Sean Conway
Eric Chandler
Marcus Sladek 
Natalie Andrews
Cory J. RooneyPersonal Injury
10 Most Common Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries in Nebraska
Chandler | Conway
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of injury in the United States, including Nebraska. Each year, thousands of people are injured on the roads due to various factors like distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, and adverse weather conditions. With its mixture of rural roads and urban traffic, Nebraska presents unique risks for motorists. When accidents occur, the resulting injuries can range from minor to severe, with long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences.
Read our Car Accident Attorneys service page for more information on how we can help you with your accident injury.
1 – Whiplash
One of the most frequently reported injuries in motor vehicle accidents is whiplash, especially in rear-end collisions. Whiplash occurs when the neck and head are suddenly forced backward and then forward, causing strain on the neck’s muscles and ligaments.
Symptoms may not appear immediately and can include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness. Without proper treatment, whiplash can lead to chronic pain and long-term mobility issues, especially when there is a resulting cervical disc injury.
2 – Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are also prevalent in Nebraska car crashes. A concussion is a TBI and occurs when a sudden impact or jolt causes the brain to bounce against the skull, leading to cognitive disturbances such as confusion, headaches, dizziness, and memory problems.
More severe TBIs can result in long-term brain damage, cognitive impairment, and even death. These injuries are common in high-speed accidents and situations where airbags do not deploy correctly or in rollover crashes where the head may hit hard surfaces. TBI’s can occur even without blunt force trauma or loss of consciousness. If you are experiencing concussion symptoms following a crash, it’s important to seek medical attention.
3 – Fractures (Broken Bones)
Fractures are another common result of motor vehicle accidents, affecting various parts of the body depending on the severity and type of crash. High-impact collisions can lead to broken arms, legs, ribs, and even facial fractures.
In Nebraska, accidents involving large trucks or SUVs often result in more severe fractures due to the size and weight of the vehicles. Fractures often require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and rehabilitation, and may have long-lasting effects on mobility and quality of life.
4 – Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Injuries to the back and spine can be debilitating and life-altering for Nebraska drivers. In a motor vehicle accident, the force of the collision can damage the spinal cord, vertebrae, or discs, resulting in severe pain, numbness, or even paralysis.
Spinal cord injuries, in particular, can have catastrophic consequences, leading to partial or full paralysis and a lifelong need for medical care. Lower back injuries, like herniated discs, are one of the most common injuries suffered as the result of a car crash and often cause chronic pain and difficulty with movement.
5 – Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are one of the most dangerous and hardest to detect after an accident. Trauma to the abdomen or chest during a collision can cause damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, or lungs. Internal injuries are especially dangerous since they often do not result in outward showing symptoms.
Internal bleeding can occur without any visible signs on the body, making these injuries life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Seatbelts, while crucial for safety, can also sometimes contribute to internal injuries during a high-speed impact by putting pressure on the torso.
6 – Chest Injuries
Chest injuries are frequently reported in car accidents, especially when the impact causes the chest to collide with the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatbelt. Injuries to the chest can range from bruising and broken ribs to more severe conditions such as a collapsed lung or cardiac injuries. Airbags can help reduce the severity of chest injuries, but in certain situations, they can also contribute to minor injuries such as bruising, abrasions, or burns.
7 – Burns
While less common than other types of injuries in Omaha, burns can occur in motor vehicle accidents, particularly if a vehicle catches fire or explodes after impact. Burns can vary in severity, from first-degree (minor burns affecting the outer layer of skin) to third-degree burns (severe burns that damage deeper layers of skin and tissues). Burn injuries require specialized medical treatment, including surgery and skin grafts, and can leave permanent scars or disfigurement.
8 – Facial Injuries and Disfigurement
Facial injuries are common in both high-speed crashes and accidents where airbags deploy. The face can be injured by hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, windows, or flying debris.
These injuries can range from cuts and bruises to more severe issues such as fractures, eye damage, and dental injuries. Facial injuries can lead to scarring and disfigurement, which may require reconstructive surgery and result in long-term psychological effects due to changes in appearance.
9 – Psychological Injuries (PTSD and Anxiety)
Not all injuries from motor vehicle accidents are physical. Many people involved in accidents in Nebraska develop psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Mental health issues can stem from the trauma of the accident itself or the long-term impact of physical injuries.
Survivors of serious accidents may relive the incident in flashbacks, have trouble sleeping, or develop a fear of driving. Psychological injuries often require professional therapy and support, and they can take a long time to heal.
10 – Soft Tissue Injuries (Sprains, Strains, and Bruises)
Soft tissue injuries are among the most common injuries in motor vehicle accidents in Nebraska. These injuries occur when the body’s muscles, ligaments, or tendons are stretched or torn due to the impact of the collision. Soft tissue injuries usually include:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Bruises
While insurance companies often consider soft tissue injuries to be less serious than fractures or head injuries, they can still result in significant pain and discomfort, sometimes leading to long-term recovery, physical therapy, and even surgical intervention. Most people don’t realize it, but spinal disc injuries, such as a bulging disc or herniated disc, are soft tissue injuries and often eventually result in surgery.
Motor vehicle accidents in Nebraska can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening internal damage, spinal cord injuries and TBI’s. While the severity of the injuries sustained often depends on the nature of the collision, the vehicles involved, and whether safety measures like seatbelts and airbags were in place, even a seemingly low impact collision can result in significant injury – especially if the person injured already was suffering from a prior health condition.
As Nebraska continues to work on improving road safety through legislation and education, understanding the most common injuries helps highlight the importance of safe driving practices and prompt medical care in reducing the long-term impact of these accidents.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Chandler | Conway
All Chandler|Conway attorneys are incredibly experienced and knowledgeable in trial cases. Our attorneys will determine the best strategy for you and your family based on the specific circumstances of your situation and, when necessary, represent those interests in court.
Contact our agency by phone, email, or contact form.