Car accidents can result in many types of injuries. The severity of a car accident injury can be affected by various factors and details unique to the accident. If you were injured in a crash, work with a Hartford County motor vehicle accident attorney to learn more about your legal options.
What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accident Injuries?
Depending on the way the vehicle is hit and other factors, any type of injury can be sustained in a car accident, but the following are the most commonly occurring.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Cuts
- Bruises
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Eye damage
- Dental injuries
The type of injury and its severity will vary depending on many different aspects of the crash.
What Factors Affect the Severity of an Injury in a Car Accident?
Various factors can impact how severe an injury is in a car crash. Even small details can be the difference between a minor scratch or a serious wound. Below are some factors that have been known to affect how extensive an injury is during a car accident.
- Speed: The speed at which the two vehicles collide is a crucial factor in the severity of the injuries sustained. Higher speeds mean greater force of impact, which leads to more extensive injuries. High-speed collisions generally result in more life-threatening injuries than lower-speed crashes.
- Seatbelt: Wearing your seatbelt is one of the most effective ways to reduce the severity of injuries in an accident. They keep passengers in their seats and prevent them from being thrown forward.
- Safety features: Every year, cars get equipped with more and more safety features. Advanced technology has led to the addition and advancement of certain safety features like airbags, seatbelt tension detectors, etc. Modern safety features can protect passengers from severe injuries.
- Position of passengers: The seat that each passenger is in within the car can also impact the types and severity of injuries they sustain. For example, the front passenger seat is often more exposed during collisions, and drivers tend to maneuver the car to protect themselves from danger instinctively. Individuals in more exposed seats may sustain more severe injuries.
- Type of vehicle: The type of vehicles involved can influence the extent of injuries. A large vehicle generally offers more protection for passengers while smaller vehicles do not have as much structure or size.
- Impact angle: How and where the vehicle was hit will affect the severity of the resulting injuries. For example, head-on accidents will result in different injuries than side impact or rear-end.
Many more factors can influence how severe injuries are or become, especially things like pre-existing health conditions or how promptly individuals are treated by medical professionals.
