The Different Types of Car Accidents and Injuries They Cause

Even car accidents that most people would describe as “minor” can cause long-lasting physical problems. Chronic pain, insomnia, and cognitive deficiencies are some of the many issues that can come out of auto accidents.

In this post, we’ll be covering some of the most common types of car accidents and the resulting injuries.

Rear-end Collisions

Rear-end collisions are the most common auto accidents. In fact, roughly 1.7 million rear-end collisions take place in the United States each year.

These often occur when a driver suddenly slows down or brakes, not giving the driver behind them enough time to match their speed. Often drivers are following too closely behind other vehicles while failing to pay attention to traffic in front of them, or a vehicle stops suddenly to avoid impact with something causing them to be impacted by the following driver.

Whiplash is the most common result of a rear-end collision, causing a sudden back-and-forth jolting of the neck. It usually affects the driver and passengers of the leading vehicle that is impacted by the following vehicle.

Symptoms Include:

• Neck, back, and should pain
• Stiffness
• Limited range of motion
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Numbness and tingling in the arms
• Fatigue
• Cognitive impairments (confusion, disorientation, memory loss)

Spinal manipulation is a common treatment for joint dysfunction resulting from whiplash. The chiropractor gently moves the joint into the direction in which it’s restricted. Some situations may require a short thrust; in other cases, a slow, mobilizing movement will be used.

Side-impact Collisions

Commonly referred to as a “T-bone” collision or a “broadside”, side-impact collisions occur when the side of the vehicle is impacted by the front or rear of another vehicle, or by a fixed object.

Oftentimes, side-impact collisions result in severe injuries that will require emergency care. However, there are effective treatments for non-emergency injuries of side-impact collisions, or to help with long-term recovery after emergency care has been provided.

Musculoskeletal injuries commonly result from side-impact collisions. These can involve damage to the muscles, ligaments, joints, nerves, neck, and lower back, such as: 

• Muscle and tendon strain
• Ligament sprains
• Back and neck problems
• Herniated discs

A combination of chiropractic care and physiotherapy often yield fast results for these types of problems. Chiropractic adjustments can stabilize muscles and joints, reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and ultimately reduce pain and expedite recovery. Through physiotherapy, professionals help you strengthen muscles (specifically those surrounding the spine) and increase range of motion.

Single-car Accidents

These are accidents involving only one vehicle as it impacts an object – a tree, pole, fire hydrant, etc. Depending on a number of factors, these accidents can be minor or severe. Whiplash and musculoskeletal injuries commonly occur due to single-car accidents.

Don’t Wait to Be Evaluated After an Auto Accident

At Complete Care, our clinical team determines the exact nature and location of your auto injuries through a series of physical and neurological examinations. From there, we can set to work on an individualized recovery plan catered to your specific needs.

If you’ve recently been in an auto accident, Complete Care is here to help. We have 28+ auto injury treatment clinics across Central Florida, so you can be seen quickly. Request an appointment today at a Complete Care Center near you.