What Are the Worst Car Crash Injuries? An Introductory Guide

Sarah Edwards

Contributor

Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.

Editor

Read in 4 mins

Every year, millions of Americans are involved in vehicle accidents. These incidents include everything from simple fender-benders to huge crashes that cause lasting damage to those involved. Bad car accident injuries can include everything from amputations to lasting damage to your brain.

This breakdown of the worst car crash injuries covers the more serious repercussions associated with vehicle accidents. You’ll also learn the riskiest types of motor vehicle incidents to be involved in.

The Most Severe Types of Vehicle Crashes

Any type of car accident can be severe, but certain types of collisions may increase your odds of experiencing a major injury. Some of the worst kinds of impacts include:

Head-On Collisions

During a head-on crash, the front ends of two vehicles collide directly with one another, often at high speeds. These accidents are among the most severe due to the force of the impact. Head-on collisions can be especially dangerous if you run into a larger, heavier vehicle, such as in a truck accident.

T-Bone Accidents

Also known as a side-impact crash, this type of accident occurs when the front of the at-fault vehicle hits the side of another at a right angle. Usually, the at-fault driver blew through a red light or failed to yield at a stop sign. Side-impact crashes can cause terrible injuries, especially to passengers on the side of the vehicle that gets hit.

Rollovers

During a rollover, a vehicle turns onto its side or roof, often as a result of sudden swerving, loss of control, or collision with another car or obstacle. In some instances, a vehicle can roll multiple times. Occupants that aren’t buckled in may be thrown from the cabin and can even be crushed by the car as it turns.

Rear-End Crashes

Rear-end collisions occur when one car runs into the back of another. Usually, the at-fault driver was following too closely, was distracted, or made some other sort of error. However, the front driver can also contribute to the accident by braking suddenly or making other erratic maneuvers.

If both vehicles are moving in the same general direction when the incident occurs, the injuries might be less severe. However, if someone runs into a stationary car, such as one stopped at a red light, that person can suffer catastrophic injuries.

Bike Accidents

You can face increased risk if there is a severe mismatch between the size of the vehicle you are operating and the one that collides with you. Bike accidents are a prime example. If you get struck by a car while riding a bicycle, you’ll have very little protection from the impact.

Therefore, it’s important to use caution whenever you are riding your bicycle on or near public roadways. Always wear a helmet, maintain situational awareness, and put on easy-to-see clothing. If you are cycling in low-light conditions, outfit your bicycle with a headlight and bright rear red lights.

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The Worst Car Accident Injuries

The worst car crash injuries include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

A TBI occurs when someone suffers a sudden impact to their head and experiences severe damage to their brain. A traumatic brain injury can range from mild concussions to lasting memory loss, cognitive impairments, and a reduction in motor function. Car-related TBIs often result from an impact with the steering wheel or dashboard.

Traumatic brain injuries may be more common during motorcycle accidents, especially if the rider isn’t sporting a helmet. If you ride a motorcycle, consider wearing a helmet at all times, even if it's not mandatory.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A crash can injure your spinal cord. This damage has the potential to disrupt your spinal cord’s normal functions, resulting in nerve pain and complete or partial paralysis below the site of injury.

Damage to Your Internal Organs

You can experience organ damage during a major collision, which can cause wounds like bruising, punctures, or lacerations. Organs can be damaged by debris like broken glass or blunt force trauma.

Crush Injuries and Amputations

If a part of your body becomes trapped or compressed between objects during a car crash, you may suffer a crush injury. These incidents may result in broken bums, tissue damage, or even the loss of a limb.

Have You Been Injured in a Car Crash? ConsumerShield Can Help

There’s no denying that any type of crash can leave you reeling from serious injuries. Regardless of what sort of vehicle accident you’ve been involved in or what injuries you’ve been diagnosed with, it’s important to seek justice right away.

If you would like to be connected with an experienced car accident lawyer near you, ConsumerShield can help. Our team of legal experts has a large network of attorney partners who can assist in your case. Fill out our contact form, and we’ll get in touch to assist you in your fight for justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Several types of crashes can be considered to be the “worst,” including T-bone collisions and head-on impacts. Numerous factors influence the seriousness of the incident, including whether you are wearing a seat belt, the size of the vehicle, and how fast you are driving.

  • TBIs and spinal cord injuries are among the most serious types of injuries you can suffer in a car crash. Both can have lasting impacts on your life, including loss of memory and motor function, as well as partial or complete paralysis below the injury site.

  • Your exact recovery time will vary based on the type and severity of your injuries, what sort of treatment programs you participate in, and your age. It can take months to bounce back from your accident. In some cases, you may never make a full recovery.

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