What are the Common Injuries in a Motor Vehicle Accident?

While some motor vehicle accidents may only involve property damage, most accidents involve some degree of bodily injury. The injuries you sustain in a motor vehicle accident can vary greatly depending on several factors such as were you riding a motorcycle; did a semi-truck cause the accident; and, how fast were the cars traveling the time of the crash.

Regardless of the severity of your injuries, you should always seek medical attention following a motor vehicle accident. Some injuries (i.e. closed head injury) may not be easily identified immediately following an accident. Even if you do not need emergency medical attention, it is always in your best interest to follow up with your primary care physician after being involved in a car crash.

Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries

Common injuries we see in motor vehicle accident claims include:

• • Broken Bones and Fractures – It is common to suffer a broken bone or fracture in a collision due to the impact. A broken bone is not a minor injury. You may need surgery and months of physical therapy in order to recover. In some cases, a broken bone can cause permanent disability.
  • Traumatic Head Injuries – Head injuries are common in motor vehicle accidents because the brain is slammed against the inside of the skull (i.e. closed head injury) from the head striking an object. A penetrating head injury occurs when an object penetrates the skull and enters the brain. Traumatic brain injuries can be life-threatening and result in permanent disabilities or other medical conditions such as loss of bodily functions or paralysis. For more information on TBIs, visit the Centers for Disease Control brain injury pages.
  • Back injuries and spinal cord injuries – Injuries to the back and spinal cord often require surgery and/or physical therapy. Some victims never fully recover from this type of motor vehicle injury. Lumbar strains, bulging discs, and fractured vertebrae are common in a truck accident and passenger vehicle accidents. You could suffer chronic, permanent pain after an injury to your back or spinal cord. Injuries to the spinal cord may result in permanent paralysis.
  • Whiplash – Whiplash is a serious injury that can result in severe pain that takes months or even years to heal. Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions because the head snaps back and forth in a whip-like motion on impact.
  • Burns – Burns are another common motor vehicle injury that can be life-threatening and result in permanent medical conditions. Vehicles can burst into flame on impact causing severe burns that require months of painful treatment and surgeries. Even with the best care, burns often result in permanent scarring and disfigurement.
  • Internal Bleeding and Injuries – Organ damage and internal bleeding are common in motor vehicle accidents. Immediate medical attention is required to avoid life-threatening complications.
  • Amputations – Amputations are not as common as other types of motor vehicle accident injuries, however, they do occur more often in motorcycle injuries and large truck injuries.
  • Cuts and Scrapes – Broken glass and flying debris often cause scrapes and cuts. Most of these injuries can be treated easily; however, cuts can become infected causing secondary injuries.

Boca Raton Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys

The Broderick Law Firm, P.L. wants to help you as you recovery from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Regardless of the severity of your injury, you deserve a fair and just settlement for your damages.