In 2023, there were over 17,000 traffic accidents in Brooklyn that resulted in injuries. Whether it’s a fender-bender on Flatbush Avenue or a high-speed collision on the BQE, the aftermath can completely derail your life.
At Cellino Law, we understand how overwhelming the days and weeks following an accident can be, especially when you are dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about your legal rights.
In this article, we’ll break down the most common types of injuries resulting from car accidents in Brooklyn. We will also explain how a personal injury attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
1. Whiplash and Soft-Tissue Injuries
Whiplash is one of the most commonly reported injuries, especially in rear-end collisions. It involves a rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck, causing strain or sprain in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Common symptoms include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Limited range of motion
- Shoulder or upper back pain
- Dizziness or fatigue
Soft-tissue injuries can also involve muscle strains, ligament sprains, and contusions. These may not always be visible on imaging but can cause prolonged discomfort and mobility issues.
2. Broken Bones and Fractures
The force from a crash can easily cause bones to fracture. Arms, legs, ribs, facial bones, and collarbones are commonly broken in Brooklyn car accidents.
Complications may include:
- Surgical intervention
- Long recovery times
- Loss of mobility
- Permanent disability in severe cases
Fractures can interfere with your ability to work or care for your family. These injuries may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
3. Internal Injuries and Organ Damage
Internal injuries are particularly dangerous because they are not always visible and may not present symptoms right away.
These include:
- Internal bleeding
- Organ rupture
- Punctured lungs
- Abdominal trauma
High-speed collisions involving large vehicles, such as MTA buses or delivery trucks, which are common in Brooklyn, often lead to internal damage that can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
4. Facial Injuries or Disfigurement
Flying debris, broken glass, or airbag deployment can all cause facial injuries in a Brooklyn, NY, car accident.
Common injuries include:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Broken nose or cheekbones
- Eye injuries
- Scarring or disfigurement
These injuries can lead to both physical and emotional trauma, requiring reconstructive surgery and psychological support.
5. Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries can occur if you brace your hands against the steering wheel or dashboard in a motor vehicle crash.
Some common injuries caused by car accidents are:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Dislocated shoulder
- Fractures
- Labral tears
- Soft-tissue injuries
Shoulder injuries may not always be immediately apparent. If you experience symptoms like difficulty lifting your arm or numbness in your hand, seek a medical evaluation right away. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing long-term complications.
6. Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A sudden jolt or blow to the head during a collision can lead to a traumatic brain injury (TBI), even without direct impact. Brain injuries can vary in severity from concussions to life-threatening damage.
Here are some symptoms to watch for:
- Confusion or disorientation
- Loss of consciousness
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cognitive or memory problems
Brooklyn residents involved in serious accidents should seek immediate medical care if any symptoms of head trauma are present. TBIs can have long-term or permanent effects and may not be immediately apparent.
7. Back Injuries and Spinal Trauma
The impact of a car accident can severely affect the back and spine, leading to injuries that may not present symptoms immediately.
Common back injuries include:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Lumbar sprains
- Spinal fractures
- Nerve impingement
In severe cases, spinal cord injuries can result in full or partial paralysis. Even in less severe cases, back injuries often require extensive physical therapy and can cause chronic pain or reduced mobility.
8. Psychological and Emotional Trauma
Not all injuries from car accidents are visible.
Victims often suffer from emotional distress and mental health conditions such as:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Anxiety or depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Fear of driving
These effects can be just as debilitating as physical injuries and are often compensable under New York personal injury law.
9. Burn Injuries
Burns are among the most painful and disfiguring injuries a person can suffer in a car accident. They typically occur in accidents involving fires, explosions, or exposure to hot fluids and chemicals.
Burn injuries are classified by severity as follows:
- First-degree burns: First-degree burns affect the outer layer of skin (epidermis), causing redness and pain
- Second-degree burns: Extend to the dermis, often causing blisters and severe pain
- Third-degree burns: Destroy the skin and underlying tissue; may damage nerves, resulting in numbness
- Fourth-degree burns: Penetrate muscle and bone; often life-threatening
10. Amputations and Loss of Limbs
Amputation is one of the most devastating outcomes of a severe car accident. It may occur at the scene of the crash due to a traumatic injury or later as a surgical necessity to remove irreparably damaged tissue.
Amputees face a lifetime of physical challenges, including:
- Mobility issues
- Chronic pain (including phantom limb pain)
- Emotional trauma and depression
- Dependence on prosthetics and rehabilitation
The financial burden of an amputation includes surgical costs, hospital stays, prosthetic limbs, therapy, and lost earning potential.
Why Brooklyn Roads Are Especially Dangerous
Brooklyn’s unique mix of dense traffic, narrow streets, bike lanes, pedestrian crosswalks, and diverse transportation modes create a perfect storm for accidents.
Common factors contributing to collisions in Brooklyn include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Poorly maintained roads or unclear signage
- Aggressive driving and road rage
In many cases, multiple parties may be liable for an accident. This could include negligent drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Brooklyn
If you have been harmed in a car accident in Brooklyn, take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately: Your health is your top priority
- Call the police: Ensure there is an official accident report filed
- Document the scene: Take photos, gather witness information, and record details
- Avoid admitting fault: Don’t discuss your share of fault with other drivers or insurance companies
- Contact a personal injury lawyer: An experienced Brooklyn car accident attorney can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights
Recovering Compensation for Brooklyn, New York, Car Accident Injuries
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury in a Brooklyn car accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
New York is a no-fault state, which means your auto insurance typically covers basic medical expenses and lost wages. However, severe injuries often qualify for legal action against the at-fault driver.
At Cellino Law, we help clients recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement and disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Ongoing care and rehabilitation costs
We work with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and life care planners to build strong cases for maximum compensation. Whether through settlement or litigation, we fight for the justice our clients deserve.
Injured in a Car Accident in Brooklyn, NY? Schedule a Free Consultation Today
Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. However, the consequences — physical, emotional, and financial — can linger for months or even years.
The personal injury attorneys at our law firm understand the unique challenges that come with navigating the aftermath of a car crash in Brooklyn’s fast-paced and often chaotic streets. From dealing with insurance adjusters to connecting you with trusted medical professionals, our goal is to ensure you’re not facing this fight alone.
Don’t pay the price for someone else’s negligence. Reach out to our compassionate legal team at Cellino Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Schedule yours today by calling us at 888-888-8888 or completing the contact form.