Common injuries in road accidents: from traumatic brain injuries to fractures

Road accidents are a major cause of injuries in Romania and around the world, and the injuries resulting can vary dramatically in severity — from minor bruises to permanent paralysis or even death. Understanding the types of injuries that can occur after a car crash is essential for both prevention and for rapid, appropriate treatment.

The severity of injuries depends on several factors: speed at impact, type of collision, use of seat belts, presence of airbags, and occupants’ position inside the vehicle. Each type of accident — front, side, rear, or rollover — generates specific injury patterns that affect different parts of the body.

Main types of accidents and associated injuries

Front collisions

Front collisions are often the most severe, causing significant injuries to the head, chest, and lower extremities.

Side impacts

Side impacts primarily affect the upper body and head, while rear-end collisions frequently cause cervical injuries via the whiplash mechanism.

Rear-end collisions

Rear-end collisions commonly cause cervical injuries through the whiplash mechanism.

Rollovers

Vehicle rollovers can generate a wide range of injuries due to multiple impacts and occupant ejection.

Traumatic brain injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious consequences of road crashes. They occur after a forceful blow or sudden jolt to the head and body, and can have devastating long-term effects.

Main types of traumatic brain injuries:

• Concussion - the most common form, characterized by temporary dysfunction of brain activity
• Diffuse axonal injury - damage to nerve fibers in the brain
• Hypoxic brain injury - occurs when other injuries disrupt blood flow to the brain
• Cerebral contusions - bruising of brain tissue
• Intracranial hematomas - accumulations of blood inside the skull

Symptoms to watch for:

Immediate symptoms:

• Confusion and disorientation
• Blurred or double vision
• Difficulty concentrating
• Severe headaches
• Dizziness and nausea

Long-term symptoms:

• Persistent muscle weakness
• Partial or total vision loss
• Changes in speech
• Memory and cognitive problems
• Personality changes

Musculoskeletal injuries

Joint injuries

Joints are particularly vulnerable during impacts and can suffer from injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe trauma requiring surgical intervention.

Common joint injuries:

• Knee fractures - often complex, involving the patella, femur, or tibia
• Sprains - stretching or tearing of ligaments
• Shoulder dislocations - displacement of the arm bone from the joint cavity
• Dislocations of other joints - hip, elbow, wrist

Recovery can take weeks or months, with reduced joint mobility and decreased muscle strength until full healing.

Common bone fractures

Rib fractures are very common due to the relative fragility of these bones. Ribs can fracture easily on impact, potentially puncturing the lungs or other internal organs in severe cases.

Other common fractures:

• Fractures of limbs (arm, forearm, leg, shin)
• Pelvic fractures
• Clavicle fractures
• Skull fractures

Spinal injuries

Spinal injuries are among the most serious, with the potential to cause permanent paralysis or even death.

Affected components:

• Vertebrae
• Intervertebral discs
• Ligaments
• The spinal cord

Types of spinal injuries:

• Vertebral fractures
• Herniated disc
• Spinal cord injuries - from contusion to complete severing
• Whiplash syndrome - cervical injury from hyperextension-hyperflexion

Severity depends on location: cervical injuries can affect all limbs, thoracic injuries can cause paraplegia, and lumbar injuries mainly affect the lower extremities.

Internal organ injuries

Internal bleeding

Internal bleeding is an absolute medical emergency and can be fatal without prompt treatment. Commonly affected organs:

• Liver (the most vulnerable abdominal organ)
• Spleen
• Kidneys
• Lungs
• Heart and great vessels

Warning signs:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Palpitations and weakness
• Pale, cold skin
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid, shallow breathing

External injuries and burns

During an accident, fragments of glass, metal, or plastic can cause:

• Cuts and lacerations of varying severity
• Extensive bruising
• Burns (especially in fires)
• Abrasions caused by friction

These injuries, while they may seem minor, can lead to serious infections or permanent scarring if not properly treated.

Factors influencing injury severity

Safety systems

• A seat belt reduces the risk of death by up to 50%
• Airbags protect against head and chest injuries
• Child restraint systems are essential for the safety of young passengers

Characteristics of the accident

• Speed at impact
• Angle of collision
• Mass of involved vehicles
• Cabin deformation

First aid and emergency response

Calling emergency services

Dial 112 immediately for:

• Professional medical assessment
• Rapid transport to hospital
• Safe extrication from vehicles
• Spinal stabilization

First aid measures

• Do not move the victim if you suspect spinal injuries
• Control bleeding with direct pressure
• Keep the victim warm
• Monitor breathing and pulse
• Console and reassure the victim

Treatment and recovery

Acute phase

Immediate treatment focuses on:

• Stabilizing vital functions
• Controlling hemorrhage
• Preventing further deterioration
• Pain management

Long-term recovery

• Physiotherapy for restoring strength and mobility
• Occupational therapy for relearning daily activities
• Psychological support for emotional trauma
• Home and vehicle adaptations if needed

Legal aspects and compensation

If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation. To support your case, you will need:

• Complete medical documentation - all bills, diagnosis, treatment
• Police report - official description of the accident
• Medical expert evaluations - assessments from specialized physicians
• Photographic evidence - images from the accident scene
• Witnesses - statements from people present

Types of compensation

• Medical expenses (present and future)
• Loss of income
• Pain and suffering
• Moral damages
• Costs of adaptation and care

It is recommended to consult a personal injury attorney to fully understand your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.

Accident prevention and injury prevention

Active safety measures

• Adherence to speed limits
• Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Eliminate distractions (phone, food)
• Adjust speed to road conditions
• Maintain a safe following distance

Protective equipment

• Wearing a seat belt consistently
• Checking the operation of airbags
• Using child car seats
• Replacing damaged equipment

Investing in road safety - both through responsible behavior and modern vehicles equipped with advanced safety systems - remains the most effective method to prevent serious injuries in road accidents.

Photo source: timesfreepress.com