The most common car accident injuries are soft tissue injuries such as whiplash, followed by traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, lacerations, and psychological injuries such as PTSD. In New York State, no-fault insurance pays up to $50,000 per person in basic economic loss for medical treatment and lost earnings under Insurance Law Section 5102, which is why prompt diagnosis and complete documentation matter for every injury on this list.
Understanding the full scope of potential injuries caused by a car crash can help accident survivors get a more accurate valuation of compensation for damages and losses sustained.
At William Mattar Accident Lawyers, our car accident lawyers know how to evaluate the full range of injuries these accidents cause, ensuring that your claim for compensation reflects the full extent of your damages.
This article explains the injuries most often seen after New York motor vehicle crashes and how they affect a compensation claim.
Table of contents
- Impacts of a Car Accident Injury
- Types of Car Accident Injuries
- How Much Do Car Accident Injuries Cost?
- Car Accident Injury FAQ
- How William Mattar Can Help After a Car Accident Injury
Impacts of a Car Accident Injury
Across the nation, millions of people are injured in car wrecks every year. Of those injured, many require ER and in-patient hospital treatment. Furthermore, a significant number of victims endure lifelong complications from accident injuries that keep them from earning the same wages they were earning before the crash.
With the potential for negative long-term effects and significant financial losses following a crash, having a car accident attorney working to recover maximum compensation helps ensure that you are able to move forward after a collision caused by someone else's negligence or reckless behavior.
Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accident injuries can significantly impact the survivor's physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
If you have experienced injuries resulting from a car collision, seek immediate medical attention and then legal representation.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Commonly referred to as TBIs, traumatic brain injuries are among the most severe and catastrophic consequences of motor vehicle accidents. These injuries can occur when an object strikes the head or when the body undergoes sudden jerking movements, causing the brain to smash against the skull.
The most common types of TBIs include:
- Concussions
- Contusions
- Penetrating injuries
- Diffuse axonal injuries
The symptoms of a TBI aren't always easy to spot, making the need for follow-up medical care after a collision vital to your health and well-being.
Typical symptoms that could indicate a TBI include:
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Loss of consciousness
In more severe cases, a TBI can also lead to long-term cognitive and psychological issues, such as memory loss, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating.
Unfortunately, these effects can last long after the accident, requiring ongoing medical treatment and resulting in significant financial burden for the injured party.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is a vital part of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting messages from the brain to the rest of the body. Spinal cord injuries can range from mild to severe, with some causing temporary paralysis and others leading to permanent disabilities.
Common types of accident-related spinal cord injuries include:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal fractures
- Spinal stenosis
Similar to TBIs, symptoms of spinal cord injuries may not be immediately apparent following an accident.
However, those with spinal cord injuries may experience:
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs
- Loss of sensation and movement in certain areas of the body
- Difficulty or inability to control bladder or bowel functions
- Chronic pain and muscle weakness
In severe cases, spinal cord injuries can even lead to paraplegia or quadriplegia, significantly affecting an individual's quality of life and requiring ongoing medical care.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are among the most common types of car accident injuries and include damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other tissues throughout the body. These injuries can range from minor strains and sprains to more serious tears and ruptures.
While soft tissue injuries may not sound as serious as TBIs or spinal cord injuries, they can still lead to significant pain and discomfort for the injured person.
Moreover, these injuries often get progressively worse as time goes on, making it difficult to perform routine tasks at home or on the job.
The most common types of soft tissue injuries sustained in car collisions include:
- [Whiplash](https://williammattar.com/blog/car-accident/whiplash-what-exactly-does-it-mean/)
- Strains and sprains
- Torn ligaments or tendons
- Contusions and hematomas
Soft tissue injuries can also lead to long-term damage if not properly treated, potentially resulting in chronic pain and limited mobility. Seeking immediate medical attention after an accident is crucial for identifying and treating these injuries.
Additionally, by seeking follow-up medical care, you can create a full record of your injuries and potential long-term effects, which can help strengthen your case for maximum compensation. Lingering soreness can be the first sign of a soft tissue injury. Learn how long you should be sore after a car accident and when to go back to the doctor.
Internal Organ Damage
The impact of a car crash throws the body around in ways that it is not designed to handle. This can result in damage to internal organs. These injuries can go unnoticed, progressively worsening until the accident survivor experiences life-threatening complications or even death.
Types of internal organ damage sometimes sustained in auto accidents include:
- Internal bleeding
- Damage to the lungs, liver, or spleen
- Ruptured organs
Like many other types of accident injuries, it can be challenging to know if you have suffered internal organ damage without a thorough medical examination.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain and tenderness in the affected area
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
Considering the potential for long-term health complications and significant medical expenses, you should always seek follow-up medical care and immediately consult a personal injury lawyer to determine your eligibility for compensation.
Breaks and Fractures
While our skeletal system is designed to protect and support our bodies, the tremendous force of a car collision can cause broken bones and fractures in any part of the body. These injuries often require immediate medical treatment and may lead to long-term disabilities.
Common breaks and fractures resulting from auto accidents include:
- Broken arms or legs
- Fractured ribs
- Skull fractures
- Pelvic fractures
Symptoms of these injuries may include:
- Swelling, bruising, or deformity at the site of injury
- Difficulty moving or using affected limbs
- Sharp pain at the site of injury
If left untreated, breaks and fractures can lead to serious complications, such as infections or nerve damage. The longer an injury goes without proper treatment, the more challenging it may become to recover fully.
Even those who seek medical care immediately may still experience long-term effects affecting their ability to earn a living or participate in daily activities. Under New York law, a fracture is one of the categories that qualifies as a serious injury under Insurance Law Section 5102(d), which opens the door to a pain and suffering claim.
Lacerations
The impact of debris and shattered glass during a collision can cause lacerations or cuts to the body. In addition to being painful, these injuries can also lead to serious infections, scarring, and even permanent nerve damage.
Lacerations aren't only external injuries. They can also occur internally, such as in the stomach or intestines, and may not be immediately apparent.
Symptoms of internal lacerations may include:
- Persistent pain in the area damaged by the accident
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Changes in bowel movements or urine output
If you suspect a laceration, seek medical attention immediately. Prompt treatment can prevent further complications and improve your chances of fully recovering.
Additionally, documenting these injuries through medical records is crucial for building a strong legal case for compensation.
Loss of Limbs
The force of impact can tear or crush limbs, resulting in a traumatic amputation. In some cases, doctors may need to surgically remove a limb that cannot be saved due to serious injury.
Losing a limb can have life-altering consequences, both physically and emotionally. It can also significantly affect an individual's ability to work and earn an income.
You may recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages if you lost your:
- Arm
- Hand
- Finger
- Leg
- Foot
- Toe
No matter the perceived importance of the lost limb or appendage, you deserve justice and fair compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll of your injury.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights so you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Psychological Trauma
Beyond physical injuries, car crashes can cause significant psychological trauma for all involved.
Common types of psychological trauma sustained in car collisions include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and depression
- Survivor's guilt
- Phobias related to driving or being in a car
These types of injuries are often overlooked but can profoundly affect an individual's quality of life. Seeking therapy and other forms of mental health treatment is essential for coping with a traumatic auto collision
Legal action against the at-fault party can be used to recover compensation for psychological trauma.
How Much Do Car Accident Injuries Cost?
Car accident injuries can result in significant financial losses, no matter their severity.
Injuries may result in the following medical expenses:
- Paramedic and ambulatory care
- ER visits
- Hospitalization
- Diagnostic tests
- Surgery
- Medications and medical devices
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Home modifications and assistive devices
- Home health care
Realizing the potential costs associated with accident injuries emphasizes the importance of seeking legal representation to help you obtain fair compensation.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help calculate the full extent of your financial losses and fight to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible from the at-fault driver and/or their insurance company. Not sure what happens in the weeks after the emergency room? See what to expect after a car accident.
Car Accident Injury FAQ
What is the most common injury in a car accident?
Soft tissue injuries, including whiplash, strains, and sprains, are the most common. They often worsen over days or weeks, so early medical care and follow up visits are important for both health and claim documentation.
Should I see a doctor after a crash if I feel fine?
Yes. Concussions, internal injuries, and soft tissue damage often show no symptoms at first. A prompt exam protects your health and creates the medical record that supports a no-fault claim.
Which injuries qualify as a serious injury in New York?
Insurance Law Section 5102(d) defines serious injury to include death, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, a fracture, loss of a fetus, permanent loss of use of a body organ or member, permanent consequential limitation, and significant limitation of a body function or system. Meeting this threshold allows a pain and suffering claim.
How long do I have to file an injury lawsuit after a New York car accident?
Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of the crash under CPLR 214(5). Claims involving government vehicles or municipalities can have much shorter notice deadlines.
How William Mattar Can Help After a Car Accident Injury
Common car accident injuries may require extensive medical treatment and care, leading to significant financial burdens. Don't let someone else's negligence cause you additional stress and hardship.
Instead, talk with an experienced car accident lawyer at William Mattar Accident Lawyers today. Our team has represented injured New Yorkers for over 35 years and works to document every injury and pursue the maximum compensation available under New York law. William Mattar Accident Lawyers serves clients across New York State, with locations in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, and Long Island.
Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your injuries and your options.
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