Injuries From Car Crashes in Arlington
Short answer: In greater Arlington, about one crash in four is a rear-end collision, and rear-end crashes are where neck strain, back pain, headaches and concussion most often start. Plenty of these injuries feel minor on day one. Treat any new pain after a wreck as something to get examined.
How Arlington crashes happen, and what they do to the body
In our analysis of TxDOT CRIS crash records for 2021–2025, 26.1% of crashes in Arlington and the area within 15 miles of its city limits were rear-end type, 14.2% were same-direction sideswipes, and 9.1% were left turns across oncoming traffic (our Arlington crash analysis). Each pattern tends to load the body differently:
| Crash pattern | Example places in Arlington | Injuries people often report |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-end at a light or in a backup | Signals along Cooper St, freeway slowdowns on I-20 and SH 360 | Neck strain (whiplash), headaches, upper back pain |
| Sideswipe while merging | Ramps and lane drops at the SH 360, I-20 and I-30 interchanges | Shoulder and arm pain on the impact side, low back strain |
| Left-turn (T-bone) | Big signalized intersections such as Cooper St at Pioneer Pkwy | Hip, rib and shoulder injuries, head strikes against the door or window |
Symptoms to keep a list of
- Neck and back: stiffness, a sore neck when you check your mirrors, pain between the shoulder blades, low back pain when you sit.
- Nerves: pins and needles, numb fingers, burning, a weak grip.
- Head: headaches, dizziness, feeling foggy, forgetting things.
- Joints: shoulder, wrist, hip or knee pain, especially from bracing against the wheel or dash.
- Mood: dreading the drive to work, snapping at people, losing your appetite, feeling low.
Needs an ER today, not next week
A seat belt bruise across your stomach or chest, a headache that keeps getting worse, vomiting, confusion, or weakness on one side all mean you should go now. A belt bruise in particular can point to an internal injury you can't feel yet.
Arlington’s main hospital ERs are Medical City Arlington and Texas Health Arlington Memorial; for the most serious injuries, paramedics may take you to JPS in Fort Worth, Tarrant County’s only Level I trauma center.
The national picture
people were injured in U.S. traffic crashes in 2023, and 40,901 were killed.
Source: NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts →suspected serious injuries in greater Arlington crashes, 2021–2025.
Source: Original TxDOT CRIS analysis →Guides for each injury
- Whiplash: what it is and why low-speed bumps can still cause it.
- Back and neck injuries: discs, pinched nerves and sciatica.
- Head injury and concussion: signs to watch at home.
- Delayed symptoms: why the pain can wait a day or two.
- Emotional effects: fear of driving, PTSD and mood changes.
Next, see where to get checked, or go back to the Arlington guide.
Hurt in an Arlington crash?
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