Executive Summary

• Car accident injuries commonly affect the head, neck, back, limbs, and internal organs, but they can also cause psychological issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
• If you are involved in a car accident, seeking immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries, can help prevent further complications.
• Severe crashes may demand emergency care to stabilize patients or urgent care to treat injuries like sprains or fractures, whereas people in minor crashes may only need physical rehabilitation.
• Implement preventive measures, such as consistently wearing seatbelts, maintaining proper posture, and practicing safe driving habits, to significantly reduce the risk and severity of injury in the event of a car accident.

Understanding Common Car Accident Injuries

There are approximately 6 million police-reported traffic crashes every year in the United States. These crashes can happen in an instant, but whiplash symptoms and other resulting medical problems can last for months or even years in extreme situations. If you were involved in a car accident, find an experienced auto accident doctor in Arizona who offers personal injury urgent care to prevent issues from worsening.

Some of the most common types of car accident injuries are head injuries, neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. However, each situation is unique, making it essential to visit an auto accident injury clinic for an accurate diagnosis if you were injured in a car accident.

Still, this guide can help you tailor your expectations, as it covers common injuries and potential treatment options. It also suggests preventative measures you can take to avoid car accident injuries altogether.

Types of Car Accident Injuries

There are around 2.38 million people injured on U.S. roadways every year, and their car accident injuries can manifest in very different ways. Although each accident is unique in how it impacts the body, medical professionals frequently see the five types of car crash injuries below, which can vary in severity based on the nature of the crash.

Head Injuries

Although car accident injuries of any kind should be handled with care, head injuries tend to be some of the most serious consequences of car crashes. They can range from a mild concussion that lasts a few weeks to a traumatic brain injury that can alter day-to-day life forever. Even if you didn’t lose consciousness during the collision, it is still possible that your brain was affected by the impact.

Some of the most common symptoms of a head injury are:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Nausea or vomiting

If you were involved in a car accident, be aware of the symptoms above and consult a qualified medical professional for evaluation. Sometimes, untreated head trauma can contribute to long-term cognitive issues, mood changes, and chronic pain.

Neck Injuries

The neck is especially vulnerable during substantial car accidents. Motor vehicle collisions can cause a sudden, back-and-forth motion, commonly referred to as whiplash. A whiplash injury can cause damage to muscles, ligaments, and nerves throughout the neck and upper back.

Some examples of whiplash symptoms that can accompany neck injuries include:

• Neck pain or discomfort in the shoulders or upper back
• Stiffness or decreased range of motion when trying to move the head
• Headaches, often beginning at the base of the skull

In some cases, accident-induced neck injuries can also lead to herniated discs or spinal cord injuries, causing symptoms to worsen over time. Therefore, it is crucial to consult an experienced medical provider if you were injured in a car accident.

Back Injuries

Back injuries are another frequently seen consequence of motor vehicle accidents. The sudden, jostling movements caused by the collision can damage the vertebrae, spinal discs, or surrounding muscles, potentially resulting in persistent pain and reduced mobility. In extreme cases, spinal cord injuries can obstruct communication between the brain and body.

Three of the most common back injuries seen after a car accident are:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Spinal fractures
• Nerve impingement or sciatica

If left unaddressed, chronic back pain can significantly affect your quality of life. Thankfully, treatments like physical therapy, chiropractic care, or surgical intervention can provide relief for some accident victims.

Limb Injuries

Sadly, broken bones, sprains, and bruises are common in car accidents. Limbs can be fractured if the accident victim braces against the force of a collision or if the integrity of the vehicle’s cabin is compromised and causes direct impact.

Four of the most noteworthy, accident-induced limb injuries are:

• Fractured arms or leg bones
• Dislocated joints
• Torn ligaments, such as ACL, MCL, or rotator cuff
• Deep bruising

Receiving prompt medical treatment for limb injuries, such as those mentioned above, can help prevent further complications, including improper healing, chronic pain, or loss of limb function.

Internal Injuries

Not all car accident injuries are visible without the aid of advanced medical imaging. Although it may be imperceptible on the surface, an internal soft tissue injury can be life-threatening. These issues are often caused by blunt force trauma or cuts from fractured bones.

Some common internal injuries from car accidents are:

• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage, usually to the liver, spleen, or kidneys
• Pneumothorax, which is a collapsed lung

Due to their hidden nature, internal soft tissue injuries are particularly hazardous. Therefore, accident victims should have a qualified medical professional perform diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, to detect any hidden injuries.

Psychological Impacts

Physical injuries aren’t the only potential consequences of a car crash. Many accident victims also report a negative impact on their emotional state or mental health as a whole. Some people develop psychological conditions like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a distressing event like a car crash.

These psychological impacts, especially PTSD, can interfere with various aspects of daily life, from work to relationships. Some potential symptoms of PTSD are:

• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Always being on edge
• Emotional numbness
• Avoidance of situations that remind the person of the accident, such as getting in a car

Mental health treatment, such as counseling and psychotherapy, can be a vital part of recovery, as it can help accident victims get back to a headspace they feel comfortable in.

Importance of Immediate Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine after being involved in a car accident, it’s essential to get checked out by a medical provider as soon as possible. Some conditions, such as internal bleeding or a concussion, may not show symptoms right away; however, they can cause issues that worsen over time.

Promptly obtaining a medical evaluation after a car crash can facilitate early detection of issues, preventing further complications and allowing you to begin your treatment sooner, or at least give you peace of mind if there are no significant underlying issues. A timely medical evaluation can also serve as a helpful tool for personal injury lawsuits or communicating with insurance companies—you can use it to support your claims.

If you live in Arizona, Arrowhead Health Centers offers same- or next-day appointments, making it easy for you to start your recovery journey without delay.

Treatment Options

Treatment plans should be tailored to the individualized needs of the patient; some may require extreme medical intervention, such as surgery, while others may only need periodic assistance with pain and injury management. Nevertheless, accident victims usually require one of the following treatment options.

Emergency Care

Most emergency rooms are equipped to handle life-threatening car crash injuries. Therefore, emergency rooms are the best place to go if accident victims need to be stabilized after a severe injury. Some examples of symptoms that may warrant seeking emergency medical care are:

• Difficulty breathing
• Severe bleeding
• Loss of consciousness
• Intense pain

Urgent Care

If the individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries that still require prompt attention, visit an urgent care center to get help. Some examples of injuries that can be treated at an urgent care facility, assuming they are addressed promptly, are:

• Sprains
• Minor fractures
• Lacerations

Long-term Rehabilitation

Even after visiting an emergency room or urgent care center, most accident victims require long-term rehabilitation to rebuild strength, improve flexibility, and regain full body functionality. Ongoing care guarantees that your recovery progress continues well after the initial treatment phase.

Some elements that rehab services may include are:

• Pain management
• Chiropractic care
• Occupational therapy
• Psychological counseling

Physical Therapy

Many musculoskeletal injuries from a car accident require physical therapy. Following a tailored program from a knowledgeable physical therapist can help you improve mobility, minimize pain, and prevent future injuries. 

Physical therapy may include a blend of stretching and strengthening exercises. Your program may also use modalities, such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation, to target specific muscle groups. If you adhere to your physical therapy program, you may be able to accelerate the healing process and restore function to affected areas, particularly in your neck, back, and limbs.

Preventative Measures and Safety Tips

Although many car accidents are unavoidable, there are steps drivers and passengers can take to minimize their risk of injury in the event of a collision. Some examples of safety tips you should implement are:

• Always wear your seatbelt and ensure your headrest is adjusted correctly
• Follow speed limits and road rules, such as keeping a safe following distance
• Avoid distractions and only drive when you are sober and well-rested
• Regularly maintain your vehicle and secure loose items before driving
• Exercise caution and limit driving during inclement weather

Preventive care also plays a crucial role in preventing car accident injuries. Regular check-ups that incorporate preventive health screenings can help you identify underlying health conditions that might make you more vulnerable to car accident injuries, such as vision or hearing loss, osteoporosis, or musculoskeletal imbalances.

Get Compassionate, Knowledgeable Medical Care from Arrowhead Health Centers

Car accident injuries can blindside you and significantly impact everyday life. Motor vehicle crashes can cause a range of problems, from whiplash symptoms to internal bleeding. Fortunately, accident victims in Arizona can visit a personal injury clinic run by Arrowhead Health Centers to get the best family medical care following a car accident—we can promptly and efficiently diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries.

We offer easy access to our trusted auto accident injury clinics through next- or same-day appointments at any of our three medical center locations, which are stationed in Tempe/Scottsdale, Glendale/Peoria, and Sun City/Surprise. 

Arrowhead Health Centers is different than other walk-in family health clinics near you, because our multi-disciplinary team offers a variety of medical services under one roof, from primary care and pain management to chiropractic care and on-site lab testing.

Schedule an appointment online or call us at 623-334-4000 for trusted personal injury urgent care.