Top Five Auto Accident Injuries

There are thousands of cars and drivers on the highways and roads in Maryland. And unfortunately, automobile accidents are an unfortunate side effect of travel for many of us. The high speed of highway travel and impact of a car crash can result in physical injury to both driver and passengers. A car wreck can injure just about any part of the body, depending on the seriousness of the crash.

Car accidents can cause a number of traumatic effects, both emotional and physical. This is especially true when you’re involved in a crash that wasn’t your fault. Although every situation and every car accident is different, victims of car crashes tend to exhibit some common injuries. Here are some you should look out for if you’re in an accident.

The top five auto accident injuries

1. Whiplash. This is typically the most common vehicle accident injury, and happens when the head is rapidly “whipped” forward and backward. People usually suffer whiplash when their car is rear-ended, but it can happen in any number of ways. Whiplash can damage muscles and tendons in the neck, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulties in movement. Some cases of whiplash can cause traumatic brain injuries. Whiplash can resolve on its own or result in chronic pain.
2. Back injuries. Many people also suffer back injuries in auto accidents. Common back injuries include sprains, strains, herniated discs, or fractured vertebrae. The majority of these manifest in the lower back, resulting in chronic pain and limited range of motion. Some back pain can be treated with physical therapy and medication, depending on the severity of the injury, and some may need to be treated with surgery or other invasive procedures.
3. Head injuries. Head injuries from car accidents can range from bumps on the head to concussions to traumatic brain injury (TBI). When the head is hit hard enough (or is whipped around hard enough) to jostle the brain around in the skull, a TBI can occur. TBIs range from mild to severe, depending on the injury, and patients may have mild effects like a headache to serious symptoms like cognitive difficulties. It’s nearly impossible to reverse damage from a TBI.
4. Broken bones. Another common car accident injury is fractured or broken bones. A victim can break wrists, collarbones, arms, knees, legs, etc. These injuries are treated according to their severity and may heal on their own, or cause years of chronic pain.
5. Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can range from serious to catastrophic. These types of injuries interrupt motor and sensory signals to the brain and, depending how high on the spinal cord an injury occurs, a car accident victim could suffer from partial to full paralysis. Typically, spinal cord injuries are traumatic, long-lasting, and life-changing.

Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. is a premier Maryland law firm providing skilled representation to car accident victims. Our legal team is here to provide experienced representation to those injured in accidents due to the negligence of another. We’ll fight to get you compensation for your injuries. To learn more, or to schedule a free consultation, please call 410-730-7737 or fill out our contact form.

Learn more about car accident injuries from our Maryland auto accident lawyers

Some of the Most Common Auto Accident Injuries Take a Long time to Heal

5 of the Most Common Car Accident Injuries