Types of Injuries from Car Accidents
Car crash injuries can take both a physical and psychological toll on anyone involved. A successful recovery and avoiding long-term complications depends on prompt detection, diagnosis, and treatment. In addition, how quickly injuries are reported to medical professionals and insurance providers is important to ensure appropriate documentation and support. Due to varying laws and deadlines across jurisdictions, timely medical evaluation is essential. That starts with understanding the common types of injuries that can occur in a motor vehicle crash.
Headaches
A constant headache after a car accident can be painful and may indicate an underlying injury, such as a traumatic brain injury or concussion. Timely medical attention and early documentation is important.
Common causes include:
- Impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, window, or other object
- Nerve compression in the spine or base of the skull
- Muscle strain or injury in the neck and upper back
- Fracture of the skull or spine
- Herniated or bulging spinal discs
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common in car accidents. According to the CDC, motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths.
These injuries may not always appear on MRIs or CT scans and can go undiagnosed. A TBI may occur when the head strikes an object inside the vehicle or even without direct impact, due to sudden deceleration. This causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull, resulting in bruising or bleeding.
Symptoms range from loss of consciousness to mood or behavioral changes. Early evaluation is key, even if symptoms seem minor or delayed.
Back Injuries
Back injuries should be taken seriously, as untreated damage can lead to chronic pain. Types of back injuries include:
- Lumbar sprains and strains
- Vertebral fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated or ruptured discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Misalignment of vertebrae
- Soft tissue damage
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common psychological outcome after serious accidents. According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 40% of motor vehicle accident survivors may develop PTSD.
Symptoms vary and may include:
- Flashbacks or nightmares
- Avoidance of driving or riding in cars
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety or depression
PTSD can affect daily functioning and may require professional support.
Neck Injuries
Rear-end collisions often lead to whiplash or other neck injuries due to the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head. This movement can damage muscles, ligaments, spinal discs, or nerves in the neck.
Types of neck injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Sprains and strains
- Bulging or herniated cervical discs
- Spinal cord injuries in the cervical region
- Cervical spinal stenosis
The Risk of Delayed Injuries
Some injuries don’t present symptoms immediately. Days or weeks may pass before signs appear. When symptoms are not diagnosed and treated early, it can impact both recovery and the ability to verify that the injuries were related to the accident.
Examples of delayed injuries include:
- Herniated discs
- Concussions or TBIs
- Neck and back injuries
- Emotional or psychological symptoms
- Chronic headaches
- Depression or anxiety
Emergency departments may focus on visible trauma, and late-appearing symptoms may be missed without follow-up evaluation.
A 2016 study in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation found that 56% of patients with mild TBI were not diagnosed during their emergency room visit, underscoring the importance of follow-up care.
Conclusion
It is important to report and document all injuries after a car accident—both physical and psychological—even if they seem minor or appear later. Some injuries may worsen over time, and early documentation can support appropriate treatment and recovery.