More than 3 million Americans are injured in car accidents each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and sustain these five most common injuries (either impact or penetrating), which will require medical treatment: Soft tissue injuries, or connective tissue damage to the muscles, ligaments, or tendons. Examples include whiplash, low- and mid-back injuries or sprains, and damages to the spine. Scrapes and cuts caused by loose objects from inside the car (cell phones, coffee mugs), broken glass, car parts, and airbags can cause lacerations that require stitches. Head injuries can range from minor to serious, which is a result of driver impact to the side window or steering wheel. Results can vary from a concussion to more serious closed head injuries. The tricky part for medical staff is that, often, head injuries do not show bruises or symptoms initially, making them the “silent” injuries. Chest injuries, ranging from contusions and bruises to broken ribs and injuries to internal organs. Arm and leg injuries are caused by sudden, unnatural direction changes or stops by the vehicle that result in the involuntary motion of arms and legs. In the front seat, this normally means a collision between the knees and the bottom of the dashboard.