Car Accident
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Personal Injury
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents in Georgia happen every day, and they have the potential to change our lives instantly. In fact, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT), 1,830 people died in traffic-related incidents in the state in 2022, averaging five deaths per day. Georgia DOT also reports that unsafe driving behaviors, including impairment, speeding, and distractions, caused 73% of these fatalities. Regrettably, many of these accident victims in Georgia sustain minor and severe injuries yearly due to car wrecks, with some even losing their lives.
The distressing reality of car accidents on Georgia’s roads means their consequences can completely shatter lives. These incidents give rise to various common car accident injuries, some of which can inflict enduring pain and suffering on injured victims and their families. If you have been injured in a collision, it is important to understand the common injuries from car accidents and how the legal system works in Georgia for you to protect your rights and interests.
At Fry | Goehring, our legal team is well-versed in personal injury law, with extensive experience in car accidents. Our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to guiding you through the intricate network of Georgia’s car accident laws. Understanding the nature of injuries, the legal rights available, and the necessary steps to take is crucial in any car accident claim.
With our experience and commitment to client advocacy, Fry | Goehring is a reliable partner, ready to support you in seeking justice and compensation in the aftermath of a car accident in Georgia. Call us today at 404-969-1284 to learn more about the most common car accident injuries and how our Atlanta car accident attorneys can help prove the other party’s fault in your crash.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Georgia
Nearly any body part might sustain severe injuries due to the impact of a car accident. Some of the common car accident injuries our legal team handles in Georgia include:
1. Brain and Head Injuries
Head injuries are some of the most severe and possibly life-altering outcomes of car accidents. These injuries can range significantly in severity and lead to various brain disorders requiring close observation or long-term medical assistance.
Concussions
Concussions are a relatively common head injury sustained in car accidents. These injuries, commonly called mild traumatic brain injuries, are clinically categorized as TBIs according to medical classification standards. A concussion can arise when an accident victim’s head experiences an abrupt jolt, bump, or blow, mainly due to coming into contact with vehicle parts or other debris during a collision.
While considered “mild” compared to more severe brain injuries, concussions should not be underestimated. In some instances, they may exhibit themselves through symptoms such as:
- Confusion
- Vomiting or nausea
- Foggy or hazy feeling
- Headaches
- Memory problems
- Blurry vision
- Balance issues
What raises serious worries about concussions is the possibility that they may lead to prolonged issues affecting one’s well-being. Typically, the signs and symptoms of concussions show up soon after car accidents.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some of the serious head injuries people can experience after car accidents. Unlike concussions, TBIs can affect how you think and feel for a long time or forever. This common car accident injury usually means that injured victims may require the professional help of doctors, surgeons, and therapists.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), car accidents are one of the leading causes of TBIs. In 2021, over 69,000 people died due to TBIs, with around 190 Americans dying daily.
Traumatic brain damage may manifest in different forms, some not as severe and catastrophic as others. Accident victims with moderate traumatic brain damage may have trouble remembering things very well, have significant changes in their feelings, or have problems moving around.
However, severe traumatic brain injuries can lead to much worse effects, including:
- Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder
- Seizures
- Brain bleed
- Coma
- Dementia
- Vegetative state
Handling brain injuries is complicated and may involve multiple surgeries, medicines, and therapy. Sometimes, injured victims might require lifelong care and support to deal with symptoms linked to their brain injuries. Noticing the indications of a brain injury and seeking medical attention is extremely important for maximizing improvement possibilities.
Skull Fractures
Getting a skull fracture from a car accident is undoubtedly one of the worst things that can happen to you. When the impact from a crash is significant, it can crack the skull that protects your brain. This severe injury could cause permanent brain damage if not treated quickly.
The force needed to crack the skull has to be intense. Sharp objects, such as metals from accident debris, may also pierce the skull and lead to fractures. Accidents of this nature require immediate medical attention, as brain damage could occur if treatment is delayed.
Skull fractures often necessitate surgical intervention to repair the damaged skull and prevent further harm to the brain. Associated complications and the recovery process of skull fractures may prove challenging. Depending on the extent of the injury, an injured victim may experience long-term effects, including loss of consciousness, brain swelling, and scarring.
2. Spinal, Neck, and Back Injuries
Car accidents can also cause spinal and back injuries, which can be devastating. These injuries may include:
Whiplash
A common injury may arise when one’s neck is jerked unexpectedly during a car accident due to the sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck. This can result in neck discomfort, headaches, and potentially long-lasting neck rigidity.
Herniated Discs
The powerful forces generated in car accidents can result in herniated discs, a significant spinal injury common in the lumbar or cervical spine. When the impact occurs, the discs that cushion the spinal vertebrae may rupture, protrude, or bulge. Excruciating back pain, which can sometimes result in nerve harm, commonly presents as a symptom of this condition. Herniated discs can be debilitating, requiring medical intervention and possibly surgery to alleviate pain and restore function.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The tissues or vertebrae surrounding one’s spinal cord may suffer damage due to trauma from an auto accident. Consequently, this may interfere with the transmission of brain signals to other body parts. In the worst cases, this can cause complete paralysis of all four limbs (quadriplegia) or partial paralysis of the lower body and legs (paraplegia).
3. Cuts and Bruises
Though surface injuries such as cuts and bruises may appear minor compared to catastrophic injuries to the head or spine, they should not be dismissed, as such injuries can provoke sharp discomfort requiring medical evaluation and treatment. These injuries can include:
Lacerations
Any loose objects within the car, such as glass, metal, or other wreckage, can seriously injure vehicle occupants through deep slicing wounds or lacerations necessitating sutures or operative intervention.
Contusions
Bruises can develop from the impact of the accident, indicating a direct, compressive, or blunt force on a muscle, leading to blood leaks in surrounding areas. If your car accident leads to a contusion, some of the common symptoms you may experience include:
- Bluish discoloration
- Weakness and stiffness
- Internal organ damage
- Swelling and pain
- Torn muscle
4. Emotional Trauma
Car accidents cause physical injuries and can lead to significant emotional trauma. Psychological injuries can manifest as:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a disorder that causes car accident victims to suffer continued psychological distress in response to the memory of the immensely traumatic event experienced in the past.
Witnessing or living through a traumatic accident can result in PTSD, with its symptoms surfacing through distressing flashbacks, an overarching sense of unease, and disruptions to typical sleep patterns stemming from the effect of the endured or observed occurrence.
Depression and Anxiety
A car accident’s emotional toll has the potential to trigger depressive and anxious conditions, necessitating therapeutic and pharmaceutical intervention. Some of the reasons accident victims experience depression or anxiety include:
- Inability to get back to work or losing income
- Inability to socialize and do activities they enjoy
- Fear of a similar incident reoccurring
- Changes in physical abilities or appearance
Legal Rights and Procedures after Car Accidents in Georgia
Understanding your legal rights and the proper procedures to follow after a car accident in Georgia is crucial. Among the crucial steps you should consider after an auto wreck include:
- Seek medical attention: Your health and well-being should be your top priorities after a car accident. Even if injuries seem minor, get medical attention right away. Keep a record of all your hospital bills and other accident-related out-of-pocket expenses.
- Call 911: Promptly alert the authorities to document the car accident and obtain the police report for documentation.
- Gather evidence: Document the accident scene, take photos, and ask for the contact details of any witnesses. This evidence can be crucial in establishing liability.
- Notify your insurance company: Promptly inform your insurance company about the accident. Most insurance providers require policyholders to notify them within a certain time frame if they are involved in car accidents.
Should injuries arise from an accident, seeking counsel from a skilled personal injury lawyer with expertise in such matters could prove valuable. At Fry | Goehring, our legal team takes immense pride in helping injured victims and their families understand common injuries in car accident cases as we fight for the best possible compensation.
Get in Touch With Our Georgia Car Accident Attorneys Today for Sound Legal Representation
If you or your loved one has suffered an injury in a car wreck due to someone else’s negligence, it’s advisable to seek the legal counsel of an experienced attorney. Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be extremely stressful. If you have questions about your legal options and rights, turn to Fry | Goehring. Our lawyers will help you understand the most common car accident injuries in Georgia, as well as how to deal with insurance companies.
Call 404-969-1284 now or contact us online for a free case review with our personal injury lawyers. Our legal team is ready to go above and beyond to help you recover damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Get started now to discuss your injury case.
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