A car accident can turn life upside down in seconds. South Carolina recorded 738 traffic deaths in 2023, and each number represents a family changed forever.
While fatal accidents are incredibly devastating, thankfully, most car accident victims survive, but that doesn’t mean they don’t suffer; many go on to live with painful injuries. Common car accident injuries include soft-tissue sprains, neck injuries, broken bones, herniated discs, and internal bleeding. More serious injuries, like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury, or post-traumatic stress disorder, can leave lasting disability. Even after a rear-end collision that seems minor at the accident scene, hidden damage can surface days later and demand immediate attention.
The costs add up fast. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts the average lifetime medical cost of a crash-related hospitalization at about $57,000. For many accident victims, chronic pain and emotional distress weigh as heavily as the medical bills. If someone else caused your wreck, you shouldn’t be on the hook to cover the expenses.
At Joye Law Firm, our experienced car accident lawyers assist accident victims throughout South Carolina in seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you or someone dear to you were injured in a crash, schedule a free consultation today to discuss your legal options.
Types of Car Accident Injuries
1. Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are among the most common car accident injuries. These affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
- Whiplash is the most common type, particularly in rear-end collisions
- Symptoms include neck pain, limited range of motion, and headaches
- Often treated with rest, physical therapy, and pain management
While these may seem minor at first, soft tissue injuries, especially if left untreated, can lead to chronic pain.
2. Broken Bones and Fractures
Car crashes can cause enough force to break bones, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and hips. These injuries can be extremely painful and may take months to fully heal.
- Broken ribs often happen when the chest hits the steering wheel
- Compound fractures may require surgery and months of recovery
- Healing may be complicated by age or pre-existing health conditions
In one such case, Joye Law Firm secured a $6.25 million settlement for a man who suffered multiple broken bones after being rear-ended by a semi-truck in a multiple-vehicle crash on I-95.
3. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A sudden jolt or direct blow to the head in a car accident can cause traumatic brain injuries ranging from mild concussions to severe cognitive impairments.
- Mild TBIs include concussions
- Severe TBIs can cause memory loss, cognitive issues, and changes in personality
- Long-term effects can impact relationships, work, and mental health
After being struck head-on by a drunk driver, one client sustained a TBI along with other injuries. Attorney Melissa Mosier and Davis Rice helped him obtain a $3 million settlement to support his long-term recovery and ongoing care. Cases like his show how deeply TBIs can impact every aspect of a person’s life.
4. Spinal Cord Injuries and Back Trauma
Back injuries are some of the most life-altering outcomes of vehicle collisions. Damage to vertebrae, spinal discs, or the spinal cord itself can lead to long-term disability.
- Herniated discs may cause numbness, weakness, or pain
- Severe spinal cord injuries may result in partial or complete paralysis
- Chronic back pain from even minor spinal trauma can limit movement for life
In North Charleston, a woman suffered a spinal injury when a trailer detached in a multi-vehicle crash and struck her car. Joye Law Firm recovered an $850,000 settlement to help her manage the physical and emotional toll of her injury. Her case illustrates how serious back injuries can be, and that they should be treated promptly to prevent long-term disability.
5. Internal Injuries and Internal Bleeding
In some accidents, especially high-speed crashes, internal organs can be injured.
- The liver, spleen, and lungs are commonly affected
- Internal bleeding may not exhibit symptoms immediately
- These injuries can become life-threatening without immediate attention
Always seek medical care after a serious car accident, even if you feel okay initially.
6. Emotional Distress and PTSD
Car accident victims often suffer psychological harm in addition to physical injuries.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common after serious car accidents
- Symptoms include flashbacks, anxiety, and sleep problems
- Emotional distress can be just as damaging as physical injuries
Therapy or counseling can help, and emotional suffering is often considered when seeking compensation.
7. Facial Injuries and Lacerations
The face is particularly vulnerable in car accidents, especially when broken glass, airbags, or hitting the dashboard are involved. These injuries can be both physically painful and emotionally traumatic, often leaving lasting scars.
- Cuts and bruises are common from shattered windows or flying debris
- Facial fractures may require reconstructive surgery
- Dental injuries can lead to long-term oral health complications and costly repairs
One St. Stephen man experienced firsthand the devastating effect of a T-bone collision that left him with facial injuries and a broken leg resulting in a $592,000 settlement. Facial injuries like his may require plastic surgery or dental repair and often result in permanent scarring, making fair compensation critical.
8. Chest Injuries
Blunt trauma from the steering wheel, seat belt, or dashboard can cause severe chest injuries that may not be immediately obvious after a crash. These injuries can pose life-threatening risks, particularly for older adults or individuals with pre-existing conditions.
- Bruised or broken ribs, clavicle, or sternum can make breathing and movement painful
- Collapsed lungs require emergency treatment
- In severe cases, the impact can cause cardiac contusions or other internal injuries
Joye Law Firm represented a woman in Goose Creek who suffered heart complications and persistent back pain after an unlicensed commercial driver cut her off in traffic. Her $840,000 settlement reflects the seriousness of chest trauma and the importance of holding negligent drivers accountable.
