Car accidents are common occurrences in Florida. There are hundreds of thousands of them in the Sunshine State every year. Every car crash is different. Some are minor, while others are severe. Serious car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries that can be physical or mental in nature.
There are two main types of injuries that a person can suffer in a car accident:
- Impact injuries. These occur when a passenger hits any component of the interior of the vehicle or is ejected from the car and hits the ground or other objects. An example would be a driver suffering a head injury after hitting their head on the steering wheel.
- Penetrating injuries. These occur when loose objects flying around the vehicle hit the occupants of the vehicle. An example would be a window shattering and the glass shards cutting an occupant.
Millions of people are treated in the emergency room every year for injuries related to motor vehicle accidents across the United States. Most of these injuries are minor, including sprains, strains, bruises, and lacerations. Still, there are many more injuries that a person can suffer after a crash. Here is a look at them.
Whiplash
Whiplash may be the first thing you think about when you imagine car accident injuries. Whiplash is very common and refers to the neck quickly snapping forward or backward due to the impact of a car accident. Whiplash does usually recover on its own, but it can be very sore and painful for months.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain is jolted, causing brain cells to die. This may occur when the head hits a steering wheel, windshield, or other part of the car. While many of these injuries are mild and can be treated at home, a TBI can have lasting symptoms.
Broken Bones
A serious crash can cause a person to break their bones anywhere in their body. While a broken bone is usually detectable, the adrenaline from a car accident can mask the pain and symptoms. Broken ribs are common due to the impact of a seat belt. However, arms and legs can be broken as well.
Facial Injuries
Injuries to the face can occur when the face hits a part of the car, or something hits the face, such as broken glass. Facial injuries can include eye injuries, broken bones, bleeding, and bruising.
Lower Body Injuries
The legs and feet are often affected in a car accident, as the legs are stretched forward while driving. This means that all the tissues and bones in the leg and feet will take the brunt of a forward crash. The foot can especially be affected, as there are many little bones that can break. However, a knee injury can also be painful and debilitating.
Burns
A car accident at high speeds can cause an entire vehicle to burst into flames, causing life-threatening burns to various parts of the body or even death. A person can suffer various types of burns. First-degree burns are the least serious, causing red skin. Second-degree burns cause damage beyond the top layer of the skin. This can cause blistering and take two to three weeks to heal. A third-degree burn penetrates all layers of skin and can also damage nerves and tissue beneath the skin. This type of burn may take several months to heal. A fourth-degree burn penetrates the skin all the way down to the underlying fat, muscle, and bone. The victim will lose all function of the body part, and the burn can lead to amputation or even death.
Organ Damage
The impact of a crash can cause internal injuries, including bleeding and organ damage. Any organ can suffer damage, although the liver, spleen, and small intestine are the most susceptible to damage. Internal injuries are serious and can lead to blood clots or even death if not treated promptly.
Amputation
Amputation refers to the loss of limbs, such as arms and legs, and can be one of the most serious injuries you can suffer in a car accident. Losing a limb is a traumatic incident that can cause lifelong complications and treatment. You will likely need a prosthetic device and may be unable to perform certain activities.
PTSD
Some injuries are not physical and cannot be seen. This is the case with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is caused by traumatic events such as car accidents and can cause victims to have severe flashbacks and anxiety related to the event. They may be extremely irritated and alert. They may have difficulty sleeping and find it hard to concentrate. A person can also suffer from depression. PTSD can leave significant emotional scars and can make it difficult to live life on a daily basis. It is important to seek counseling for it as soon as possible.
Contact Us Today
Car accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, depending on their cause and severity. These injuries can be expensive to treat, which is why it is crucial to ensure you get full and fair compensation.
Brill & Rinaldi, The Law Firm, can assess your case and help move it forward. The law can be complex, but you can rest assured that we have the knowledge to fight your case. To schedule a free consultation, fill out the online form or call (954) 876-4344. We have offices in Weston, Coral Gables, and Daytona Beach.