In 2022, over 8,600 serious injuries were caused by car accidents in Georgia. Motor vehicle accidents are among the leading causes of death in the United States.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause nearly every type of injury, and the endless possibilities for damage are one reason why each Georgia accident case is unique and complex. It’s important that you have a doctor assess you and your injuries after an accident. Even if you do not have any symptoms, it is better to have a medical professional run necessary tests because some injuries are not immediately symptomatic.
Some of the most common car accident injuries and symptoms are listed below.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can range in severity from mild to fatal. Acute symptoms can include pain, loss of consciousness, fatigue, and nausea. Chronic symptoms are common with TBIs and often include changes in mood, memory loss, and cognitive impairment. The symptoms of TBI are diverse and some seem unrelated, such as a bitter taste in your mouth, so medical attention is crucial if you suspect a head injury of any kind.
- Spinal Cord and Neck Injuries: Injury to the spinal cord can cause permanent disability and death, with symptoms ranging from muscle weakness and pain to complete loss of movement and sensation in the body. The severity and specifics of the symptoms will depend on the location of the injury and which vertebrae were affected.
- Amputations: An accident-caused amputation is a life-threatening injury. Severe blood loss can lead to loss of consciousness, and the pain and risk of infection require immediate medical attention.
- Headaches: The sudden and forceful impact of a car accident can cause headaches due to muscle strain, concussions, fractures, or whiplash. Depending on the cause and type of headache, your symptoms may include neck pain, the feeling of having a tight band around your head, or a burning pain on your scalp.
- Whiplash: Technically a neck injury, whiplash is one of the most common injuries caused by a car accident. If you are experiencing neck pain or stiffness, limited range of motion in your neck, headaches, or blurred vision, you could be having whiplash symptoms. While this injury sometimes gets better on its own within a few weeks, the risks associated with untreated whiplash are too severe to ignore.
Again, seeking medical attention after a car accident is the most important thing you can do for your recovery. Even minor injuries can turn into more serious problems if left untreated.
Physical Recovery After a Georgia Car Accident
What you should expect physically after a car accident is heavily dependent on the type of injury you sustained, the severity, any pre-existing conditions, and your treatment options. Physical recovery is a top priority after a collision, and receiving damages from the at-fault party is a major component of this process.
Car accident victims in Georgia can recover damages for the injuries and losses they’ve suffered as a result of the collision. You may be able to obtain monetary damages for:
- Outstanding or current medical bills
- Future healthcare costs
- Physical therapy
- Assistive devices
- Medications and treatments
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Each person’s healing process is unique. A timeline for recovering from your physical injuries is impossible to predict, but having support throughout the process can make it more bearable.
An Atlanta Accident Attorney You Can Trust
Knowing what to expect physically following your car accident can help you plan for the healing journey ahead of you. For assistance navigating a car accident’s aftermath and its impact on your life, contact Flanagan Law. Our car accident attorneys have the expertise and compassion you can rely on. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
