Most Common Car Accident Injuries in Indiana

While the extent of a car accident injury can vary depending on the type of crash, the speed, and the circumstances, some injuries are more common than others. Our Indianapolis car accident injury lawyers explore the most frequent injuries, their symptoms and long-term implications, and how to pursue compensation for damages.

Car Crash Injuries and Potential Long-Term Impact on Victims

For many victims, the ongoing effects of a car accident can be as traumatic as the immediate aftermath of the crash. This is true even for injuries that seem minor in the hours after the incident, so it’s vital to get medical treatment after a crash involving:

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most commonly reported injuries following rear-end collisions. However, it can also occur in any car accident when the neck is jerked forward and then snapped backward, causing damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the cervical spine (neck area).

• Initial symptoms. Victims often report headaches—especially at the base of the skull—as well as dizziness or blurred vision. Neck pain, stiffness, and pain in the shoulder, upper back, and arms are also common.
• Delayed symptoms. Whiplash symptoms may take hours or even days to fully manifest. Ringing in the ears (tinnitus), impaired concentration, or memory problems may not surface until a few days after the accident.
• Long-term implications. Whiplash can cause chronic pain if not properly treated. Many victims of whiplash experience persistent neck pain, headaches, and stiffness months or even years after the accident. Some may develop a condition called “cervical dystonia,” where neck muscles contract uncontrollably, leading to permanent discomfort and mobility issues. Severe cases may also affect a person’s ability to work or engage in daily activities due to pain and limited range of motion.
• When to seek legal help. If you experience severe pain, neurological issues (such as numbness or tingling), or symptoms that last longer than a few days, it may be time to consult a lawyer.

Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a potentially life-threatening consequence of car accidents. TBIs range from mild concussions to contusions, hemorrhages, or even brain damage that can alter a person’s cognitive abilities or motor functions.

• Initial symptoms. Loss of consciousness, nausea or vomiting, and vision problems or light sensitivity are common after a concussion. As the brain heals, a patient may have difficulty concentrating, thinking clearly, remembering things, or speaking clearly.
• Delayed symptoms. In some cases, the full extent of brain injuries may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms, including dizziness, seizures, mood swings, or cognitive difficulties, can be subtle and may not show up until days, weeks, or even months after the accident.
• Long-term implications. Brain injuries can have lifelong consequences. In severe cases, they result in permanent cognitive impairments, coordination difficulty, memory issues, or depression and anxiety.
• When to seek legal help. Due to the potential for lasting disability, anyone who has suffered a car accident brain injury should immediately seek legal counsel. An attorney can help guide you through the complexities of auto accident injury claims, especially when dealing with long-term care needs or the potential for permanent impairment.

Back Injuries

Back injuries are another common consequence of car accidents, particularly in high-impact crashes. These injuries range from strains and sprains in the muscles and ligaments to more severe spinal cord damage, such as fractures or herniated discs.

• Initial symptoms. Pain or stiffness is common after a spinal injury. Patients often experience muscle spasms, difficulty standing or sitting for long periods, and decreased range of motion.
• Delayed symptoms. Mild soreness after an accident can develop into a more serious back injury as time passes. Worsening pain or discomfort or leg weakness or numbness could indicate nerve damage.
• Long-term implications. Back injuries can affect your income, recreational activities, or even your ability to perform basic daily tasks. Herniated discs or nerve damage may require ongoing physical therapy or pain management for the rest of your life, while spinal cord injuries often result in partial or complete paralysis.
• When to seek legal help. If your back injury leads to chronic pain, permanent disability, or requires surgery, a lawyer can help you get fair compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In cases involving spinal cord injuries, legal counsel is essential to address your permanently altered quality of life.

Broken Bones

Bones are often fractured by the force of the impact in an accident, particularly in high-speed crashes. Common car accident fractures include broken arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones, but severe cases may involve fractures of the pelvis or skull.

• Initial symptoms. Swelling, bruising, and intense pain at the injury site are typical first signs of a bone fracture. An abnormal positioning and inability to move the affected limb may also indicate a broken bone.
• Delayed symptoms. Sometimes, fractures are not immediately obvious, especially if the injury is more subtle or only causes swelling without a visible break. A broken rib, for instance, might not show up on an X-ray immediately.
• Long-term implications. Depending on the severity and location, broken bones can result in frequent pain, limited mobility, and even permanent disability. Permanent complications may occur if bones do not heal properly or require extensive surgery (such as inserting pins or rods).
• When to seek legal help. Fractures in weight-bearing bones (legs or pelvis) can significantly impact movement. If your broken bones require surgery or rehabilitation or result in permanent limitations, a personal injury attorney in Indianapolis can help you pursue adequate compensation.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue damage includes strains, sprains, and tears of muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries are common in car accidents, especially in cases of sudden jolts or impacts that strain the body.

• Initial symptoms. Pain, swelling, tenderness, or bruising around the injured area can all indicate a sprain. Patients also experience limited range of motion and weakness in the limb or joint.
• Delayed symptoms. Soft tissue injuries often begin as mild discomfort and gradually worsen over several days or weeks, increasing pain and recurring muscle spasms.
• Long-term implications. While soft tissue injuries are often less severe than bone fractures or brain injuries, they can still have long-term implications if not treated properly. Chronic pain and limited mobility are common outcomes for those who suffer soft tissue damage in a car accident.
• When to seek legal help. If you have a soft tissue injury that requires prolonged treatment, physical therapy, or pain management, a lawyer can help you get compensation for lost wages, medical expenditures, and pain and suffering.

Contact an Indianapolis Car Crash Injury Attorney

If your injuries have caused permanent damage or require significant medical intervention, we can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Please call the legal team at Wilson Kehoe Winingham at (317) 920-6400 or contact us for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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