Common Car Accident Injuries: Types, Treatments, and Compensation

Car accidents generate tremendous forces that the human body is not designed to withstand. Even a collision at 30 miles per hour can subject occupants to forces several times their own body weight, causing damage to muscles, bones, organs, and the brain. While seatbelts and airbags save lives, they cannot prevent all injuries — and in some cases, the restraint systems themselves contribute to bruising, burns, and fractures during the moment of impact.

Understanding the types of injuries that commonly result from car accidents is essential if you are pursuing a personal injury claim. The nature and severity of your injuries directly influence the compensation you may be entitled to receive. Below, we break down the most common car accident injuries, how they are treated, and what they mean for your legal case.

What Are Soft Tissue Injuries Like Whiplash, Sprains, and Strains?

Soft tissue injuries are the most frequently reported injuries following car accidents. These involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments rather than bones. Despite being called “minor” by insurance companies, soft tissue injuries can cause debilitating pain that lasts months or even years.

Whiplash

Whiplash occurs when the head is rapidly forced forward and then snapped backward, stretching and tearing the soft tissues in the neck. It is especially common in rear-end collisions. Symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, headaches originating at the base of the skull, dizziness, blurred vision, and fatigue. Some whiplash victims also experience difficulty concentrating and memory problems.

Treatment typically begins with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications, followed by physical therapy to restore range of motion and strengthen the neck muscles. Most whiplash injuries resolve within a few weeks to three months, but a significant percentage of patients develop chronic symptoms that persist for a year or longer.

Sprains and Strains

Sprains involve the stretching or tearing of ligaments (the tissue connecting bones to other bones), while strains affect muscles or tendons. In car accidents, these injuries commonly affect the neck, back, shoulders, and wrists. The sudden forces of a collision — bracing against the steering wheel, being thrown against the seatbelt, or absorbing impact through the arms and legs — can all cause these injuries.

Treatment follows a similar pattern to whiplash: initial rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and progressive physical therapy. Recovery time ranges from a few weeks for mild sprains to several months for severe tears that may require surgical repair.

What Types of Broken Bones and Fractures Occur in Car Accidents?

The blunt force of a car accident frequently results in broken bones. The most common fractures seen in motor vehicle collisions include:

• Rib fractures — caused by the seatbelt or steering wheel compressing the chest
• Wrist and arm fractures — often sustained when the driver braces against the steering wheel at the moment of impact
• Hip and pelvis fractures — common in side-impact (T-bone) collisions, where the door is driven inward against the occupant
• Leg and knee fractures — the dashboard and foot well crumple inward during frontal collisions, crushing the lower extremities
• Facial fractures — the nose, cheekbones, and jaw can fracture from contact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or side window
• Clavicle (collarbone) fractures — frequently caused by the seatbelt shoulder strap during a high-speed collision

Treatment depends on the severity and location of the fracture. Simple fractures may require only immobilization with a cast or splint. Compound fractures — where the bone breaks through the skin — and displaced fractures often require surgical intervention, including the insertion of pins, plates, or screws to hold the bone in place during healing. Recovery from a broken bone typically takes six to twelve weeks, though complex fractures can require months of rehabilitation, and some patients experience chronic pain or reduced mobility at the fracture site.

How Do Traumatic Brain Injuries Happen in Car Accidents?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden impact or jolt causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of TBIs. The CDC reports that motor vehicle crashes account for approximately 14% of all TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths (CDC, TBI Surveillance Report, 2023). These injuries range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that permanently alters cognitive function.

Warning Signs of a Brain Injury

Brain injuries do not always present symptoms immediately. It is critical to watch for the following warning signs in the hours and days after a car accident:

• Headaches that worsen or do not go away
• Nausea or repeated vomiting
• Confusion, slurred speech, or difficulty finding words
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Changes in sleep patterns — sleeping much more or much less than usual
• Mood changes, irritability, or unusual emotional responses
• Loss of consciousness, even briefly

Long-Term Effects

While many concussion patients recover fully within weeks, moderate and severe TBIs can result in lasting impairments. These include chronic headaches, memory loss, difficulty with concentration and problem-solving, personality changes, depression, and seizures. Some TBI patients are unable to return to work or live independently. The long-term medical costs associated with a severe brain injury can be substantial — the National Institutes of Health estimates lifetime costs for severe TBI patients can exceed $3 million, often requiring ongoing neurological care, occupational therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation.

What Are the Risks of Spinal Cord Injuries After a Car Accident?

Spinal cord injuries are among the most catastrophic outcomes of a car accident. The spinal cord carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body, and damage to it can result in partial or complete loss of motor function and sensation below the level of the injury.

Severity Levels

Spinal cord injuries are classified as either complete or incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury means total loss of function below the injury site. An incomplete injury means some function remains — the patient may retain partial movement or sensation. The location of the injury on the spine determines which parts of the body are affected:

• Cervical spine injuries (neck region) — can cause quadriplegia, affecting all four limbs and potentially requiring a ventilator for breathing
• Thoracic spine injuries (upper and mid-back) — can cause paraplegia, affecting the legs and lower body
• Lumbar and sacral spine injuries (lower back) — may affect the legs, bladder, and bowel function

Treatment for spinal cord injuries typically involves emergency surgery to stabilize the spine, followed by extensive rehabilitation. While medical advances have improved outcomes, there is currently no way to fully reverse spinal cord damage. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reports that lifetime care costs for spinal cord injury patients can range from $1.2 million to over $5 million depending on severity. Patients often face a lifetime of medical expenses, assistive equipment costs, home modifications, and lost earning capacity.

How Do Internal Injuries Occur in Car Accidents?

Internal injuries are particularly dangerous because they may not produce visible symptoms immediately. The force of a car accident can damage organs, rupture blood vessels, and cause internal bleeding that requires emergency surgical intervention.

Common internal injuries from car accidents include:

• Ruptured spleen — the spleen is vulnerable to blunt abdominal trauma and can bleed profusely when damaged
• Liver lacerations — the liver’s size and position make it susceptible to injury from seatbelt compression or steering wheel impact
• Kidney damage — side-impact collisions can drive force into the flank area, injuring the kidneys
• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) — broken ribs can puncture the lung, causing it to collapse
• Aortic tears — rapid deceleration can tear the aorta, the body’s largest blood vessel, which is a life-threatening emergency

Because internal injuries can be fatal if not detected and treated promptly, it is critical to seek medical evaluation after any car accident — even if you feel fine at the scene. Emergency room physicians use CT scans, ultrasounds, and other imaging to identify internal damage that is not apparent from external examination.

Can Car Accidents Cause Psychological Injuries?

Car accidents do not only cause physical harm. Many accident victims develop significant psychological conditions that affect their quality of life, their ability to work, and their personal relationships.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a recognized psychiatric condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Car accident survivors with PTSD may experience flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety when riding in or near vehicles, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness. Research published in peer-reviewed medical journals has found that a meaningful percentage of motor vehicle accident survivors develop PTSD symptoms that persist for months or years after the crash.

Anxiety and Depression

Beyond PTSD, car accident victims commonly develop generalized anxiety, driving-related phobias, and depression. Chronic pain from physical injuries often compounds these psychological conditions, creating a cycle where pain worsens mental health and poor mental health amplifies the perception of pain. Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy) and medication, and these costs are compensable in a personal injury claim.

It is important to understand that psychological injuries are legitimate, documented medical conditions. Insurance companies sometimes attempt to minimize or dismiss mental health claims, but New Hampshire law and the laws of most states recognize that emotional and psychological suffering caused by another party’s negligence is compensable.

How Does Injury Severity Affect Your Compensation?

The severity of your injuries is one of the most significant factors in determining the value of your personal injury claim. Compensation in a car accident case typically covers two broad categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are the measurable financial losses caused by the accident. These include:

• Medical bills — emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, medication, and future medical care
• Lost wages — income lost during recovery, and reduced future earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous occupation
• Property damage — vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Out-of-pocket expenses — transportation to medical appointments, home care assistance, medical equipment

Non-economic damages compensate for losses that do not carry a specific price tag but are no less real. These include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium (impact on your relationship with your spouse)
• Scarring and disfigurement

Generally, more severe injuries result in higher compensation because they involve greater medical costs, longer recovery periods, more significant pain and suffering, and a greater impact on the victim’s daily life. Catastrophic injuries — such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis, and amputations — typically generate the largest settlements and verdicts because they impose lifelong consequences on the victim.

To better understand how much your case may be worth, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate the full scope of your damages.

Why Does Prompt Medical Treatment Matter for Your Legal Claim?

Seeking medical attention immediately after a car accident is important for two reasons: protecting your health and protecting your legal claim.

From a medical standpoint, many serious injuries — including internal bleeding, brain injuries, and spinal cord damage — may not produce obvious symptoms for hours or days. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent these conditions from worsening and, in some cases, can be the difference between full recovery and permanent disability.

From a legal standpoint, prompt medical treatment creates a documented connection between the accident and your injuries. Insurance companies and defense attorneys routinely argue that gaps in medical treatment mean the injuries were not serious or were caused by something other than the accident. If you wait days or weeks before seeing a doctor, the insurance company will use that delay to challenge your claim and reduce your compensation.

Follow your doctor’s treatment plan completely. Attend all follow-up appointments, complete your prescribed physical therapy, and take medications as directed. Every missed appointment or lapse in treatment gives the insurance company ammunition to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a car accident if I think I am injured?

Call 911 and request medical assistance at the scene. Even if your injuries seem minor, go to the emergency room or see your doctor within 24 hours. Some serious injuries, including concussions and internal bleeding, do not produce immediate symptoms. Early medical documentation also strengthens your personal injury claim.

Can I file a claim for whiplash or other soft tissue injuries?

Yes. Soft tissue injuries such as whiplash, sprains, and strains are legitimate injuries that entitle you to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies often try to minimize these claims, which is why having an attorney advocate on your behalf is important.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a car accident?

The statute of limitations varies by state. In New Hampshire, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §508:4. However, other states have shorter deadlines — some as brief as one or two years. It is critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss the filing deadline in your state.

What if my injuries do not appear until days or weeks after the accident?

Delayed-onset injuries are common after car accidents. Conditions like whiplash, herniated discs, concussions, and internal injuries can take days or even weeks to manifest noticeable symptoms. See a doctor as soon as symptoms appear and inform them that you were recently in a car accident. Your attorney can help establish the connection between the accident and your delayed symptoms.

Will the insurance company pay for my psychological treatment after a car accident?

Psychological injuries such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression are compensable in a personal injury claim if they resulted from the accident. You will need documentation from a licensed mental health professional establishing your diagnosis and connecting it to the collision. An experienced car accident attorney can help ensure that your psychological injuries are fully accounted for in your claim.

How is the value of a car accident injury claim determined?

The value of your claim depends on multiple factors, including the severity of your injuries, the total cost of your medical treatment, the length of your recovery, whether you suffered permanent impairment, the amount of income you lost, and the impact on your daily life and relationships. There is no standard formula — each case is evaluated based on its individual circumstances. Learn more about how your case value is determined.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

In most cases, no. Initial settlement offers from insurance companies are typically far below the true value of a claim. Insurers make early offers hoping that injured victims will accept before they fully understand the extent of their injuries and damages. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back and ask for more money — even if your condition worsens. Speak with a personal injury attorney before accepting any offer.

Do I need a lawyer if I was injured in a car accident?

While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, having experienced legal representation significantly improves your chances of receiving full and fair compensation. Insurance companies employ teams of adjusters and lawyers whose goal is to minimize what they pay. A personal injury attorney understands how to document your damages, negotiate with insurers, and take your case to trial if necessary.

Get Help With Your Car Accident Injury Claim

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, attorney Charles C. Teale and the team at MaxxCompensation are here to help. We represent injured clients in New Hampshire and across the country, and we do not charge any fees unless we recover compensation for you. Call us today at 877-462-9952 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation, or visit our car accident lawyer page to learn more about how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.