Common Injuries After an Auto Accident
Key Takeaways
Some car accident injuries—like whiplash or traumatic brain injuries—may not show symptoms until hours or days after a crash.
The type and severity of injuries often depend on how the accident occurred, including impact direction, seat belt use, and contact with objects inside the vehicle.
Even minor symptoms should be taken seriously, as untreated injuries can worsen over time and affect your long-term health.
Seeking prompt medical care and documenting your injuries early can protect both your health and your ability to pursue fair compensation.
Being involved in a car accident can result in considerable damage, from property damage to trauma and physical injuries. However, there are certain injuries that may be harder to detect at first, but this doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be taken seriously.
In fact, there are many common car accident injuries that may not be noticeable for hours, days, or even weeks after the incident which can have lasting negative implications for your health. To learn more about the kind of injuries you should be aware of after a car crash, call us today at Daniel T Pagliarini AAL to speak with our Honolulu, HI car accident lawyer. We’re able to serve clients throughout the islands including Maui, Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, and Molokai.
Common Injuries You May Experience After an Automobile Accident
There are several kinds of injuries you may sustain in a car crash and it’s not uncommon to suffer from multiple types. One of the most common is soft-tissue injuries, which involve damage to your ligaments, muscles, or tendons.
Car accidents can cause the body to jolt suddenly from one position to another. Also known as whiplash, this can stretch soft tissue causing sprains and pain in the neck, shoulders, and back.
Head injuries are also very common. When your body is forced forward or sideways, your brain can shift within your skull. This causes swelling or bleeding in the brain that must be addressed by a doctor immediately because it could result in a concussion or even a traumatic brain injury (TBI). If you have any reason to believe you have a brain injury (such as loss of consciousness, nausea, confusion, or headaches), you should seek medical care immediately.
Cuts and scrapes are another common auto accident injury. These injuries can happen when your body strikes part of the vehicle or when loose objects or shattered glass become projectiles during the collision. Even relatively small cuts may require treatment to prevent infection or scarring.
In addition to these common injuries, many people suffer from broken bones or fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, or collarbone. The force of a collision can also lead to spinal cord injuries or herniated discs, which may cause chronic pain, numbness, or limited mobility.
Facial injuries and dental damage may occur if a driver or passenger strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag.
Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, can be especially dangerous because they are not always immediately visible.
Burn injuries may occur in serious crashes, especially when vehicles ignite, hot metal surfaces are involved, or chemicals are released on impact.
Beyond physical harm, it’s important to recognize the mental and emotional effects of a crash. Many people experience anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances after an accident. Some develop post-traumatic stress symptoms, including flashbacks, fear of driving, or ongoing emotional distress. These conditions are real injuries that can significantly impact your daily life and should be taken seriously.
Should I See a Doctor?
YES. Because symptoms—both physical and emotional—can take time to appear, it's extremely important to seek medical attention after a car accident and monitor how you feel in the days and weeks that follow. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a meaningful difference in your recovery and overall well-being.
It’s just as critical to retain all your healthcare documentation along with any other medical records to use as evidence in your injury claim. If you don’t seek medical care right away, the insurance company may use this against you, and it can hurt your chances of winning a fair settlement.
Don’t Face This Alone. Call Now.
If you’re in Honolulu, Oahu, or anywhere throughout the Hawaiian Islands, and you’d like to speak with a personal injury attorney about an accident you were in, reach out to our personal injury attorney at Daniel T Pagliarini AAL for help.
