Not all car accidents are fatal. While many people survive car accidents every year, many do so with injuries ranging from mild to life-changing.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reports that fatalities from car accidents are on a downward trend, yet over 55,000 injury crashes occurred in 2019. Recovery for these injuries varies depending on the severity of the injury and the health and age of the injured person prior to the incident. Surgery and rehabilitative therapies are often required as part of the recovery process.
Mild injuries
Cuts and scrapes caused by breaking glass. Broken bones and bruises caused by the impact. Many physical injuries that car accident victims sustain are mild enough that full recoveries are not a challenge.
Neck and chest injuries
Whiplash is the most common neck injury people are familiar with following a collision. Neck pain, swelling and ligament damage are not uncommon. Blunt force trauma to the chest can cause broken ribs and damage to many internal organs. Immediate medical intervention is often required and can still result in lasting injuries to vital organs like the heart and lungs.
Head and back injuries
Head and back injuries are among the most severe and life-altering injuries you can suffer in a collision. Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild concussions to lasting cognitive problems. Back injuries can range from mild soreness to spinal cord injuries, nerve damage and paralysis.
Emotional trauma
Survivors of car accidents are often left with emotional trauma. Emotional trauma can occur due to the frightening experience or the difficult recovery. Even those who survive car accidents with minimal or no physical injury can walk away with emotional distress due to witnessing the physical trauma suffered by others.
Car accidents are impossible to plan or prepare for. They happen without warning and can cause lasting damage to everyone involved. Because injuries may not be immediately evident following a car accident, always seek medical attention following a crash.