The 6 Most Common Car Accident Injuries in Queensland: What You Need to Know in 2025

Motor vehicle accidents are a grim reality on Queensland’s roads, with 302 fatalities recorded in 2024—the highest toll in over a decade. Further, in 2022-2023 around 75% of transport accidents involved cars, according to the AIHW. Globally, these accidents cause more than 1.35 million deaths every year. But behind these stark figures lie a larger, often overlooked crisis: the thousands of individuals who survive but suffer serious, sometimes life-altering injuries. Understanding the most common car accident injuries can help victims and their families navigate the road to recovery, access the right medical treatment, and secure compensation for their losses.

The Toll on Queensland Roads

Recent data from Transport and Main Roads paints a concerning picture. From January 1 to March 2, 2025 alone, there have already been 40 fatalities recorded. However, this is 20% less than the figures in the same period in the previous year. For the past five years, the trend shows fluctuations, with the highest number of fatalities in 2024. This suggests that despite some improvements, road safety remains a significant concern in Queensland.

In 2023, 8239 hospitalised casualties due to motor vehicle accidents were reported in Queensland. Despite a slight dip in 2022, the overall trend shows an increasing number of hospitalisations related to car accidents since 2020, as shown below.

Beyond the statistics, the human toll is immense. Many survivors are left grappling with physical and emotional trauma, and the effects ripple outward, impacting families, and workplaces. This creates long-term economic and social burdens that extend far beyond the immediate aftermath of a crash.

Most Common Car Accident Injuries

Whiplash

One of the most frequent injuries sustained in car accidents, whiplash, affects approximately 83% of people involved in motor vehicle accidents. In Queensland, the Motor Accident Insurance Commission’s 2020-2021 report revealed that 79% of insurance claims were due to neck injuries, including whiplash, for the past three years.

Whiplash occurs when a sudden force causes the head to jerk violently forward and backward, straining the neck’s soft tissues. While 93% of patients fully recover within three months, some may experience pain for up to 2 years, according to a study published in Medicine in 2024.

Symptoms can include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Back pain
• Headaches, often radiating from the base of the skull
• Dizziness and blurred vision
• Numbness or tingling in the arms

Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) can also lead to psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Research shows that 34% of individuals with whiplash have depressive symptoms at 6-12 months post-injury. Beyond the pain, whiplash can affect a person’s quality of life.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, often with life-changing consequences. Despite modern vehicle safety features, about 20% of car crashes in Queensland cause TBIs.

According to the US National Institute of Health, concussion—the mildest form of TBI—can lead to headaches, memory problems, dizziness, and mood disturbances. More severe TBIs may result in:

• Unconsciousness
• Seizures or slurred speech
• Loss of motor function
• Permanent cognitive impairment

Aside from the immediate medical costs, these injuries often require extensive rehabilitation and long-term care, affecting not just the victim but their families as well. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports individuals with severe TBIs, but navigating the system can be challenging.

Bone Fractures

Fractures are another common outcome of car accidents, ranging from minor cracks to severe compound breaks requiring surgical intervention. According to an article published in the Lancet, road accidents are the second leading cause of bone fractures globally.

The most vulnerable areas include:

• Ribs (due to seatbelt impact)
• Collarbone (from direct force or airbag deployment)
• Arms and legs (from bracing for impact)
• Facial bones (from steering wheel or dashboard impact)

Treatment options vary widely, from simple casts to reconstructive surgeries involving metal plates and screws.

Recovery times for fractures vary depending on severity. While simple fractures may heal in several weeks, complex fractures may require months of rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and pain management. However, a recent study shows that combining treatment methods can reduce healing time.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons—often overlooked in initial medical assessments. These injuries include:

• Sprains (ligament tears)
• Strains (muscle or tendon damage)
• Deep contusions (severe bruising)

While not always visible on X-rays, soft tissue injuries can cause prolonged pain and stiffness, lasting months. These injuries may lead to reduced mobility and long-term functional limitations without proper treatment.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are among the most devastating consequences of car accidents, potentially leading to paralysis. The severity of the injury depends on the location of spinal damage:

• Cervical spine injuries may cause quadriplegia, affecting all four limbs.
• Thoracic and lumbar injuries typically result in paraplegia, impairing movement in the lower body.

According to the AIHW, transport accidents accounted for 31% of spinal cord injuries in 2020-2021. The lifetime cost of care for a person with SCI can exceed $3.7 million in Queensland, placing immense financial and emotional burdens on victims and their families. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, assistive devices, and home modifications to accommodate mobility challenges. However, a report showed that 80% of Australians with SCI have bladder or bowel control issues, which could significantly affect their quality of life.

Psychological Injuries

Car accidents can have a profound psychological impact. Many survivors develop conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Psychological injuries can manifest as:

• Nightmares or flashbacks of the accident
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Irrational fears of driving or being in a car
• A sense of detachment or disconnection from family and friends

A 2020 study among 2019 participants in New South Wales shows that psychological injuries following traffic accidents are common, even when physical injuries are minor:

• Within 1 month after a crash, about 1 in 3 people develop significant depression or post-traumatic stress symptoms
• These mental health issues don’t always fade quickly – after 12 months, 1 in 5 people still struggle with depression and nearly 1 in 6 with post-traumatic stress
• A year later, 1 in 4 people continue to battle persistent psychological symptoms, and over 40% report that pain interferes with their daily activities

People at higher risk include those with previous health problems, high distress immediately after the accident, a tendency to catastrophise pain, or inadequate social support.

As Car Accident Lawyers, we see firsthand how these invisible psychological injuries can be just as debilitating as physical ones, yet they often receive less attention in both medical treatment and compensation claims.

Early intervention, including therapy and counselling, can play a critical role in recovery. Compensation claims can also include psychological injuries, ensuring victims receive the necessary support and treatment.

Steps to Lodge a Claim

• Seek immediate medical attention: A medical report is crucial to establish the nature and extent of injuries.
• Report the accident to the police: This should be done within 24 hours if injuries are involved.
• Gather evidence: Collect witness statements, accident scene photos, and medical reports.
• Lodge a Notice of Accident Claim Form: This must be submitted to the CTP insurer within 9 months.
• Engage legal assistance: Expert Road Accident Compensation Lawyers, such as ours can ensure your claim is correctly filed and negotiate fair compensation.
• Negotiate a settlement: Insurers may offer compensation, but legal advice can help ensure a fair outcome.

Getting the Compensation You Deserve

Navigating the complexities of a compensation claim after a car accident can be overwhelming. Our experienced Car Accident Lawyers specialise in motor vehicle accident claims, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation possible. We provide expert legal guidance, negotiate with insurers on your behalf, and help you gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case. Whether you need assistance with medical reports, financial compensation, or claim disputes, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Conclusion

Car accidents can have devastating consequences, leading to physical injuries, financial hardship, and emotional distress. Understanding your rights and the legal avenues available can make a significant difference in your recovery journey.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, our expert Road Accident Compensation Lawyers Gold Coast and Brisbane, Car Accident Lawyers Bundaberg,  Car Accident Lawyers Hervey Bay, and Car Accident Lawyers Rockhampton will fight for the compensation you deserve.

Book a FREE consultation today!