---
title: "The Most Common Car Accident Injuries and What to Do After a Crash"
url: https://callsam.com/blog/common-car-accident-injuries/
description: "Whiplash, fractures, brain injuries and delayed symptoms are common after a Michigan crash. Get care, protect PIP, and do not rush a settlement."
lastModified: 2026-10-11
---

# The Most Common Car Accident Injuries and What to Do After a Crash

Published: March 31, 2021

A crash is disorienting. Adrenaline can hide pain, so you may not know how badly you are hurt until later. What you do in the first hours still affects your health and any claim.

An [experienced car accident lawyer](https://callsam.com/case-types/car-accidents/) can walk you through the next steps. Here are injuries we see often, and how to protect your rights.

## WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES IN MICHIGAN?

Speed, vehicle size, where you sat, seat belts and the point of impact all matter. A side-impact at 45 mph is often worse than a lighter tap, but even a slower crash can cause serious harm.

### Soft-tissue injuries

Strains and sprains of muscles, ligaments and tendons. They may not show on an X-ray. Bruising is common.

### Whiplash

A neck injury from rapid back-and-forth motion, often in a rear-end crash. It can cause pain, headaches and, in some people, longer-lasting symptoms.

### Cuts and bruises

Broken glass, belts, airbags and loose objects in the cabin.

### Back and neck injuries

Herniated discs, fractures, compressed vertebrae and, in the worst cases, spinal cord damage. A crash can also aggravate an old back or neck problem.

### Brain injuries

The head may hit glass or the wheel, or the brain can move inside the skull with no visible cut. That includes concussion and bleeding such as a subdural hematoma, which is a medical emergency.

### Chest injuries

Belts, airbags and the steering wheel. Range from bruising to organ injury.

### Broken ribs and other bones

Ribs can puncture a lung. Arms, legs, knees, hips and shoulders break when the body is thrown against the dash or door.

### Internal bleeding

Liver, kidney, spleen or brain bleeding may not be obvious from the outside.

### Psychological harm

[PTSD](https://callsam.com/blog/ptsd-car-accident/), driving anxiety, depression, nightmares and guilt, even when the crash was not your fault.

## WHAT IF MY INJURIES DON’T SHOW UP IMMEDIATELY AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?

Hours to weeks later is common. Head and organ injuries can still become life-threatening. Get checked after any significant impact, even if you feel “fine” at the scene.

Psychological symptoms can also arrive late. That is one reason not to take a fast settlement.

## WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HIRE A MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER RIGHT AWAY?

PIP generally needs **written notice within one year**. A third-party lawsuit is usually **three years**. Insurers may push a low early offer. A lawyer can help with [No-Fault benefits](https://callsam.com/michigan-no-fault-law/), [evidence](https://callsam.com/blog/car-accident-evidence/) and [what to do at the scene](https://callsam.com/blog/immediately-after-automobile-accident/). Hiring counsel does not guarantee a larger payout, but it does put someone on the deadlines and the medical proof.

## PUT OUR EXPERIENCED CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS TO WORK FOR YOU TODAY

If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident, we can help. Our legal team has the experience and resources to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right [Michigan car accident lawyer](https://callsam.com/case-types/car-accidents/) is simple.

Get your case started today by filling out the brief form below or contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.

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