4 Most Common Auto Accident Injuries

There are many dangerous injuries that result from automobile accidents. The four most common auto accident injuries are whiplash, head injuries, back injuries, and chest injuries.

Whiplash is easily the most common automobile accident injury. This type of injury can happen anytime an individual is hit with a massive amount of force. Most of these injuries occur when the driver in the vehicle is hit from behind. Once the force of the other vehicle reaches the driver, the head of the driver will snap forward and then snap backward. This type of trauma is damaging because of the extreme amount of force that is exerted upon the neck. Whiplash can cause a variety of other medical problems to ensue. Things such as chronic pain, joint dysfunction and herniated discs can occur due to this soft tissue injury.

Head injuries are another very common claim that is made once an accident occurs. After impact, the body is being thrown around inside the vehicle and the head is free to hit any surface there is. Things like side windows, the roof of the car, the steering wheel, dashboard and windshield all pose possible threats.

Third on the list of common auto accident injuries is the back. One's back, including both muscles and spin, is a very easy area to injure. This is because the spine is a very sensitive part of the body and therefore it is easily injured by impact and trauma. Anything from a herniated disc to nerve damage can take place. The majority of back injuries sustained in car wrecks are labeled as 'soft tissue' injuries by doctors and accident lawyers.

Finally, chest injuries can pose a problem. Although chest injuries are not as common as whiplash, head and back injuries, they are still very high on the list of accident injury claims. Not everybody chooses to wear a seat belt and even those who do may be injured. Contusions, broken bones and bruises are all common injuries to see affect the chest area.