6 min read time
Table of Contents
What Are the Common Injuries from Las Vegas Car Accidents
Las Vegas car crashes can result in a vast variety of injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe back injuries and even life-changing, catastrophic injuries.
The types of injuries one may suffer from a Las Vegas crash typically depend on several factors, including the speeds and weights of the vehicles involved, impact points, and whether or not the occupants of the vehicles in the car accident were following proper safety standards, such as wearing seat belts or riding with a helmet.
Understanding some of the most common car crash injuries in Las Vegas can provide insight into the physical effects car wrecks have on accident victims and why it's so important to explore legal options by consulting with the Las Vegas car accident attorneys at the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm.
#1 Whiplash & Neck Injuries
One of the most common car accident injuries is whiplash, which is caused by the neck being violently jolted back and forth, often due to the sudden impact of another vehicle in a car accident.
Whiplash is most frequently seen in rear-end collisions, where the sudden stop and the driver's head being forcefully thrown forward can cause the neck muscles to move rapidly.
Las Vegas car accident victims who suffer whiplash often experience stiffness, headaches, and difficulty turning their necks.
Luckily, whiplash is typically a minor car crash injury that requires consistent physical therapy to recover from.
#2 Head & Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
In the event a vehicle occupant's head strikes a solid object such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows, they could be at risk of suffering a concussion or even a severe traumatic brain injury, which can result in cognitive issues and can be fatal if not properly treated.
#3 Spinal Cord Injuries
Depending on the force of the car accident, victims could be at risk of a back or spinal cord injury, which often includes herniated discs and damaged vertebrae.
Severe spinal cord injuries could result in partial or complete paralysis, both of which are classified as catastrophic injuries due to the significant impact they have on one's quality of life.
#4 Broken Bones & Fractures
During motor vehicle crashes, the impact exerted by the colliding vehicle is enough to cause breaks or fractures in areas such as the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones.
While most broken bones can be healed through casts and physical therapy, more severe breaks, such as compound fractures, may require extensive medical treatment and recovery time.
#5 Internal Injuries
If a car accident victim experiences blunt force trauma by slamming into an object or being hit by one, damage could occur in their internal organs, most commonly the liver, spleen, lungs, or kidneys.
Internal injuries and bleeding are by far one of the most dangerous car accident injuries due to the fact that they often have delayed symptoms, meaning a victim may feel fine for hours or even days without even knowing they are suffering from a potentially life-threatening injury from the inside.
Due to the danger of internal injuries, seeking prompt medical attention after a car accident is crucial to ensure that any internal damage is taken care of promptly.
#6 Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries include cuts, bruises, and abrasions and are often caused by glass shards, twisted metal, or low-impact hits to the body.
Most soft tissue injuries seen in car accidents are typically minor and can be healed by over-the-counter medications and rest; however, deeper lacerations could require stitches.
#7 Mental Trauma
Along with physical injuries, a car accident victim can also suffer from various psychological injuries such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Such emotional distress could make it hard for victims to drive a vehicle or even be in a car.
Most car wrecks that result in severe injuries often require therapy from a mental health professional along with physical care.
Common Symptoms of Las Vegas Car Accident Injuries
Immediately after a car accident, the adrenaline and shock your body experiences will often mask the pain of any injuries you may have suffered from; however, after a couple of minutes or hours, symptoms may start to appear.
Understanding and recognizing the common symptoms of Las Vegas car accident injuries is crucial to identifying injuries and obtaining the proper medical care for them.
Neck and Shoulder Pain
Whiplash and other tissue injuries in the neck can result in a wide range of symptoms, including neck pain, soreness, and limited range of motion in the neck and shoulder area.
Headaches and Dizziness
Constant headaches, lightheadedness, throwing up, or difficulty walking can be signs of a concussion or traumatic brain injury.
Due to the severity of injuries these symptoms may indicate, you must seek prompt medical care, as delaying medical attention will only make your situation worse.
Back Pain or Tingling
Tingling, numbness, or pain in the back could point towards a spinal injury, herniated disc, or nerve damage.
Seeking medical treatment after experiencing such symptoms is key to preventing long-term impairment.
Bruising and Swelling
Notable bruises or swelling in any area of your body could be a result of blunt force trauma, broken bones, or internal bleeding.
While most think bruises or swelling can be treated with a bag of ice, such as if one fell in a playground, you must seek medical treatment, as you weren't injured in a playground, but in a car accident.
Abdominal Pain
Pain in the abdominal area, which is where the stomach is located, is often a symptom of an internal injury or organ damage.
Abdominal pain, like any other car accident injury symptom, should not be ignored.
What's the Likelihood of a Car Accident Causing Injury in Las Vegas
In Las Vegas, the odds of you being injured in a car accident are around 40%, as reported by the Nevada Department of Transportation.
Additionally, according to LVMPD car accident statistics in 2022, there were 19,891 car accidents, with 11,071 of them resulting in injuries and 148 resulting in death. Using the LVMPD data, the likelihood of being injured in a Las Vegas car accident is around 56%.
In summary, there is a 48% chance of you suffering car accident injuries in a Las Vegas car crash.
No matter if you were injured or not in your Las Vegas car wreck, the Las Vegas car accident lawyers at the Rodeny Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm can explain to you your potential legal options to make a financial recovery when you schedule a free consultation by calling (702) 566-3600.
How Can You Prevent Injuries in a Las Vegas Motor Vehicle Accident
With Las Vegas's heavy traffic, high-speed highways, and reckless drivers on Las Vegas roads, completely avoiding injuries in a car wreck can be a challenging task; however, there are ways to reduce the severity of injuries suffered in a wreck, which include:
- Always wear your seat belt
- Following the posted speed limit
- Avoiding distraction inside and outside your car
- Keeping a safe following distance
- Regularly maintaining your vehicle
- Driving defensively
- Limiting the number of moving objects in your car
What to Do After Being Injured in a Las Vegas Car Accident
After being injured in a car wreck in Las Vegas, it's crucial that you take the right steps, as your recovery and personal injury claim depend on it.
When being injured in an auto accident in Las Vegas, Nevada, you should:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Gather evidence at the accident scene (Depending on the severity of your injuries)
- Seek prompt medical care
- Consult with a Las Vegas personal injury attorney
- Stay consistent with the recommended medical treatments and appointments
Injuries in a car accident equal financial losses, so it's crucial you get a team of Las Vegas personal injury lawyers with experience fighting insurance companies by contacting the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm for a free case review by calling (702) 566-3600.
Obtain the Compensation You're Entitled To
Contact Us Today
Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer is a Las Vegas personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience helping clients obtain maximum compensation following injuries from accidents such as car crashes, worksite injuries, and slips and falls. Over those years, The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm has become an experienced law firm that can ensure exceptional results for any of its clients.
