What Injuries Commonly Cause Death in Car Accidents?

When a crash turns deadly, the consequences ripple far beyond the initial impact. Families in Denver often face not only grief but also financial strain, unanswered legal questions, and emotional trauma that can persist for years. Losing a loved one in this way brings overwhelming uncertainty, and knowing where to turn is not always clear. Gaining insight into the most common fatal car accident injuries may help determine whether the tragedy could have been prevented, and what next steps are legally available. At Dormer Harpring, we’ve stood by families during their most difficult moments, delivering clear legal support, compassionate counsel, and the tools to pursue meaningful justice after unimaginable loss.

What Are The Most Common Injuries in a Car Accident?

Some of the most frequently reported injuries in car accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Bone fractures
• Organ damage
• Lacerations and soft tissue trauma

Not all injuries result in death, but many can have life-changing consequences that affect physical health, financial stability, and emotional well-being. Traumatic brain injuries might cause permanent cognitive issues, while spinal cord damage may result in partial or full paralysis. Internal bleeding, if left undetected, can escalate quickly and become fatal. 

Even injuries that seem moderate, such as broken bones or soft tissue damage, may lead to chronic pain or loss of mobility over time. The severity of an injury often hinges on key factors, including the type of vehicle involved, point of impact, seatbelt use, airbag deployment, and how quickly medical attention was received. Understanding these dynamics can help victims recognize the seriousness of their condition and seek proper care early.

Which Types Of Car Accident Injuries Typically Lead to Fatalities?

The injuries most commonly associated with death in motor vehicle accidents include brain trauma, spinal damage, internal hemorrhaging, and crushed or broken bones. Each type of injury affects vital systems, often leaving little room for delay in medical response.

A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden blow or violent jolt disrupts how the brain normally works. These injuries often happen when a person’s head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or window during a car crash.

Depending on the force, TBIs can range from concussions to more severe forms of damage, including brain swelling or bleeding. One of the dangers is that symptoms may not show up right away, causing people to delay treatment.

Even a seemingly minor head injury could lead to long-term cognitive issues, unconsciousness, or death if left untreated. According to MedlinePlus, traumatic brain injuries can result in serious complications such as memory loss, coma, or fatality. Early diagnosis and urgent care are key factors that may reduce the severity of these outcomes and improve the chance of recovery.

A Spinal Cord Injury

In serious car crashes, the spinal cord can suffer intense damage when the force of impact compresses or twists the back. Spinal cord injuries often occur during rollovers, high-speed rear-end collisions, or side-impact wrecks where the body absorbs a sudden jolt.

These injuries can lead to partial or complete loss of movement, loss of sensation, or other neurological impairments, depending on the location and severity of the trauma. Victims might experience long-term disabilities, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia, that change every aspect of daily life.

Medical care for spinal cord trauma often involves surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing assistive care. As noted by MedlinePlus, these injuries can also lead to life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, blood clots, or organ failure. Prompt emergency treatment and rehabilitation are crucial in reducing the long-term risks and improving outcomes.

Internal Injuries and Bleeding

Blunt force trauma can rupture internal organs, including the liver, spleen, or lungs. These injuries are hard to detect without diagnostic imaging and often become fatal if bleeding isn’t controlled quickly. Internal bleeding may not show symptoms until the victim is in critical condition.

Broken Bones

While broken bones may seem survivable, complex fractures involving the ribs, pelvis, or skull can prove fatal. Fractured ribs, for instance, can puncture lungs or arteries. Bone shards may also damage nearby organs or blood vessels, leading to life-threatening internal damage.

Which Types of Vehicle Collisions Cause Life-Threatening Injuries?

Certain types of accidents are more likely to cause fatal injuries due to the force and direction of the impact.

• Head-on collisions tend to cause the most severe injuries, often at high speeds.
• Side-impact crashes (T-bones) can result in organ damage due to minimal protection on vehicle sides.
• Rollover accidents may throw passengers from the vehicle or crush vital areas of the body.
• Rear-end crashes at high speeds can cause neck injuries and spinal trauma.

Road conditions, driver behavior, and vehicle type can all affect the injury outcome. Even at lower speeds, a poorly positioned seatbelt or airbag malfunction might worsen an injury.

What Should I Do If My Loved One Was Killed in A Car Accident?

Seek Treatment Right Away

Even if your loved one passed at the scene, any surviving victims must seek immediate medical evaluation. Some injuries are internal and worsen with time. Medical records also serve as important documentation in any future legal claim.

Keep Careful Records of All Accident-Related Expenses

Document every detail related to the accident, including funeral expenses, medical bills, property damage, and emotional losses. These records will form the basis of a potential wrongful death claim and help establish the extent of the financial impact.

Do I Need to Hire A Car Accident Lawyer?

It may be essential to speak with a lawyer if you suspect the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. Fatal car accident cases are emotionally charged and legally complex. A lawyer can help:

• Investigate the crash and preserve evidence
• Identify all liable parties, including third parties
• Handle insurance communications
• Calculate both economic and non-economic damages

In Colorado, the statute of limitations on wrongful death cases is typically two years. However, exceptions may apply. A knowledgeable attorney will help ensure deadlines are met and claims are filed correctly.

Get Experienced Legal Help from a Car Accident Attorney at Dormer Harpring

Losing a family member in a car crash may be the hardest thing you’ll ever face. You deserve support, clarity, and a team that understands both the legal and emotional challenges ahead. At Dormer Harpring, we help Denver families navigate wrongful death claims with skill and compassion. Contact us today to learn how we can help you pursue justice for your loved one.