Common Injuries from Car Accidents and When to Seek Medical Attention

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries—from minor bruises to life-altering trauma. Some injuries are obvious right away, while others might take days to show symptoms. Knowing what injuries to watch for and when to seek medical help can protect your health and strengthen any potential insurance claim. If you’ve been involved in a crash, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get checked by a medical professional.

1. Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries after a car accident, especially in rear-end collisions. It happens when the neck is suddenly forced back and forth, straining muscles and ligaments. Whiplash might seem minor at first, but without treatment, it can cause chronic pain and reduced mobility.

When to Seek Care:

• Neck pain, stiffness, or reduced range of motion
• Headaches or dizziness that develop hours or days later
• Tenderness in the shoulders or upper back

2. Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Even a mild concussion can disrupt brain function, while more severe TBIs can cause permanent damage. Concussions don’t always present immediate symptoms, making it essential to monitor for unusual changes in mood, memory, or physical sensations after an accident.

When to Seek Care:

• Headaches, confusion, memory problems, or sensitivity to light and noise
• Loss of consciousness, even if brief
• Nausea, vomiting, or difficulty concentrating

3. Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

The impact of a crash can damage vertebrae, discs, and spinal nerves. In severe cases, spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis. Back injuries can range from mild strains to herniated discs or fractured vertebrae, often leading to long-term discomfort if not treated promptly.

When to Seek Care:

• Persistent back pain, numbness, or tingling in limbs
• Loss of coordination or balance
• Sudden weakness in the arms or legs

4. Broken Bones and Fractures

Broken bones are common in high-impact crashes, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone. Some fractures are immediately apparent, while others, like hairline fractures, may not cause significant pain right away.

When to Seek Care:

• Swelling, bruising, and pain with movement
• Deformity or inability to bear weight
• A grinding sensation when moving the affected limb

5. Internal Injuries

Internal bleeding or organ damage can occur even without visible signs, making these injuries some of the most dangerous. Blunt force trauma from seatbelts, airbags, or steering wheels can cause damage that might not be obvious at the accident scene.

When to Seek Care:

• Abdominal pain, swelling, or deep bruising
• Dizziness or fainting
• Low blood pressure or signs of shock

Car accident injuries can have long-term impacts on your health, finances, and quality of life. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, don’t go through it alone. Contact Kevin L. Sullivan II, an experienced Florida car accident attorney, at (813) 598-4868 for a free consultation. Your health matters—and so does your legal right to fair compensation.

This post was written by a professional at Kevin L. Sullivan II. Attorney Kevin L. Sullivan II is your Palm Harbor motorcycle accident lawyer and the best personal injury attorney near you for LeavenLaw. Kevin is proud to serve Florida accident victims that have been injured in auto accidents, motorcycle accident, slip and falls or have suffered any other type of injury caused by negligence. Kevin offers a FREE no-obligation consultation to discuss your claim. There are NO upfront fees or costs and if he does not collect for you, you do not owe him anything.