Can you get a torn esophagus or worse, in a car accident?

YES/NO: If the force in a mva (motor vehicle accident) is enough to tear an esophagus you probably won't survive to 'get the diagnosis' --other structures would also be torn (e.g. Aorta, vena cava ...).

Trauma is possible: Trauma is one cause of an esophageal rupture. Other causes are cancer of the esophagus, ingesting corrosive fluids, and forceful vomiting. Esophageal rupture may also be iatrogenic during endoscopic procedures. This is a serious condition which demands immediate surgical care.

Yes: You can rupture your esophagus in a car accident, but the forces required to do this usually produce other serious to mortal injuries at the same time. These injuries include rib fractures, collapsed lungs, torn aorta, and lung contusions. Fortunately modern air bags, seat belts, and car designs have reduced the number of these serious injuries significantly.