(U. S. Personal Injury Law and generally) There are over 6.4 million car accidents annually in the U.S., and approximately 1.5 million people are injured as a result. Although some injuries are extremely minor, they can still cause a disruption to the afflicted party’s daily life for a while, and medical bills are common regardless of the severity of the injury. The following list examines five of the most common injuries that occur in the U.S. each year due to traffic accidents.
1) Whiplash – Also known as a connective tissue injury, whiplash is by far the most common injury that American drivers receive during a car accident. Whiplash is so common, in fact, that approximately 3 million Americans will be diagnosed with it each year as a result of traffic accidents, playing sports and several other activities. Whiplash is characterized by stiffness in the neck and back, and it can cause long-lasting issues if it is not treated properly.
2) Back Injuries – There are a lot of different back injuries that a driver or passenger can suffer from after an accident, and they are caused by the violent motion that occurs when your body quickly moves forward during impact. Back injuries can range from moderately painful to life threatening, so it is important to seek medical attention immediately, especially if you are having difficulty moving.
3) Concussion – A concussion is the most common traumatic brain injury, and if left untreated, it could lead to deadly consequences. Fortunately, most patients who have been diagnosed with a concussion will only experience mild head pain and a drowsy sensation. This injury typically happens during a car crash when the driver or passenger’s head collides with the steering wheel or dashboard. Although scientists and doctors are still studying exactly what happens during a concussion, it is believed that the patient’s brain is impacted by both neuropsychiatric and structural factors.
4) Spinal Cord Injury – Damage to your spinal cord can lead to a disability, so it is vital to get to the hospital immediately if you exhibit any of the signs of this injury, including the inability to move and tingling or numbness in any part of your body. If the injury is not treated promptly, you could become paralyzed, and this could cause you to become partially or fully disabled.
5) Head Injuries – Some people will be lucky enough to receive a head injury without actually developing a concussion. In these cases, it is typical for the afflicted party to receive superficial wounds to their head during the accident. Head injuries can also cause headaches, and they can be closely related to traumatic brain injuries. Therefore, even if your head appears to be okay, you should still go to your doctor for a full checkup to ensure that you are not putting yourself at risk for future complications.
Other common car accident injuries include broken bones, post traumatic stress disorder and open wounds. In some cases, people are even burned due to leaking fluids or fire. If you are injured in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. You should also consider contacting a personal injury lawyer, especially if your injuries are severe. After all, if you were not at fault for the accident, you should not have to pay for your medical bills. When considering a personal injury attorney Atlanta has some of the highest rated in the country.
Anthony Joseph is a freelance writer who enjoys discussing current legal issues, and contributes this article toward helping educate others on driver safety. Stokes & Kopitsky is a personal injury lawyer Atlanta-based firm that has represented thousands of clients who have been injured due to the negligence of others. Their attorneys make every effort to win the maximum level of compensation for the client.