According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 17,140 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes from January through June 2025.. While injuries can occur to virtually any part of your body, these five types are among the most common:
Whiplash
Whiplash is the most common injury suffered in car accidents. It occurs when the impact from the collision causes the back or neck to stretch beyond its normal limit, then quickly snap back into place. Whiplash can affect your vertebrae, discs, ligaments, or even the spinal cord itself. In severe cases, whiplash can lead to chronic pain and even paralysis.
Whiplash is particularly common in rear-end collisions, which account for approximately 29% of all traffic accidents. The sudden acceleration-deceleration forces your head and neck to move rapidly back and forth, damaging the soft tissues.
Concussions
Significant impact to the head (or even just the body) can cause your brain to violently shake inside of your skull, which is known as a concussion. Concussions range in severity, with some taking just hours to heal and others taking weeks. Your brain is more sensitive after sustaining a concussion, so it is important to avoid activities that put you at risk while you recover.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions, are among the leading causes of death and disability from car collisions. According to the CDC’s 2018–2019 surveillance data, motor vehicle crashes are the leading unintentional mechanism of TBI-related deaths among ages 15–24 (at a rate of 4.7 per 100,000 population).
Other head injuries
It is common for drivers and passengers involved in a car accident to strike their heads against the steering wheel or dashboard. This can lead to a variety of injuries, such as a broken nose, dislocated jaw, facial fractures, loss of teeth, or damage to the eyes and ears.
Chest injuries
The placement of seatbelts, air bags, and steering wheels all make the chest a vulnerable body part in car collisions. Chest injuries are particularly dangerous because they can affect vital organs and may not be immediately apparent. Chest injuries can range from minor bruises and contusions to broken ribs, fractured sternums, or damage to internal organs.
Leg injuries
Leg and lower extremity injuries are among the most common car accident injuries, particularly in front-end and side-impact collisions. When seated in a car, your legs have little room for movement. When a collision occurs, your legs will likely be thrown against the side door or dashboard. If you are hit from the side, your legs could even take the brunt of the collision.
Types of Compensation Available for Car Accident Injuries
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in South Carolina or North Carolina, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future treatment)
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In rare cases involving willful, wanton, or reckless conduct (such as drunk driving), punitive damages may also be available under South Carolina law.
Keep in mind that not all injuries are readily apparent after a car accident. Some may take several hours, or even days, to appear. If you are involved in a South Carolina car accident, seek medical treatment if you experience any pain or discomfort. Even if you feel completely fine after an accident, you should still see a doctor within 24-48 hours. Early documentation of injuries is critical for both your health and any potential legal claim.
The personal injury attorneys at Stewart Law Offices represent car accident victims across North and South Carolina. If you have been injured at the hands of someone else, let us help you seek the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us online to get started with a free consultation, or call 866-STEWART.