Car accidents remain a critical concern in New York City. The city has faced significant traffic safety issues throughout these past years. In 2022, New York State witnessed a significant increase in traffic fatalities, with a 25.8% rise from 2019, reaching 1 175 deaths which is the highest number in a decade. In 2023, there were approximately 37 000 car accidents in NYC alone, mostly due to distracted driving, failure to yield, and speeding​. In this article, we’ll discuss car accident injuries and their impact on mental and physical health. 

Common Types of Car Accident Injury

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries result from the sudden impact during a collision when the body moves rapidly. These types of injuries include whiplash, muscle strains, sprains, and bruising. They’re often less serious but still painful and disruptive. For instance, whiplash causes neck stiffness, headaches, and reduced mobility, persisting for weeks or sometimes even months. Muscle strains and sprains can cause swelling, pain, and limited movement. 

Head and Brain Injuries

Head and brain injuries happen when the head either strikes an object inside the vehicle or experiences a sudden jolt. This causes concussions, skull fractures, and TBIs (traumatic brain injuries). While concussions are often mild, TBIs can be fatal and the symptoms include confusion, memory loss, headaches, or even unconsciousness. These injuries may have long-term cognitive and physical effects, including chronic headaches, impaired vision, or even paralysis. 

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

Spinal cord and back injuries occur when there’s an extreme pressure on the spine due to a sudden impact. Herniated discs, spinal fractures, or in severe cases, partial or complete paralysis are the types of back injuries. Herniated discs cause intense back pain and limited mobility, while spinal fractures can result in numbness or loss of sensation below the injury site.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Bones get broken when a body part absorbs the force of the collision (airbag or steering wheel). Broken bones are generally very painful and may require surgery. Recovery can take months, with complications like infections, misalignment, or chronic pain if not properly treated​. 

Internal Injuries

These types of injuries occur when the force of the crash causes internal organs to collide with bones or the interior of the car, which might lead to internal bleeding or damage. Liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys might get injured during a collision. Often, Internal injuries are not immediately apparent but can be life-threatening. They may cause intense pain, swelling, dizziness, or fainting. ​

Psychological Injuries

Lastly, psychological injuries include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or fear of driving. These psychological injuries can arise from the trauma of the accident itself, witnessing severe injuries, or dealing with post-accident stress. While they may be less visible, psychological pain can be highly debilitating, often requiring long-term therapy and medication. 

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Impact of Car Accident Injuries

Car accident injuries can have two types of impact on the victim: short-term and long-term. 

Immediate Impact: victims often face urgent medical needs right after a car accident. Most of the time, emergency treatment is required. Treatment can include first aid at the scene as well as hospital visits, diagnostic tests, or even surgeries, depending on the severity of the injuries. This period is accompanied by physical pain due to whiplash, fractures, or soft tissue damage. Since patients have limited mobility and can’t function normally on a daily basis, they may miss several workdays to recover, causing a temporary loss of income and the financial burden of medical bills, therapy costs, and vehicle repairs can be even more overwhelming. 

Long-Term Impact: some victims may experience chronic pain, permanent disabilities, or significant psychological effects after a car accident. Conditions like spinal injuries or traumatic brain injuries may require extended rehabilitation, assistive devices, or modifications at home to support everyday activities. As for mental health, trauma may lead to developing PTSD, anxiety, or depression that requires long-term therapy and medication. Additionally, victims may suffer a loss of earning capacity if injuries prevent them from returning to their previous jobs or force a career change. 

Legal Considerations After a Car Accident Injury

While the first priority should always be your safety and health, you shouldn’t overlook the importance of legal consultation after a car accident. Navigating the legal landscape can be easier with a professional car accident lawyer in New York. Your personal injury attorney will assist you in receiving compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering.