The Range of Physical Injuries Resulting from Aggressive Driving Accidents

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, aggressive driving plays a role in over half of all fatal crashes in the United States. Aggressive drivers tend to make poor decisions in the heat of the moment. They pass when it’s not safe, block others from merging, or even use their high beams to harass other drivers at night.

All of these behaviors create dangerous situations where people can’t react in time to protect themselves. The injuries that come from aggressive driving accidents are often much more serious than those caused by regular crashes. Anyone who’s been a victim has a right to speak with bold, aggressive driving accident attorneys at Morris Bart.

Common Types of Physical Injuries in These Accidents 

Here are the possible types of physical injuries the victims likely suffer in an aggressive accident:

Whiplash and Neck Strain 

One of the most common injuries in aggressive driving accidents is whiplash. This happens when your neck is suddenly snapped back and forth, usually from a rear-end collision.

Whiplash can cause serious pain, stiffness, and even headaches. You may find it hard to turn your head or sit comfortably. Sometimes, the symptoms don’t even show up right away, which is why it’s so important to get checked out after an accident.

Head injuries and brain trauma 

Head injuries can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In a high-speed crash, your head can hit the window, steering wheel, or even the airbag with a lot of force.

This can lead to memory loss, confusion, and long-term issues like difficulty concentrating or emotional changes. Some people never fully recover from brain injuries, and even those who do typically suffer from lingering side effects for a prolonged period.

Spinal cord and back injuries 

When the spine is affected, the results can be life-changing. The spinal cord controls movement and sensation throughout the body, so any damage can lead to paralysis, either partial or full.

Even less severe injuries, like herniated discs or lower back strain, can result in chronic pain and reduced mobility that lasts a lifetime.

Broken bones and fractures 

Aggressive driving crashes can easily lead to broken bones. Arms, legs, ribs, and even the pelvis are all vulnerable in these kinds of accidents. Sometimes, the break is clean, but in more violent collisions, bones can shatter or pierce the skin, and then it would require surgery, metal rods, and months of recovery.

Chest injuries and internal damage 

The chest takes a lot of the impact in a crash, especially if the person is thrown forward against the seatbelt or steering wheel. This can result in broken ribs, bruising, and damage to organs like the lungs or heart. These injuries are particularly dangerous because they can affect breathing and other vital functions in the body.

Soft tissue and joint injuries 

Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can also be seriously damaged. These soft tissue injuries might not seem like a big deal at first, but they can limit movement, cause ongoing pain, and take a long time to heal. Joint damage can also lead to instability, especially in the shoulders, knees, or wrists.

Internal bleeding and organ damage 

Sometimes, injuries are hidden. The outside of the body might look fine, but the force of a collision can cause internal bleeding or organ damage. These injuries aren’t always obvious, but they’re life-threatening if not treated quickly. That’s why seeing a doctor right after a crash is so important, even if you feel okay after the accident.

Conclusion 

What makes these injuries even more devastating is how long they can affect someone’s life. A traumatic brain injury might require constant care. A spinal cord injury could mean permanent paralysis. Even less severe issues like soft tissue damage can change how someone works, moves, and lives day to day.

In some cases, people lose their ability to earn a living. They may need physical therapy, surgeries, medication, or ongoing counseling. Without proper documentation and legal support, they may not get the compensation they need to cover those costs. But with support from experienced aggressive driving accident attorneys, they can take the right steps to protect their health, their rights, and their future.