12 Most Common Car Accident Injuries in West Virginia

The Short Answer…

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from bruises and sprains to life-changing trauma. The most common car accident injuries include whiplash, fractures, concussions, soft tissue injuries, and internal organ damage, some of which may not appear until hours or even days later.

If you’ve suffered car accident injuries in West Virginia, getting the right care and the right legal help can make all the difference. At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we’re here to guide you through the car accident injury claim process and fight for the compensation you may be entitled to. Whether your injuries are minor or life-changing, our experienced team is ready to protect your rights and help you move forward.

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Key Takeaways

• Common car accident injuries include whiplash, broken bones, head injuries, internal trauma, and soft tissue damage.
• Some injuries may be delayed, so symptoms like pain, stiffness, or bruising can appear days after the crash.
• Serious car accident injuries can result in long-term complications, including paralysis, brain damage, or amputations.
• Prompt medical treatment and legal advice are essential to protect both your health and your right to compensation.
• An experienced car accident injury lawyer can help maximize your potential settlement and guide your claim from start to finish.

1. Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries, especially in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, putting extreme strain on the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Even in low-speed crashes, whiplash can cause lasting pain and limited mobility.

Symptoms of whiplash often include neck stiffness, reduced range of motion, headaches, dizziness, and shoulder or upper back pain. In some cases, symptoms don’t show up right away, which is why medical evaluation is important even after minor accidents.

2. Broken Bones and Fractures

Fractures are a frequent result of high-impact collisions. Arms, legs, wrists, ankles, and ribs are especially vulnerable during a crash. Broken bones may be clean fractures or more complicated breaks that require surgery, pins, or plates.

Rib fractures can be especially dangerous because they may puncture internal organs or collapse a lung. Recovery time for bone injuries can vary widely and may affect a person’s ability to work or care for themselves.

3. Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, Strains, and Tears

Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons. These injuries often result from sudden force or unnatural movements during an accident. Common examples include sprained wrists, pulled muscles, or torn ligaments in the knees or shoulders.

The pain from soft tissue injuries may not appear until hours or days after the crash. Without proper treatment, these injuries can lead to chronic discomfort and reduced mobility. Physical therapy is often needed for full recovery.

4. Abrasions, Lacerations, and Road Rash

Skin injuries are extremely common in car crashes, especially when sharp metal, broken glass, or seatbelt friction is involved. Abrasions are surface-level scrapes that can be painful and prone to infection. “Road rash,” often seen in high-speed or rollover crashes, occurs when skin is scraped across a rough surface like pavement.

Lacerations are deeper cuts that may bleed heavily and require stitches or even surgery. These wounds can leave permanent scars and may damage nerves or muscles beneath the skin.

5. Burns

Burns can result from fires, hot metal, steam, or airbag chemicals during a crash. First-degree burns may only affect the skin’s outer layer, while second- or third-degree burns can destroy deeper tissue, muscle, or nerves.

Severe burns often require skin grafts, long-term wound care, and plastic surgery. These injuries are not only physically painful but can also lead to emotional trauma and disfigurement, significantly affecting a victim’s quality of life.

6. Head Injuries: Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head injuries range from mild concussions to life-altering traumatic brain injuries. A concussion happens when the force of a crash causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull, leading to confusion, dizziness, nausea, or memory problems. These symptoms can last for days or weeks.

More serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can cause permanent damage. Victims may experience difficulty concentrating, personality changes, or impaired motor skills. These types of injuries often require long-term care and significantly impact daily life and earning capacity.

7. Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Back injuries from car accidents can range from strained muscles to more serious spinal conditions. Herniated discs are common, causing sharp pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs or arms. In more severe cases, spinal cord injuries may result in partial or full paralysis.

Damage to the spinal cord is among the most serious car accident injuries. Victims often face long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and major lifestyle changes.

8. Internal Injuries and Internal Bleeding

Internal injuries are especially dangerous because they’re not always immediately visible. The force of a crash—especially from a seatbelt, steering wheel, or airbag—can damage internal organs like the liver, kidneys, or spleen.

Internal bleeding can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, dizziness, or swelling should never be ignored. Emergency medical care is essential for diagnosing and treating these hidden injuries.

9. Chest Injuries

Chest injuries often occur when the chest hits the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatbelt during a crash. Bruised ribs and fractured sternums are common, along with damage to internal organs like the lungs or heart.

While some chest injuries are minor and heal on their own, others can cause breathing difficulties or life-threatening complications. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to serious chest trauma.

10. Limb Loss and Amputation

In high-impact crashes or rollover accidents, the limbs may be crushed or severely injured. When damage is too extensive to repair, amputation may be necessary.

Amputees often need prosthetics, ongoing medical care, and physical therapy. The emotional impact, along with the financial burden, makes these cases some of the most complex.

11. Facial Injuries and Disfigurement

Facial injuries are often caused by shattered glass, airbag deployment, or direct impact with a hard surface. These injuries may include cuts, bruises, broken facial bones, or eye injuries.

In severe cases, victims may suffer permanent disfigurement or require reconstructive surgery. Scarring and facial trauma can also lead to emotional distress and reduced self-confidence, which may be considered in a car accident injury claim.

12. Psychological and Emotional Injuries

Not all car accident injuries are physical. Many victims suffer from emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Nightmares, flashbacks, and a fear of driving are common after a serious crash.

Mental health treatment is often required, but emotional injuries are sometimes overlooked during the claim process. At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we ensure your emotional trauma is taken seriously and factored into your potential car accident injury settlement.

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Are Some Car Accident Injuries Delayed?

Yes, delayed injuries are extremely common after a car crash. Symptoms like back pain, headaches, abdominal pain, or emotional distress may not appear immediately. This is why it’s important to:

• See a doctor even if you feel fine.
• Monitor your body in the days following the crash.
• Document all symptoms and treatments for your claim.

How Long After a Car Accident Can Injuries Appear?

Symptoms may take anywhere from a few hours to several days. Internal bleeding, whiplash, or soft tissue injuries often show delayed effects.

What to Do After a Car Accident Injury in West Virginia

To protect your health and legal rights after sustaining an injury in a car accident, follow these steps:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Get checked by a medical professional, even if you feel fine after the accident.
2. Report the Accident: File a police report and notify your insurance company.
3. Document the Scene and Your Injuries: Take photos, gather witness statements, and track all medical visits and expenses.
4. Contact a Car Accident Injury Attorney: A lawyer can explain your rights, build your case, and fight for the full car accident injury settlement you may be entitled to.

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Compensation for Car Accident Injuries

If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, surgeries)
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Mental and emotional distress

Every claim is different. That’s why working with a car accident injury lawyer is key to getting the compensation you may be owed.

Why Work With Stewart Bell Injury Lawyers?

At Stewart Bell, PLLC, our qualified team has recovered millions for injured West Virginians in Charleston, Huntington, Dunbar, and across the state.

• Local representation you can trust: As a West Virginia law firm, we understand the local court systems, communities, and values that matter most to our clients.
• Experienced trial lawyers: Our team has decades of experience handling car accident injury claims across the state.
• Protection against insurance company tactics: We know how insurers operate and we don’t let them lowball or pressure our clients into unfair settlements.
• Personalized attention and compassionate care: We treat every client with respect and tailor our approach to meet your unique needs and goals.
• Free case evaluations with no obligation: We’ll review your situation at no cost and help you understand your legal options from day one.
• Contingency fees: You won’t owe us a dime unless we recover compensation for your injuries.

Whether you suffered minor car accident injuries or are living with a permanent disability, our attorneys are ready to fight for your future. Schedule your free case review today.

FAQs About Car Accident Injuries

What is considered a serious injury in a car accident?

A serious injury in a car accident is one that significantly impacts a person’s physical, mental, or financial well-being. These injuries often include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, organ damage, multiple fractures, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and amputations. Serious injuries usually require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and can lead to long-term or permanent disability.

How long after a car accident can you claim injury?

In West Virginia, you typically have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim, according to the state’s statute of limitations. However, it’s best to start the process as soon as possible, especially if your symptoms were delayed. Waiting too long can weaken your claim or lead to a denial, particularly if evidence and documentation become harder to obtain.

What should I do if I feel fine after the accident?

Even if you feel fine immediately after a car accident, you should still seek medical attention. Many common car accident injuries—such as whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding—can take hours or days to show symptoms. A prompt medical exam can detect hidden injuries and create an official medical record that supports your claim if you develop symptoms later.

How much compensation can I receive for my car accident injuries?

The amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, lost income, and how the injury affects your daily life. Victims may be eligible to recover damages for medical bills, future treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. A skilled car accident injury lawyer can help estimate the full value of your case and fight for the maximum settlement available.

Ready to Take Control After Your Car Accident Injury?

Whether you’re dealing with whiplash, broken bones, or other car accident injuries, our team at Stewart Bell, PLLC is here for you. As trusted West Virginia car accident injury lawyers, we’ve helped countless individuals and families recover after devastating crashes. From handling insurance companies to building strong legal claims, we take care of everything so you can focus on healing.

Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation and take the first step toward recovery and justice.