This blog was brought to you by Carabin Shaw – Midland & Odessa Accident Injury Attorneys.

Car Accidents – Most Common Injuries

Driving-related injuries can be ruthless. When a car crashes, there’s no telling which part of the body can get hurt — an injury can occur anywhere from head to toe, and sometimes the damage is internal. You can learn more about our Midland car accident lawyers here.

Let’s take a look at the most common car accident injuries. Wherever your crash happened — on Loop 250 in Midland, Loop 338 in Odessa, or out on I-20 in between — these are the injuries we see most often, and our Odessa auto accident lawyers can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Brain Injuries

It goes without saying that brain injuries can be critical and long-lasting. A severe blow to the head can damage the brain and cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In mild cases, a TBI can heal on its own within a few weeks. However, patients with severe TBIs can experience lasting damage to critical functions such as eyesight, memory, concentration, speech, and emotional control. Injury to the eye during a crash can cause temporary or permanent blindness, and some people end up with partial vision loss. Likewise, injury to the ear can result in complete loss of hearing. Lost teeth, jaw fractures, and facial scarring are among the other injuries a person can suffer in a car accident.

Back and Neck Injuries

One of the most commonly experienced neck and back injuries in a car crash is whiplash, generally caused by a high-impact force on the neck and back. The neck is thrown forward and quickly snaps back to its original position, and because this happens at high force during a collision, it produces whiplash. This injury can damage vital structures such as ligaments, vertebrae, and the spinal cord itself, and in some cases a crash victim can end up paralyzed. Neck and back injuries can be extremely painful even without whiplash, and in the worst-case scenario, a broken neck can be fatal.

Chest Injuries

Difficulty breathing or pain that begins almost immediately after a wreck may suggest that internal chest organs such as the heart, lungs, or blood vessels have been damaged. A forceful blow to the chest during a severe accident can break ribs, particularly when a seat belt isn’t worn. While airbags help, minor fractures and injuries can still occur, and a rupture or muscle tear around the rib cage can result from the blunt impact. A blow to the back of the chest can also lead to injured kidneys.

Abdominal and Pelvic Injuries

Injuries to the abdomen and pelvis are common in motor vehicle accidents. The kidneys and liver are especially prone to damage during front and side impacts, and injuries to these crucial organs can be severe and even life-threatening.

Knee and Leg Injuries

A crash can cause a great deal of pain in the knees and legs, from minor wounds to major fractures. The force of the collision and the body’s position at the moment of impact determine the severity of the injury. Knees that are abruptly twisted are prone to tears that can take a long time to heal.

Foot Injuries

Ankles, toes, and feet can be fractured or sprained in a car accident, and foot injuries are especially common in motorcycle crashes. As a general rule, a person seated closer to the point of impact is likely to be injured more severely. A major accident can have devastating effects on your life, leaving you with a mountain of medical bills — and unable to work during your recovery.

Injured in a Crash in Midland or Odessa?

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident anywhere in the Midland-Odessa area or across the Permian Basin, the team at Carabin Shaw can help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain. Call us today at (210) 222-2288 for a free, confidential consultation.