Car accidents don’t always leave visible injuries at the scene. Many people walk away feeling sore or shaken, only to notice pain and injury symptoms hours or days later. Knowing which injuries are most common after a crash can help you take the right steps early and avoid problems that get worse over time.
If you’ve been in a wreck and are unsure what your symptoms mean, a Greenville car accident lawyer can help explain your options while you focus on getting medical care. Some injuries are especially common after car accidents in South Carolina and may not be obvious right away.
Common Injuries from Car Wrecks in South Carolina
Car accidents in South Carolina often result in injuries that range from mild to severe. Some of the most common injuries include:
Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden back-and-forth motion, which is common in car accidents. It most often happens during car wrecks, even at lower speeds. Patients with whiplash from a car accident can experience neck pain, shoulder pain, and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, tingling or numbness in the arms, blurred vision, or difficulty concentrating.
Treatment often includes rest, pain medication, physical therapy, and heat or ice. Some people recover quickly, while others have symptoms that last longer.
Back strains
Back strains from a car accident can be painful and make it hard to move or work. These injuries can also lead to missed work and added medical bills.
Those who experience back strains in a car accident have options for relief of the symptoms, including regular exercise and physical therapy, as well as medication and rest. Getting medical care early can help reduce long-term back problems.
Head trauma
Head injuries are serious and should never be ignored after a car accident. Even a minor car wreck can cause symptoms like headaches or memory problems. People can suffer head injuries without hitting their head. A sudden impact like a car wreck can cause a person’s brain to shake around in their skull even if their head does not strike anything. It’s important to see a doctor right away after any head injury, even if symptoms seem mild at first.
Broken bones
Broken bones are another common injury in car accidents. It can often lead to weeks or even months of pain and recovery. Treatment may include casting, physical therapy, or surgery, depending on the injury.
Mental injuries
Car accidents can also cause mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. The recovery process can be an incredibly difficult road full of pain and frustration, resulting in financial and emotional distress. These injuries can be harder to see than physical injuries, but they can still affect daily life. If you notice these symptoms after a car wreck, professional treatment can help.
Spinal injuries
Spinal injuries, like bulging and herniated discs, are common after car accidents. Even low-speed crashes can place significant force on the spine. A sudden movement from a wreck can push a disc out of place or press on nearby nerves.
These injuries can lead to ongoing pain and numbness that spreads into the arms or legs. Some people improve with treatment such as physical therapy or injections, while others may need surgery depending on the severity of the injury and how the body responds to care.
Tips for avoiding car accident injuries
Safe driving habits can reduce the risk of serious injury in a car accident, even though not every crash can be avoided. Staying alert and predictable on the road helps lower the chance of sudden impacts that often cause injuries.
Common safety practices:
- Keeping attention on the road and avoiding distractions like texting or eating
- Leaving enough space between vehicles to allow time to react
- Using turn signals when changing lanes or turning
- Watching for hazards, especially in heavy traffic or poor weather
These steps cannot prevent every accident, but they can reduce the force of a crash and lower the risk of injury.
Get answers after a car accident in South Carolina
Car accident injuries can affect more than just physical health, and uncertainty often follows a serious crash. Recognizing common injuries and symptoms early can help protect long-term health and prevent complications.
When a car accident is caused by another driver, South Carolina law may allow compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering. Smith Jordan Law offers free consultations. Contact us online today or call (864) 343-2222 to discuss your options.