Most Common Injuries from Atlanta Car Accidents

When motorists, passengers, or pedestrians are involved in a collision, there are many different types of injuries they could sustain. From whiplash to broken bones and internal injuries, car accidents in Atlanta can cause serious damage or even death. Here are some of the common injuries that accident victims suffer after a collision.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Car accidents are the number one cause of traumatic brain injury, which is when brain cells are damaged due to a blow or piercing injury to the head. Often, car accidents lead to TBIs because the driver or passenger hits their head on the steering wheel, dashboard, or side window, harming their brain. Some instances of traumatic brain injury can be mild and treated at home. But other cases can take years of treatment and therapy, or could result in death.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Our bodies are not built to sustain heavy impact, so it’s common to develop back and spine problems after a car accident. This could include strains, herniated discs, or even spinal cord injuries. The pain and disability from a serious back injury can be long-lasting. Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or total paralysis. Back injuries are not always apparent right after a car crash, so it’s important to seek medical treatment immediately after an accident.

Internal Injuries

Another injury that is difficult to diagnose at the scene of an accident is internal bleeding or organ damage. When a car crash forces the body into an object, or when we’re hit by debris, this can cause damage to our internal organs. Spleens, livers, and intestines are commonly injured in a car accident, but any organ is susceptible to damage. If someone is suffering from internal bleeding, they may need emergency medical treatment.

Loss of Limbs

Serious accidents can lead to a loss of limbs, either because of the trauma of the accident or because of complications that develop after the crash. A person may lose a limb or other appendage that’s crushed or torn in a car accident. Or, doctors may have to amputate a body part that is too damaged to be repaired. Losing a limb can have permanent, disabling effects on the victim.

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash occurs when the head snaps backward or forward in a car crash. The weight of the head causes a strain on the neck muscles, which can lead to muscle, ligament, or tendon injuries. The most serious cases of whiplash can result in disk injuries or cervical dislocation. Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries and can happen at speeds of 15 mph or faster. The effects of this injury can be long-term, especially if not treated properly.

Broken Bones

Because of the size of the vehicles and the force of impact, it’s common for car accident victims to suffer broken bones in their arms, wrists, ribs, legs, pelvis, and ankles. Some of these injuries heal with a setting and a cast. But others can lead to chronic pain and loss of function in that limb or body part. Serious breaks and compound fractures may require surgery.

Burns

Burns happen when a person comes into contact with steam, hot fluids, hot metal, or chemicals inside the vehicle. A car accident victim can also suffer burns if their vehicle catches fire after the collision. Depending on the severity of the injury, a person burned in a car accident may develop breathing problems, skin infections, or limited mobility. Doctors may treat serious burns with skin grafting or surgery.

Cuts and Road Rash

Cuts can occur in a car accident when flying glass, metal, or other objects hit the body. Road rash, also known as a skin abrasion, happens when a person is dragged or skids across pavement or concrete. These types of injuries range from minor to severe; the worst cases can lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Not all car accident injuries are physical. They can also be mental and emotional. It is common for car accident victims to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a psychological condition that develops after a traumatic event. Someone suffering from PTSD after a car accident may have flashbacks, nightmares, behavioral changes, anxiety, or fears of getting behind the wheel again.