Car accidents can be particularly fatal with devastating results. The most common fatal injuries in car wrecks are traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, broken ribs, or spinal cord injuries, all of which could have been caused by driver negligence or reckless behavior such as a head-on collision, driver- or passenger-side impact, or a rollover.
Everyone on the road is responsible for exercising caution in order to prevent fatal accidents. Unfortunately, even with the most precautions in place, losses due to car accidents still occur far too often nationwide.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to fatal injuries in a car accident, a personal injury attorney with Vaughan and Vaughan may be able to help you secure compensation.
What Are the Most Common Types of Injuries in Car Crashes and How do They Happen?
The most common car crash injuries include:
Whiplash
Caused by the sudden acceleration and deceleration of the neck. Happens when the head is violently thrown forward and backward. This can injure the soft tissues of the neck.
Head Injuries
Impacts to the head from collision forces or impact with the steering wheel, window, etc. Can range from minor abrasions to traumatic brain injuries. Head injuries are a major cause of death from car accidents.
Chest Injuries
Bruises and injuries to the chest wall and internal organs from the impact of the seat belt or steering wheel. Can also include fractured ribs and spleen or lung damage.
Leg Injuries
Fractures and abrasions caused by the impact of the dashboard or engine components. Knees and ankles are particularly prone to injuries.
Arm Injuries
Broken bones, abrasions, and cuts from impact with door, windows, or other vehicle surfaces. Shoulders are susceptible to injuries from seat belt impacts.
Abdominal Injuries
The impact of the seat belt on the abdomen can cause internal bleeding and organ damage.
Back Injuries
Strains, sprains, and fractures are common back injuries from violent forces during a collision. Improper seating position or seat belt use can aggravate the injuries.
Psychological Injuries
Car accidents can also cause post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues due to the traumatic experience. These injuries may take longer to heal than the physical injuries.
The severity of injuries depends on factors like the speed of the vehicles, size and design of the vehicle, whether proper safety equipment like seat belts were used, and how the impact forces were distributed during the collision. The location and angle of impact also significantly affect the types of injuries sustained by the occupants.
Which Types of Car Accident Injuries Most Commonly Lead to Fatalities?
The car accident injuries that most commonly lead to fatalities include:
Head Trauma
Head trauma like severe concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries are a leading cause of death in car accidents. The impact forces during a collision can cause fatal bleeding and swelling in the brain.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Severe neck injuries like fractures of the cervical vertebrae or spinal cord injuries can compress or sever the spinal cord, leading to death.
Severe Chest Injuries
Massive internal bleeding from ruptured organs like the spleen or liver, collapsed lungs, and severe chest wall trauma are potentially fatal chest injuries from car accidents. According to Cedars-Sinai, an aortic rupture is the second most common fatal injury in a car accident. These injuries can be penetration or impact injuries.
Abdominal Injuries
Injuries causing excessive bleeding like ruptured intestines or stomach can be fatal consequences of a car collision.
Blood Loss
Severe bleeding from any injury like compound bone fractures, lacerations, or injuries to blood vessels and organs can lead to fatal exsanguination. Loss of over 40% of total blood volume can result in fatal hypovolemic shock.
Blunt Force Trauma
The extreme forces generated during a high-speed collision can lead to fatal internal injuries even without any visible signs of trauma on the body’s surface. This kind of massive blunt-force trauma can be fatal within a few minutes.
Entrapment
Being entrapped in a vehicle after an accident, especially in the presence of fire caused by fluid leaks like gasoline, can lead to fatal injuries like burns, asphyxiation, or crush syndrome. Entrapment also delays access to emergency medical care.
Car accident injuries that involve massive internal bleeding, excessive blood loss, extreme blunt force trauma, and entrapment in the wreckage can be particularly deadly. Receiving prompt emergency care and transportation to a trauma center can help reduce fatality risks from these critical injuries.
What If I Walked Away from a Car Accident and Discovered Later that I Was Injured?
After every accident, it’s crucial to have a medical evaluation. Do it now, if you haven’t already.
The body’s release of endorphins in reaction to a traumatic event can deceive victims of car accidents. The body produces adrenaline in response to scary circumstances and you may not feel pain right away.
This may allow you to get up and leave a collision without realizing you were harmed. A person may not notice an injury for several hours or even days.
However, if you recently had a car accident and sense something isn’t right, get medical help right away. Internal bleeding can be present and may require emergency intervention to save your life.
Consult an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today
A loved one cannot be replaced by money, but your family should never be forced to foot the bill for someone else’s careless acts. The correct legal representation after a car crash fatality can protect your interests and help you get the money you deserve.
The goal of Vaughan and Vaughan’s personal injury lawyers is to see that justice is done and that those who have been harmed get compensated for their losses.
During this difficult time, you and your family have our attention and support. Please get in touch with us so that we can evaluate your situation at no cost to you.
