Common Car Accident Injuries in New Mexico: What Victims Should Know

Car accidents can cause a wide range of physical and emotional injuries, some of which may not show symptoms right away. Understanding the common car accident injuries seen in New Mexico is essential, not just for your health, but also to protect your legal rights if you decide to pursue compensation. Whether the collision was minor or severe, prompt medical attention and legal guidance can make a significant difference in your recovery.

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

One of the most frequently reported car accident injuries is whiplash. Caused by the rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck, whiplash often results from rear-end collisions. It can lead to stiffness, pain, headaches, and reduced range of motion. Other soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and bruises, can affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments throughout the body.

Though they may seem minor at first, these injuries can worsen without proper treatment and should never be ignored.

Head and Brain Injuries

Even if there is no visible head trauma, the brain can be injured from the force of a crash. Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and skull fractures are serious conditions that may have lasting cognitive, physical, and emotional effects. Symptoms can include memory loss, dizziness, confusion, and sensitivity to light or sound.

If you hit your head or lose consciousness during an accident, seek medical care immediately and monitor symptoms closely in the days that follow.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

The spine is especially vulnerable in high-impact crashes. Victims may experience herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or even spinal cord damage, which can result in paralysis. Back injuries can lead to chronic pain, loss of mobility, and permanent disability.

These injuries often require long-term treatment, including physical therapy, pain management, and, in some cases, surgery.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Broken bones are another common result of car accidents, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. Depending on the severity, fractures may require casting, surgical repair, or rehabilitation. In some cases, these injuries can lead to complications or delayed healing, affecting a person’s ability to work or return to normal activities.

Even when a break is obvious, documentation is key to supporting a personal injury claim.

Emotional and Psychological Injuries

Not all injuries are visible. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common after serious crashes. Victims may struggle with nightmares, flashbacks, or fear of driving again. Mental health support is just as important as physical care, especially for those whose quality of life has been deeply impacted.

Compensation for car accident injuries can include treatment for emotional distress, so it’s important to speak up about psychological symptoms.

Know Your Rights After an Accident

If you’ve suffered any of these common car accident injuries in New Mexico, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. At the Law Offices of Kenneth G. Egan, we have decades of experience helping clients understand their legal rights and pursue the justice they deserve.

Proudly Serving Las Cruces and Beyond

Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys are located in Las Cruces and are proud to serve the surrounding areas, including Doña Ana, Santo Tomas, La Mesa, Fort Selden, Radium Springs, and beyond. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t wait, reach out today for a free consultation.