What Happens to Your Body in a Car Crash

A car crash, also called a car accident or car wreck, can produce serious effects on your body. The force of a collision can injure muscles, bones, organs, and the nervous system. Immediate medical attention and legal support help protect your health and rights. This article examines how car crashes affect the body, the types of injuries you may face, and the emotional and psychological consequences.

How a Car Crash Impacts Your Body

When a car crash happens, your body is suddenly subjected to intense, rapid force. This abrupt deceleration can cause blunt impact injuries as your body hits parts of the vehicle—such as the steering wheel, dashboard, airbags, or even other passengers. The level of harm often depends on factors like the vehicle’s speed, the point of impact, and the type of collision.

Multiple variables influence how severe your injuries may be. The sheer force of the crash, combined with the body’s natural reaction, can result in significant trauma. Even collisions that seem minor at the moment can cause underlying injuries that don’t surface until hours or days later. Getting prompt medical attention is essential to identifying hidden injuries and beginning appropriate treatment.

Whiplash and Neck Trauma

Whiplash happens frequently in rear-end collisions. Your head snaps backward and forward, straining neck muscles and soft tissue. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness. In some cases, pain appears hours or days later, making early medical attention essential.

Other neck injuries may involve the cervical spine. Herniated discs or fractures can produce long-lasting pain and may require surgery or therapy. A thorough medical examination rules out serious damage and allows proper treatment.

Head Injuries and Concussions

Car crashes frequently result in head trauma. Concussions happen when the brain shifts inside the skull, leading to headaches, confusion, memory loss, dizziness, or mood changes. Immediate medical attention reduces the risk of long-term complications.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) range from mild to severe. Severe TBIs may produce cognitive deficits, motor issues, and emotional changes. Early intervention, rehabilitation, and therapy increase the likelihood of recovery and help restore function.

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

The sudden force of a collision can place extreme stress on the spine, leading to injuries that affect mobility, sensation, and overall quality of life. Back injuries may include herniated discs, sprains, or fractures, while more severe trauma can damage the spinal cord itself. 

Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control require immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment—often involving imaging, physical therapy, or surgery—are critical to preventing long-term complications and supporting recovery after a crash.

Internal Injuries to Watch For

Internal injuries often remain hidden but may threaten life if untreated. Blunt force trauma can damage organs, causing internal bleeding or other complications. Abdominal pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or signs of shock signal urgent medical evaluation.

Crashes can damage the liver, spleen, or intestines. Internal bleeding may occur without visible signs. Medical imaging, including CT scans or ultrasounds, may identify injuries that require surgery. Quick treatment reduces risk and stabilizes your condition.

Emotional and Psychological Effects

Car accidents can affect your emotional health. Many people experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a crash. PTSD may appear as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, or avoidance of driving. Emotional effects can interfere with daily life and require professional help.

Contact Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation 

A car crash can leave lasting effects on both your body and mind. Physical injuries may range from mild soreness to life-altering trauma, and emotional challenges such as anxiety or PTSD can emerge long after the wreck. Because many injuries are not immediately obvious, seeking prompt medical care is crucial for protecting your health and preventing complications.

If you were injured in a crash, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers is here to guide you through each stage of the process. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options and begin rebuilding after your accident.

We serve Fulton County and its surrounding areas:

Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Atlanta
201 Joseph E Lowery Blvd NW Suite 312, Atlanta, GA 30314
Open 24/7
(770) 900-9000

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Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Sandy Springs
5555 Glenridge Con, Suite 975, Sandy Springs, GA 30342
Open 24/7
(678) 990-7024

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Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Lawrenceville
265 Culver St S. Suite A. Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Open 24/7
(678) 626-5067 

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Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Mableton
5701 Mableton Pkwy SW Suite 108, Mableton, GA 30126
Open 24/7
(706) 480-5487

Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Smyrna
2400 Herodian Way Ste#220, Smyrna, GA 30080
Open 24/7
(678) 922-4497

Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Roswell
110 Mansell Cir #111, Roswell, GA 30075
Open 24/7
(678) 582-8466

About Robert M. Hammers Jr.

Robert M. Hammers, Jr. is the managing partner at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers in Atlanta. Committed to justice, he represents individuals harmed by negligence, focusing on personal injury litigation.

With over 50 jury trials and $100 million in verdicts and settlements, Rob is known for his strategic thinking and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for his clients. He serves on the Executive Committee for the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice Board of Governors, and the Plaintiff Leadership Committee in complex multi-district and toxic tort litigations, where he advocates for injured individuals and shapes legal strategies.

Robert is also recognized on Justia for his excellence in personal injury law, further highlighting his reputation and commitment to client advocacy.

Read Bio
About Robert M. Hammers Jr.

About Robert M. Hammers Jr.

Robert M. Hammers, Jr. is the managing partner at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers in Atlanta. Committed to justice, he represents individuals harmed by negligence, focusing on personal injury litigation.

With over 50 jury trials and $100 million in verdicts and settlements, Rob is known for his strategic thinking and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for his clients. He serves on the Executive Committee for the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice Board of Governors, and the Plaintiff Leadership Committee in complex multi-district and toxic tort litigations, where he advocates for injured individuals and shapes legal strategies.

Robert is also recognized on Justia for his excellence in personal injury law, further highlighting his reputation and commitment to client advocacy.

Read Bio
About Robert M. Hammers Jr.