Car crashes can result in a wide range of injuries, but some are particularly life-altering. Drivers and passengers should understand common types of severe car accident injuries.
Understanding the harm that can happen in a collision highlights the importance of safe driving practices.
Traumatic brain injuries
These injuries, also called TBIs, occur when the head suffers a severe blow or jolt during a car accident. TBIs can lead to memory loss, cognitive impairments and changes in mood and behavior. Severe TBIs may result in a coma or even death.
Spinal cord injuries
Car accidents can cause severe trauma to the spine. These injuries can lead to paralysis, affecting the ability to move and feel below the site of the injury. Spinal cord injuries often require extensive rehabilitation and can have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life.
Multiple fractures
The force of a car crash can cause multiple bone fractures. They can affect various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, ribs and pelvis. Complex fractures may require surgical intervention and prolonged recovery periods.
Internal organ injuries
Blunt force trauma in car crashes can damage the liver, kidney, spleen and other organs. These injuries can be life-threatening and may require surgery to repair or remove the affected organs.
Chest and abdominal injuries
The chest and abdominal areas are vulnerable to collision injury. Damage to the lungs, ribs, heart and aorta can cause breathing difficulties and severe internal bleeding.
The impact of a car accident extends far beyond property damage for many California residents. The state had 269,031 auto accident injuries and 3,737 fatalities in 2019 alone, emphasizing the importance of safe driving practices.
