Traffic accidents are a common part of daily life for individuals in cities and towns throughout the United States. 

There were over 6.7 million traffic crashes in the United States in 2018. As a result, 36,560 people died. Another 2.7 million people were injured in traffic accidents in 2018.

In Oklahoma in 2018, there were an average of 195 traffic accidents per day. The total number of crashes in 2018 statewide totaled 71,280. As a result of those crashes, 655 people died, and 32,536 people sustained injuries.

Some car accident injuries are not severe. The victims recover within a few weeks. However, some victims sustain catastrophic and life-threatening injuries in a car accident.

Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents

Each car crash is unique. Two similar collisions can result in very different injuries. That is because you must also consider all other factors involved in the accident, such as the health and age of the parties involved. 

You must also consider whether the people were wearing seat belts, the type of vehicle involved, and the safety features of all vehicles. These and other factors can increase or decrease the chance of sustaining certain injuries. They can also impact the severity of some types of injuries.

Even though all car wrecks are different, some injuries are common in many different types of car accidents.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head and brain trauma are common accident injuries. Any blow to the head or sudden jolt to the head can cause a brain injury. Brain injuries range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries. 

Common types of head and brain injuries include, but are not limited to, concussions, skull fractures, diffuse axonal injury, contusions, intracranial hematomas, and coup-contrecoup injuries. 

Broken Bones and Fractures

Our bones are strong to support our body’s weight and structure. However, bones are not strong enough to withstand the forces caused by a car crash. Broken bones and fractures are common in a car wreck.

A bone may be set and placed in a cast to heal. However, some broken bones and fractures may require surgery to correct. Pins, plates, and screws may be necessary to report the damage.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Back Injuries

Any injury to the spinal cord could result in partial or complete paralysis. Damage to the spinal cord nerves can cause loss of sensation and bodily function. 

The spinal column protects the spinal cord. Unfortunately, the vertebrae and discs in the spinal column can be injured in a car accident. Common types of back injuries caused by a car crash include injury to the vertebrae, ligaments, discs, muscles, and nerves.

Neck Injuries

The most common type of neck injury from a car accident is whiplash. Rear-end car crashes are common causes of whiplash. Even though whiplash may not produce any outward symptoms, it can cause severe pain and limited range of motion.

Some severe cases of whiplash require months of physical treatment, medication, immobilization, and surgery. Some victims can suffer debilitating chronic pain that interferes with work and other activities. 

Lacerations and Puncture Wounds

Lacerations and puncture wounds generally heal without a problem. However, some victims may sustain scarring and disfigurement, especially on the face, hands, and arms. Flying glass during a collision can cause substantial damage.

While these car accident injuries may appear to be mild, lacerations can become infected. An infected cut or wound could result in life-threatening conditions, such as sepsis.

Internal Organ Damage

There are several ways a car accident victim could sustain injuries to internal organs. A victim may be ejected from the vehicle or crushed in the vehicle. Both cases can result in organ damage.

Also, airbags can cause chest injuries, and seat belts are common causes of abdominal injuries and chest injuries. The chance of being killed or severely injured in a crash from not wearing a seatbelt typically outweighs the chance of injury from using seat belts. 

Amputation or Loss of Limbs

There are several ways that a person could lose a body part in a car accident. Common loss of limbs in accidents includes legs, arms, fingers, and toes. The person could lose the limb because it is severed in the crash, or a doctor must perform a surgical amputation to save the person’s life.

Seeking Compensation for Car Accident Injuries

Other common car accident injuries include:

  • Road rash 
  • Knee injuries
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Severe burns
  • Ankle and foot injuries
  • Wrist and hand injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries

If you sustain an injury in a car accident, you might be entitled to compensation from the party who caused the crash. A car accident lawyer in OKC can review your case to explain your legal rights and options regarding an injury claim.