Common Car Accident Injuries in Utah and How They Affect Your Claim

Car accidents happen every year in Utah, resulting in a wide spectrum of injuries. Victims have the right to file a claim and recover compensation to help pay for their damages after the crash, but this process can be tricky. From whiplash and concussions that may seem minor initially but develop into chronic conditions, to broken bones and internal injuries that require immediate surgeries, each type of injury presents challenges in proving damages and securing appropriate compensation under Utah law. Reach out to our car accident lawyer in St. George if you’ve been injured in an accident.

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

The soft tissues are the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that connect and support your bones and organs. Whiplash is one of the most common types of soft tissue injuries in car accidents. This injury occurs when your head snaps forward and backward during impact, straining the muscles and ligaments in your neck.

Soft tissue damage can cause debilitating pain that persists for months or years. You might experience headaches, shoulder pain, reduced range of motion, and difficulty concentrating. However, recovering compensation for these injuries can be tricky; insurance adjusters often dismiss whiplash as minor because the damage does not show up clearly on X-rays or initial CT scans, making it appear less serious than it actually is.

Traumatic Brain Damage

Car accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that have the potential to cause permanent disabilities. Even minor head trauma can damage delicate brain tissue, disrupting your ability to think clearly, remember information, or maintain stable emotions. More severe brain injuries may require extensive rehabilitation and lifelong care. Insurance companies often undervalue brain injury claims because the symptoms are not always immediately obvious and may worsen over time. 

Spinal Cord Damage and Back Injuries

During a collision, you can suffer herniated discs, compression fractures, muscle strains, and, in the most serious cases, spinal cord injuries that result in partial or total paralysis. Like TBIs, back and spinal injuries often worsen over time, and you may not realize the full extent of the damage until much later. Proving your damages often requires expert medical testimony and detailed projections of your future treatment costs and rehabilitation needs.

Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries

Broken bones are very common after car accidents. Fractured ribs, broken arms, shattered legs—these injuries are more straightforward to document but can still complicate your claim. Depending on the complexity of your fracture and required treatment, insurance companies may dispute whether a medical procedure was necessary or if you chose the most expensive treatment option. They may question whether a permanent limitation in your mobility is truly related to the accident or stems from a pre-existing condition.

Maximize Your Car Accident Claim with Legal Representation

Insurance companies often downplay the severity of common car accident injuries, despite their effect on your life and the potential for long-term complications. A St. George personal injury lawyer knows how to properly document these injuries, work with medical experts to establish their full extent, and fight for compensation that covers not just current treatment but future medical needs. Contact an attorney today and start defending your right to recovery.