Common Injuries in Car Accident Cases

According to the Michigan State Police, Criminal Justice Information Center, auto accident injuries increased 1% from 70,281 in 2022, to 71,085 in 2023, and nearly 70% of injuries were reported as the driver.

There are many types of injuries that result from an auto accident—from somewhat minor, like sprains and fractures—to the extremely serious: heart attack and traumatic brain injury (TBI). This article will examine the common injuries that are caused by auto accidents.

Categories of Car Accident Injuries

Auto accident injuries can be organized into two different categories: (i) impact injuries, which happen when a passenger strikes any part of the car’s interior or is thrown from the car and strikes the ground or other objects; and (ii) penetrating injury, which occur when loose objects flying in the vehicle strike the passenger. Both types of injuries can be severe, and it’s critical you have any  injuries diagnosed accurately by medical professionals. That way your injuries can be documented in the event you want to pursue compensation for damages from the crash.

What are the Specific Types of Injuries?

Some of the most common injuries caused by auto accidents include the following:

• Bruising. This is a very common injury in motor vehicle accidents. Many bruises heal on their own, if your chest is hit or punctured, a bruise to your heart is possible, which can cause long-term damage.
• Head and Back Injuries. These can be among the most severe and challenging from which to recover. They include concussions, whiplash, and spinal cord injuries.
• Broken or Bruised Ribs. Car accident victims frequently experience rib pain, and it can be anything from a mild bruise to broken bones. While broken ribs typically heal on their own, they can cause more serious problems, like punctured blood vessels or internal organs.
• Thoracic Trauma. The momentum of being thrust forward can cause bruising and other injuries from the seatbelt or impact with the steering wheel. Chest injuries can cause significant damage.
• Heart Attack. An auto accident is extremely stressful, and this may trigger a heart attack. Remember that a heart attack may not be apparent after an accident. Tell first responders if you think you may be experiencing a heart attack.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). This is an injury to brain cells that happens when the brain is jostled or shaken. This frequently occurs in car accidents when a victim’s neck snaps forward on impact, or their head hits a window, the steering wheel, or the dashboard. Some TBIs are very serious and can have long-lasting effects, such as brain damage.
• Organ damage. Organ damage can happen when a car crash victim experiences a puncture wound or blunt force trauma. Many times, the spleen, liver, and small intestine are affected, this injury can cause internal bleeding. That can result in blood clots days or weeks after the accident.
• Soft Tissue Injuries. Sprains and strains are injuries that often happen in auto accidents. These injuries are usually less severe than other injuries, but that doesn’t mean they should be disregarded.
• PTSD. A motor vehicle accident can leave emotional scars, and post-traumatic stress disorder is a risk after a traumatizing event, such as a car accident. PTSD can affect anyone at any time, and it may require medical care. It can be hard to diagnose because often there are no physical symptoms, and because it manifests after the actual accident.

Contact Us

It’s important to know that you may not be aware of your injuries or their extent immediately after a crash. Prompt medical treatment will give you the best chance at recovery from injuries from a motor vehicle accident.

If you or a family member has been involved in an auto accident in Michigan, you may be entitled to compensation for serious injuries. You need a reliable Michigan car accident attorney that understands the Michigan no-fault insurance laws and can get you what you deserve.

For a free consultation with an experienced auto accident attorney in Michigan, contact Buchanan Firm. Our firm proudly serves people all across Michigan, including major cities like Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Detroit, Lansing, Holland, St. Joe, and Ann Arbor, and rural towns such as Lowell, Ada, Fremont, Newaygo, Grand Haven, Rockford, and Cedar Springs. We will meet you after hours, at home, or in the hospital to accommodate you.