Even a minor car accident can leave you shaken and, worse, injured. While every crash is different, certain types of injuries tend to crop up time and again. Whether you’ve been rear-ended in slow traffic or involved in a more serious collision, it’s important to recognise the possible after-effects. This matters both for your health and for your right to claim compensation.
1. Whiplash and neck injuries
Whiplash is one of the most frequent results of road accidents. It happens when your head is suddenly jolted forwards and back again, typically in a rear-end crash. The rapid motion strains the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your neck. Symptoms don’t always appear straight away but can develop over hours or overnight. Common signs include stiffness, headaches, pain when turning your head, and sometimes dizziness.
2. Back and spinal injuries
The spine is particularly vulnerable in car accidents. Lower back pain is common and is often caused by muscle sprains or disc injuries. In more serious cases, spinal cord damage may occur, which could lead to numbness, tingling, or even reduced mobility. If left untreated, back injuries can worsen over time and affect your ability to work or carry out everyday activities.
3. Head and brain trauma
If your head strikes a window, steering wheel, or even just gets jolted violently, you could suffer a concussion, bleed on the brain or a more severe brain injury. Concussions can cause confusion, memory problems, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound. More serious brain trauma may result in longer-term issues, such as difficulty concentrating or changes in mood and behaviour.
4. Chest and rib damage
Seat belts save lives, but they can also cause bruising across the chest during a collision. The force of impact can lead to cracked ribs, muscle strain, or internal injuries. Chest pain following an accident should always be checked, especially if you’re experiencing shortness of breath or discomfort when moving.
5. Broken bones and fractures
Arms, wrists, legs, and ankles are often injured as people instinctively brace themselves during a crash. Fractures can range from clean breaks to complex, painful injuries that require surgery. Recovery times vary, but even a simple break can disrupt your daily routine and leave you unable to work or drive.
6. Cuts, bruises, and soft tissue injuries
Loose objects in a car, shattered glass, or contact with parts of the vehicle can result in surface-level injuries. While these might seem less serious, deep cuts may require stitches and could lead to scarring or infection. Soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains are also common and can take weeks to fully heal.
7. Psychological effects
Not all injuries are physical. Emotional and psychological trauma following an accident is very real. You may feel anxious about driving again, faint/passing out reliving the incident, have flashbacks, or experience sleep disturbances. In some cases, people develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is important to seek support and not ignore the mental toll of a crash.
What to do if you’ve been injured
After an accident, always seek medical advice, even if you feel fine at first. Some injuries take time to show. Keep records/diary of your symptoms, treatment, and how the injury affects your daily life. This can be crucial when making a claim.
If the accident wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Whether it’s for pain and suffering, lost earnings, or medical expenses, making a road traffic injury claim could help you get back on your feet.
How Marley Solicitors can help
At Marley Solicitors, we specialise in road traffic accident claims. Our expert team understands how stressful and life-changing a collision can be. We are here to support you through every step, from gathering evidence to dealing with insurers, and we will work to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Get in touch with Marley Solicitors today for expert legal advice, and let us help you move forward with confidence.