surgeries, rehabilitation, or reconstructive procedures are required.
Tailbone Fractures
A fractured or bruised tailbone, also called the coccyx, can occur after a fall, vehicle collision, or other direct impact.
Symptoms may include pain when sitting, standing, bending, or moving from a seated position. Tailbone injuries can be difficult to treat and may take weeks or months to improve.
Although a tailbone injury is generally not life-threatening, persistent pain can interfere with work, sleep, mobility, and everyday activities.
Sternum Fractures
The sternum, or breastbone, is located in the center of the chest. A strong impact to the chest can fracture the sternum, particularly during a vehicle collision.
Symptoms can include chest pain, tenderness, swelling, and pain when breathing, coughing, or moving. Because sternum fractures can occur alongside other chest injuries, medical evaluation is important after a significant impact.
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc occurs when the inner material of a spinal disc pushes through a tear or weakened area in the outer layer. A sudden impact can cause a new herniated disc or worsen an existing condition.
Herniated discs commonly affect the neck or lower back. Symptoms may include:
- Back or neck pain
- Pain extending into the arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty moving normally
Treatment may include medication, physical therapy, injections, or surgery. Severe spinal injuries involving permanent neurological impairment may have much more significant long-term consequences.
Delayed Pain After an Accident
Not every accident injury causes immediate pain. Adrenaline and the body’s initial stress response can temporarily mask symptoms. Some conditions may also take time to develop.
Delayed symptoms can include:
- Neck or back pain
- Headaches
- Muscle soreness
- Joint pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Abdominal or chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Delayed pain should not automatically be dismissed as unrelated to the accident. If symptoms appear after a collision or other traumatic event, seek medical attention and explain when the accident occurred and when the symptoms began.
When Should You See a Doctor After an Accident?
You should seek medical attention after an accident when you have pain, visible injuries, neurological symptoms, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or any other concerning symptoms.
Even when you feel relatively well, a medical evaluation can identify injuries that are not immediately obvious. Medical records can also help establish the nature of your injuries and the treatment you required.
Follow your doctor’s recommendations and keep records of appointments, prescriptions, therapy, diagnostic tests, and other accident-related treatment.
Can You Get Compensation for Common Accident Injuries?
You may be able to pursue compensation when another person’s negligence caused your accident and injuries.
Depending on the circumstances, damages may include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation costs
- Permanent impairment
- Disfigurement
- Other accident-related expenses
The value of a claim depends on the severity of the injury, treatment requirements, time away from work, long-term effects, and other losses.
How Do You Prove an Accident Injury Claim?
Evidence can help establish what happened, who was responsible, and how the accident affected you. Useful evidence may include:
- Medical records
- Diagnostic imaging and test results
- Accident or police reports
- Photographs and videos
- Witness statements
- Employment and wage records
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation records
- Insurance correspondence
- Documentation of out-of-pocket expenses
It is important to document your injuries and follow medical advice. Gaps in treatment or incomplete records can make it more difficult to demonstrate the extent and duration of an injury.
What Should You Do After an Accident?
After an accident, prioritize your safety and medical needs. If possible, document the scene, exchange information with the appropriate parties, and report the accident when required.
You should also:
- Seek medical attention for injuries or concerning symptoms.
- Follow your treatment plan.
- Keep copies of medical and employment records.
- Save receipts for accident-related expenses.
- Avoid posting details about the accident or your injuries on social media.
- Be cautious when discussing your injuries with insurance companies.
- Speak with a personal injury lawyer before accepting a settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common injuries after a car accident?
Common car accident injuries include whiplash, broken bones, soft-tissue injuries, knee injuries, chest injuries, nerve damage, herniated discs, and traumatic brain injuries.
Can accident injuries appear days later?
Yes. Some injuries and symptoms may develop or become noticeable hours or days after an accident. Delayed neck, back, joint, or head pain should be evaluated by a medical professional.
How much is a broken bone worth in a personal injury claim?
There is no standard amount. Compensation depends on factors such as the type and severity of the fracture, medical treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and whether the injury causes permanent limitations.
Can you get compensation for whiplash?
Potentially. If another party was responsible for the accident, you may be able to seek compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by whiplash.
Is a herniated disc a serious accident injury?
A herniated disc can range from a manageable injury to a condition requiring surgery and long-term treatment. Its seriousness depends on the symptoms, damage, treatment required, and lasting impact on the person’s health and daily life.
What if an injury was not diagnosed immediately?
A delayed diagnosis does not necessarily prevent you from pursuing a claim. However, medical documentation showing when symptoms appeared and how they relate to the accident can be important when establishing causation.
