Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog
Car accidents across South Florida are a leading cause of injuries. The sudden impact of a crash and the force with which occupants can be thrown around inside the vehicle can lead to serious and even life-threatening injury.
Here, we break down a few of the most common injuries drivers and passengers sustain in car crashes.
- Whiplash. This injury involves damage to soft tissue inside the neck. It happens when the head is suddenly jerked back and forth. One of the challenges is that symptoms may be mild or may not even be apparent at first. Some people experience neck pain, headaches, and stiffness, and it may require imaging to get a correct diagnosis. Mild cases may be treated with rest and medication, but physical therapy and additional treatment may be needed.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI). This is a potentially life-threatening injury that happens when the brain crashes around inside the skull when the head makes impact with a solid object. This can cause bleeding, bruising, and damage to brain tissue. Symptoms can include confusion, vision problems, memory loss, headaches, cognitive difficulty, and difficulty with coordination. Treatment will depend on the severity and type of TBI, but it may include surgery, rehabilitation, and medication.
- Broken bones. In car accidents, fractures can especially happen in the arms, legs, and ribs. Treatment may involve surgery or placing a limb in a cast. Physical therapy may be needed for some fractures.
- Cuts. Lacerations can happen anywhere on the body and they occur when the skin tears due to trauma. Cuts may require stitches or even surgery in severe cases. Steps may be needed to prevent infection.
- Burns. These can occur in a vehicle accident if part of the car overheats. Treatment will depend on the severity, but may include pain management, skin grafts and surgery, and wound care.
- Spinal cord injury. This is a serious and possibly permanent injury that can occur if a car’s occupant is thrown from the car or is crushed in the vehicle. These injuries can cause loss of sensation or mobility in the arms or legs. Doctors may recommend rehabilitation, surgery, pain management, physical therapy, and other treatment options.
- Facial injuries. These can affect the teeth, eyes, and face and can cause disfigurement and loss of some senses. Treatment may include dental surgery, skin grafts, reconstruction surgery, and other treatments.
- Soft tissue injuries. These involve damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the body, which can cause pain, swelling, and mobility problems. Treatment may include rest, physical therapy, and pain management.
- Internal injuries. These injuries occur inside the body, so they may be hard to diagnose at first, though they can be life-threatening. Examples of internal injuries include a punctured lung or broken ribs. These injuries may require surgery and on-going treatment to help a patient recover.
- Trauma. Car crashes can also result in sleep disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other emotional injury. Doctors may suggest therapy, medication, or support groups to help with management.
Not every car crash injury is obvious, which is why it’s important to always get a full medical evaluation after a collision, even if you don’t have symptoms. Work with your doctor and follow through with recommended treatment and follow-up care to increase your chances of a fuller recovery.
If you have been in a car collision, you may be wondering about medical treatment. Medical bills can often be a concern for survivors, but if your accident was caused by someone else’s recklessness, you may be able to seek compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. To find out more, call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 to schedule a free accident consultation with a car accident attorney.