Below, you’ll find the most common injuries from car accidents. That includes the types of symptoms they produce and how they’re typically treated.
Neck injuries
Neck injuries from car accidents can vary from mild to severe. Many low-impact collisions result in whiplash, one of the most common car accident injuries. Whiplash occurs when the head and neck rapidly snap backward and then forward, causing damage to the tendons and muscles.
A more severe neck injury from a car accident may include a herniated disc or cervical fracture. These injuries typically occur during high-impact collisions and cause damage to the vertebrae.
Neck injury symptoms typically include:
- Persistent or acute pain in the neck.
- Reduced range of motion and stiffness.
- Muscle tension and spasms in the neck and surrounding areas.
- Headaches, including tension-type headaches or cervicogenic headaches (headaches originating from the neck).
- Tingling sensations or numbness in the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands.
- Weakness in the arms, shoulders, or hands.
- Pain that radiates from the neck down into the shoulders, arms, or upper back.
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- Bruising or swelling.
- Heightened sensitivity to touch or pressure in the affected area.
- Clicking or popping sounds in the neck when moving it.
Neck injury treatment may vary, depending on the severity of the injury. It typically includes:
- Rest and activity modification.
- Ice and heat.
- Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers.
- Physical therapy.
- Neck brace or collar.
- Massage, acupuncture, or chiropractic care.
- Surgery.
Leg injuries
Leg injuries from car accidents can occur in many ways. For example, frontal collisions often result in knee injuries or tibia and fibula fractures. Side-impact collisions can result in femur fractures or hip injuries. Rollovers can result in various leg injuries, including damage to the lower legs or ankles.
Common leg injury symptoms include:
- Acute leg pain and tenderness to the touch.
- Bruising and swelling around the injured area.
- Limited range of motion.
- Difficulty bearing weight.
- Numbness or tingling.
- Muscle weakness.
Treatment for a leg injury may include:
- RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
- Casting and splinting.
- Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication.
- Physical therapy.
- Surgery.
Spine and back injuries
A back injury from a car accident can occur when the spinal vertebrae or soft tissue sustains damage during a collision. For example, a spinal fracture or spinal cord damage can occur during a high-impact collision. Even a low-impact crash can cause back pain that can worsen over time.
A car accident spine injury can cause these symptoms:
- Pain and tenderness in the back.
- Reduced mobility.
- Muscle weakness.
- Muscle spasms.
- Numbness or tingling in the affected area.
- Loss of bowel or bladder control.
- Paralysis.
Back injury treatment typically includes:
- Rest and activity modification.
- Casting, bracing, or splinting.
- Medications for pain relief and muscle relaxation.
- Heat and cold therapy.
- Physical therapy.
- Chiropractic treatment.
- Surgery.
Facial injuries
The face is a vulnerable area that can sustain serious and visible injuries in a crash. For example, bone fractures, lacerations, and contusions can occur during a frontal collision. These injuries happen when a driver hits their face against the dashboard, steering wheel, or windshield. Car accident face injuries are also common in side-impact collisions and rollovers.
Facial injury symptoms often include:
- Broken nose, cheekbone, jaw, or orbital bones.
- Difficulty seeing, breathing, or eating.
- Damaged teeth or dental structures.
- Visible cuts, bruises, or scars on the face.
- Deformation.
- Bacterial infections.
Treatment for facial injuries may include:
- Wound cleaning and disinfection.
- Stitches or staples.
- Cold compress.
- Medications for pain management.
- Reconstructive surgery.
- Facial injury scar treatment.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
A car accident brain injury often occurs when the brain rapidly moves within the skull. It can happen due to direct impact, rapid acceleration and deceleration, and sudden rotational force. A mild TBI might include a concussion caused by a low-speed collision. However, some TBIs are among the most serious car accident injuries and can be long-term and potentially life-altering.
Common TBI symptoms include:
- Persistent or severe headaches.
- Confusion or mental fog.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Loss of memory.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Persistent tiredness or fatigue.
- Sensitivity to light or loud noises.
- Difficulty falling asleep or excessive sleepiness.
- Irritability, mood swings, or increased anxiety.
- Seizures.
- Vision problems.
TBI treatment typically includes:
- Long-term rest and activity modification.
- Medication for pain management, seizure control, and brain swelling.
- Physical and occupational therapy.
- Cognitive rehabilitation.
- Speech-language therapy.