1. Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries, especially in rear-end collisions. It happens when the neck suddenly snaps back and forth, damaging muscles and ligaments.

Symptoms of whiplash:

• Neck stiffness and pain
• Limited range of motion
• Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
• Dizziness or fatigue

While whiplash might sound minor, it can cause weeks or months of discomfort. In some cases, it can lead to chronic pain. Always seek medical attention after a crash, even if you think the injury is minor.

2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Head injuries range from mild concussions to life-altering traumatic brain injuries. A sudden jolt or blow to the head during a crash can bruise the brain, tear tissue, or cause bleeding.

Signs of a possible brain injury:

• Headache that won’t go away
• Confusion or memory loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Mood swings or changes in behavior
• Loss of consciousness

If you hit your head or feel “off” after a crash, get checked by a doctor. TBIs may not show symptoms right away but can cause serious long-term problems.

3. Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Car crashes often put sudden pressure on the spine, leading to back injuries that range from herniated discs to permanent spinal cord damage.

Common back-related injuries:

• Lower back sprains
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Nerve damage (sciatica)
• Spinal fractures or paralysis (in severe cases)

Back injuries can affect your ability to work, sleep, and carry out daily tasks. Some may require surgery or long-term physical therapy. Early treatment improves outcomes and strengthens your injury claim.

4. Broken Bones and Fractures

Bone fractures are common in car accidents due to the force of impact or from being thrown forward against a seatbelt, steering wheel, or airbag.

Frequently broken bones include:

• Arms and wrists (from bracing for impact)
• Ribs (from seatbelt pressure)
• Legs and ankles (especially in side-impact crashes)
• Facial bones (from hitting the dashboard or windshield)

Fractures often require casting, surgery, or rehabilitation. Some injuries, like compound fractures, carry a risk of infection and longer recovery.

5. Chest Injuries

The chest takes a lot of force in a crash. While airbags and seatbelts save lives, they can also cause bruises, cracked ribs, or internal injuries.

Chest injuries may include:

• Bruised or fractured ribs
• Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
• Heart contusion or internal bleeding

These injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. If you have chest pain after a crash, call 911 or go to the ER right away.

6. Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They may not show up on an X-ray, but they still cause pain and limit movement.

Examples of soft tissue injuries:

• Sprains and strains
• Deep bruises
• Tendon or ligament tears

These injuries often cause swelling, tenderness, and limited function. Without proper treatment, soft tissue damage can linger and interfere with work or daily life.

7. Internal Injuries

Seatbelts and airbags reduce the risk of death, but they can’t always prevent internal injuries caused by blunt force trauma.

Internal injuries may involve:

• Organ damage (liver, spleen, kidneys)
• Internal bleeding
• Abdominal bruising

These injuries can become fatal if untreated. If you feel dizzy, faint, or have severe stomach pain after a crash, get emergency care.

8. Cuts, Burns, and Road Rash

Car accidents can cause surface-level injuries that still require treatment. Broken glass, airbag deployment, or ejection from the vehicle can lead to cuts, scrapes, or burns.

Common visible injuries:

• Lacerations needing stitches
• Chemical burns from airbag chemicals
• Road rash from contact with pavement

These wounds can cause infection or leave permanent scars. Documenting these injuries helps support your personal injury claim.