• Whiplash: Commonly found in victims who have experienced a variety of motor vehicle collisions, are whiplash injuries to the neck and back resulting from a rapid back-and-forth movement of the head and body. The symptoms of whiplash may not appear immediately, but can include  neck pain, stiffness, headaches often starting at base of neck near spine, tingling or numbness in arms, dizziness, fatigue, and even tinnitus. Back injuries also are often sustained in these accidents. When the collision occurs and the party’s body is thrown around in the vehicle back injuries often occur, especially if the party has their foot extended in a vulnerable position on the brake or gas pedal, putting great strain on their back. It is VERY important to seek out medical care after an accident, even if there are no visible injuries that day. Often when there is the rush of adrenaline and shock when the accident first happens the party feels okay, but then later after time goes by, they develop a great deal of pain and other symptoms.

• Head Injuries: Car accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI), or a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Concussions are the most common forms of TBI. Symptoms of TBI can include impairments related to thinking or memory, movement, sensation (e.g., vision or hearing), or emotional functioning (e.g., personality changes, depression). A TBI or concussion often occurs even if the head does not strike anything during the collision, as the movement of the head during the collision can caused injury to the brain inside of the skull. Victims of a vehicle accident that face recovery from a TBI often experience long-term effects including impaired thinking, sensation, and movement. These issues can impact their ability to work and affect their immediate family caring for them.

• Chest Injuries: In a vehicle accident the force of the crash can result in chest injuries from impacting the steering wheel of the vehicle or halted forward movement controlled by the seatbelt. Though some of these injuries experienced can be mild, including bruising, abrasions and soreness, other injuries can be more serious. In one study that looked at causes of rib fracture in older adults, approximately 25% percent of fractures were caused by major trauma, such as a car accident. These account for the most severe injuries, where multiple ribs are fractured, and when fractured bone ends are displaced. Displaced bones can cause many life-threatening complication requiring prompt medical intervention — such as lung bruising and swelling, bleeding into or around the lungs, or a collapsed lung

• Arm and Leg Injuries: Bone crushing injuries can occur in the most violent of crashes. Foot, ankle, and wrist injuries may require surgical repair. These injuries can result from wither a head on collision or a side-impact crash. The driver often braces for impact with hands gripping the steering wheel and foot on the brake. Passengers may also receive injuries from bracing for the impact. The driver or passenger’s limbs may be thrown against the vehicle with tremendous force. Arm and leg injuries generally include scrapes, bruises, sprains, and broken bones.