Car Accident Injuries: Common Types and Long-Term Effects

July 28, 2025

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-changing conditions. While some injuries heal with time and treatment, others can result in long-term effects that impact a person’s quality of life. Knowing the most common car accident injuries and their potential consequences can help you understand the importance of seeking medical attention and legal representation after an accident.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents and discuss their symptoms, treatment options, and potential long-term effects.

1. Whiplash:

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries suffered in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and backward, causing strain to the neck’s soft tissues.

Symptoms: Neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and shoulder or arm pain. Symptoms may not appear immediately after the accident, sometimes taking days or even weeks to manifest.
Treatment: Most cases of whiplash are treated with rest, ice, physical therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers. In more severe cases, prescription medications or chiropractic care may be required.
Long-Term Effects: While most people recover from whiplash within a few weeks, some may experience chronic pain or reduced mobility in the neck and shoulders, especially if the injury was severe or not properly treated.

2. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can range from mild concussions to more severe brain damage. These injuries are often caused by a blow to the head or violent shaking during a car accident. TBIs are particularly concerning because even a mild concussion can lead to significant long-term effects.

Symptoms: Depending on the severity, TBI symptoms can include headaches, confusion, dizziness, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and loss of consciousness.
Treatment: Mild TBIs, such as concussions, may only require rest and monitoring, but severe TBIs often require surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term medical care.
Long-Term Effects: TBI can lead to permanent cognitive impairments, memory loss, mood swings, and physical disabilities. In severe cases, victims may need ongoing therapy and support for years after the accident.

3. Spinal Cord Injuries:

Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious injuries that can result from a car accident. These injuries occur when the spinal cord is damaged by a sudden impact, leading to partial or complete loss of function below the point of injury.

Symptoms: Symptoms vary based on the location and severity of the injury but can include numbness, weakness, loss of motor function, and paralysis.
Treatment: Immediate medical intervention is critical for spinal cord injuries. Treatment may involve surgery, medication to reduce swelling, physical therapy, and in some cases, assistive devices like wheelchairs or braces.
Long-Term Effects: Spinal cord injuries can result in permanent paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia), loss of sensation, chronic pain, and reduced mobility. These injuries often require lifelong care and rehabilitation, and they can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and independence.

4. Broken Bones and Fractures:

Broken bones are common in car accidents, particularly in high-impact collisions. The force of the accident can cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or other parts of the body.

Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected area are common signs of a fracture.
Treatment: Treatment typically involves setting the bone with a cast or brace, but severe fractures may require surgery, such as the insertion of plates or screws to stabilize the bone.
Long-Term Effects: While most fractures heal completely with proper treatment, some victims may experience long-term complications like chronic pain, arthritis, or reduced range of motion.

5. Internal Injuries:

Car accidents can also cause internal injuries, such as damage to internal organs, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs. These injuries are often not immediately visible, which makes them particularly dangerous.

Symptoms: Symptoms of internal injuries can include abdominal pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and deep bruising. In some cases, there may be no visible signs of injury at all.
Treatment: Immediate medical attention is required for internal injuries. Treatment may involve surgery, blood transfusions, and other emergency procedures to stop internal bleeding or repair organ damage.
Long-Term Effects: Internal injuries can lead to long-term health complications, such as organ dysfunction, chronic pain, or respiratory problems, depending on the severity and location of the injury.

6. Soft Tissue Injuries:

Soft tissue injuries refer to damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries are common in car accidents and can cause significant pain and discomfort.

Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility in the affected area.
Treatment: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are the first line of treatment for soft tissue injuries, but more severe cases may require physical therapy or even surgery.
Long-Term Effects: While most soft tissue injuries heal over time, some may result in lingering pain, stiffness, or reduced range of motion, particularly if the injury was severe or not treated properly.

Injured in a Car Accident? Contact Us Today!

If you’ve suffered a car accident and need legal assistance, our experienced attorneys at Floyd Personal Injury Law Group are here to help. Schedule your free consultation today to explore your options and seek the compensation you deserve.

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Injured on Property: Kent’s Legal Guide by Floyd Personal Law Group

By jeff • December 24, 2025

What Really Happens After a Property Injury If there is one thing I have learned from years of working with injured clients in Kent, it is that the most painful part of a property injury is often what comes after the fall. The shock, the confusion, the embarrassment. People replay the moment over and over, wondering what they did wrong. Most of the time, the answer is nothing. The emotional impact tends to catch people off guard. I hear the same questions constantly. Why do I feel so overwhelmed? Why is the property owner acting like this was my fault? Should I have spoken up sooner? I once represented a woman who fell on a slick ramp behind a retail store. She blamed herself because she was “in a hurry.” But when we reviewed the surveillance footage, it showed employees walking past the spill for nearly an hour before she fell. That is how quickly self-blame can cloud reality. Clients also struggle with symptoms that evolve days later. Pain that spreads Difficulty walking Headaches Loss of sleep Anxiety about returning to the location These are real experiences, and ignoring them only makes things worse. The moment you start doubting your own instincts is the moment the insurance company gains leverage. That is why clarity matters so much in these cases. Understanding Liability and What You Should Do Next Premises liability protects you when unsafe conditions on someone else’s property cause harm. It covers everything from wet floors to broken steps to poor lighting. The standard is simple. Property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent hazards. When they do not, people get hurt. Here is what I look for when assessing a case: Was there a clear, preventable hazard? Did the owner or employees know or should they have known about it? Did their failure to act directly cause your injury? These answers often come from details that people overlook. Maintenance logs. Internal memos. Prior complaints. A witness who saw the hazard hours earlier. These pieces quietly connect the story. If you get injured, your actions in the first few hours matter more than most people realize. This is what I always recommend: Get medical care right away, even if pain feels manageable Report the incident and get a copy of the report Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and surrounding conditions Ask for names and contact information of witnesses Avoid recorded statements with insurance adjusters Document symptoms as they develop Each of these steps protects your future self. I have seen strong cases collapse because the hazard was cleaned up before anyone captured evidence or because the injured person casually apologized at the scene. These moments may feel harmless, but insurance companies use them strategically. How Compensation Works and When to Call a Lawyer The cost of a property injury is rarely just the initial medical bill. I have seen slips and falls lead to months of physical therapy, lost wages, long term pain, and ongoing stress that clients were not prepared for. People often underestimate the long term financial impact until they are in the middle of it. Here is what compensation may include in Washington: Medical expenses Physical therapy and rehabilitation Lost wages Reduced earning capacity Pain and suffering Long term care costs Washington follows comparative negligence, meaning the insurance company will often try to assign part of the blame to you. You missed a warning sign You were distracted Your shoes were inappropriate These arguments come up constantly, even in cases where the property owner clearly failed to maintain a safe environment. It is why legal representation becomes important earlier than most people think. So when should you contact a lawyer? Your pain is worsening or persistent You are missing work The property owner denies responsibility The insurance company offers a low settlement You feel pressured to settle quickly You are unsure what your claim is worth Reaching out is not about being combative. It is about protecting your rights before the situation becomes more complicated. Why Work With Floyd Law Group in Kent, WA? Over the years, I have represented people who walked into my office feeling overwhelmed and unheard. Many assumed their injuries were not serious enough or believed the insurance company would treat them fairly. What they needed was guidance grounded in real experience, not vague reassurance. At Floyd Law Group, my approach is straightforward. I investigate the facts, not the assumptions I protect clients from insurance tactics I communicate clearly and honestly I focus on long term recovery, not quick settlements Because we work here in Kent, we understand the nuances of local properties, businesses, and community spaces. That local insight helps us see patterns others might miss and build cases with stronger context. Above all, my goal is simple. Make sure you are treated fairly and fully heard. FAQs How long do I have to file a claim in Washington? You generally have three years, but your case is stronger when evidence is collected early. What if no one witnessed my fall? Many strong cases have no witnesses. Evidence like photos, medical records, and past complaints can still support your claim. Can I file a claim if the injury happened at a friend’s house? Yes. Claims are handled through insurance, not your friend personally. Final Thoughts A property injury can shake your confidence as much as your body. Pain, uncertainty, and pressure from insurance companies create a perfect storm that leaves people second guessing everything. I have seen how overwhelming that feels, and I know how quickly circumstances can spiral if you do not protect yourself early. If something about your accident does not sit right with you, trust that feeling. Ask questions. Gather information. And remember, you do not have to navigate this alone. Your health, your future, and your peace of mind matter far more than rushing into a decision you cannot undo later. If you want a meta title, schema markup, or GBP optimized version, I can create that next.