No one ever expects to be in a car accident. One second you’re on your way to your destination, completely in control of your car; the next minute, a driver comes out of nowhere, which could cause your car to swerve on the road, flip over, or be directly hit. Incurring an injury in a car accident is terrifying, trauma-inducing, and can be life-altering if you get very serious injuries.
If you or a loved one has collision injuries, it’s imperative that you go to the hospital right away. Even if the injuries don’t seem severe at first, it’s always wise to get checked over thoroughly by a physician so that you can make sure that you don’t have any internal injuries that could present themselves later.
Collision injuries from car accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to neck and back injuries to traumatic brain injuries, but here are the top three injuries that occur after a car accident.
WHIPLASH
Whiplash is the most common injury after a car accident. Although not life-threatening, whiplash can be very painful, and some cases may require lengthy, expensive visits to a physical therapist. Whiplash is an injury that occurs when your head is suddenly jerked forward, which puts the spine through a lot of motion and stress.
This injury is often misdiagnosed or ignored due to a large misunderstanding of the condition. Although many believe that whiplash can only occur when a vehicle hits you from behind, whiplash can happen anytime your head is suddenly jerked and when the vertebrae are moved out of place.
Whiplash is a soft-tissue injury and often symptoms can take days or even weeks to present themselves. Typically, whiplash will heal in about two to four weeks, but some severe cases can require lengthy treatments.
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES
Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, contribute to about 30% of all injury deaths according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent. In 2013 alone, there were 2.8 million TBI-related emergency department visits.
A traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain has been through a trauma but there is no visible evidence (such as a wound). Although some victims with a traumatic brain injury don’t survive their injuries, those who do have a long road ahead of physical and occupational therapy. A traumatic brain injury can lead to issues with memory, learning, reasoning, attention, organization, planning, decision-making, or beginning or completing tasks.
SPINAL INJURIES
Spinal injuries are another common type of injury after a collision and are very serious injuries. Any damage to the spine must be treated immediately, as damage to the spine can lead to partial or full paralysis. Rehabilitation can help those who incurred a spinal injury, but some victims of a car accident will not be able to live without assistance or expensive medical treatments.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident in Georgia? Do you believe someone else’s negligence was responsible for the crash? You may be entitled to compensation. Call the Fry Law team today at 404-969-1284 to set up a legal consultation. You don’t have to go through this trying time alone.
