Posted on Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 at 9:00 am
What are the five most common injuries from car accidents in Georgia? That depends on the type of car accident. If you get rear-ended by another driver, whiplash is a common car accident injury. If you suffer a severe injury, especially in a rollover accident, injuries to the head or chest are the most common. Whatever type of injury you’ve experienced, you deserve compensation for your losses and the pain you’ve suffered if the accident was someone else’s fault.
Common Injuries from Car Accidents in Georgia
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, car accidents are the second leading cause of hospitalization and ER visits in Georgia in 2020. The Georgia Crash Outcomes Data Evaluation System reports that motor vehicle accident hospitalizations and emergency room visits cost $1.8 billion in Georgia in 2019.
The five most common injuries from car accidents in Georgia include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Other back and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Psychological injuries
Whiplash
Whiplash is a soft-tissue injury to the neck, shoulders, and head. It is caused by a sudden force that jolts the head forward and backward rapidly. Rear-end collisions are common causes of whiplash injuries, according to the Mayo Clinic. Whiplash can cause not only pain and stiffness in the neck, but headaches, dizziness, exhaustion, and depression.
Broken Bones
Bones can break anywhere on the body in a car accident, but broken bones in the limbs are among the most common injuries. Chest injuries are also common, including broken ribs. According to the Mayo Clinic, a broken rib can injure blood vessels and internal organs such as the lungs.
Other Back and Neck Injuries
Back and neck injuries that can occur in a car accident include:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Pinched nerves
- Lumbar spine injuries
Back and neck injuries can cause chronic pain, limiting your ability to work or participate in regular daily activities.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most common severe injuries in a car accident. Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
Even relatively mild traumatic brain injuries can cause concussions and upsetting and disruptive symptoms. More severe traumatic brain injuries can lead to coma or even death.
Psychological Injuries
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common injuries from car accidents. Approximately 25 to 33 percent of motor vehicle accident victims suffer from the symptoms of PTSD 30 days after the accident. These symptoms include:
- Intrusive thoughts or upsetting dreams
- Reluctance to drive
- Numb emotional response
- Detachment from others
- Trouble sleeping
- Increased startle response
Because PTSD is a psychological injury, many people don’t think of it as the equivalent of a physical injury like a broken bone. However, PTSD can affect your life even more than a broken bone. You have the right to seek compensation not only for medical expenses but for the suffering you’ve experienced due to the accident.
What Is the Most Common Injury in a Car Accident?
According to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the most common severe chest and head injuries regardless of the type of car accident. Eighty percent of severe injuries in rollover accidents are to the head or chest. Injuries to the abdomen, neck, and limbs are also common. In rear-impact crashes, the most common less-severe injury is to the neck or spine, including whiplash injuries.
The same NHTSA study found that seatbelts and slower rates of speed reduced the risk of fatality and the severity of injury in a car accident. To avoid injury if you get in an accident, the best things you can do are to wear a seatbelt and stick to the posted speed limit.
What Should I Do If I’m Injured in a Car Accident?
If you’re injured in a car accident in Georgia, the first thing you should do is to make yourself safe. Pull over to the side of the road and call 911. Make your police report, exchange information with the other driver, and get photographs if you can. Make sure to get medical treatment for your injuries, even if they seem minor to you.
After you’ve seen the doctor about your injuries, the next thing you should do is contact a Georgia car accident attorney right away. Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. helps accident victims in Georgia. We can help determine who was at fault in the accident and negotiate with their insurance company to obtain a fair and complete settlement. Call Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. today at (770) 205-8827 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our lawyers will handle all the legal process while you get the necessary medical care. Ask us anything related to your case.
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