In 2023, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported nearly 400,000 car accident cases. Over half of these resulted in injuries, and over 3,000 were fatal. Given how frequent these incidents are in Florida, it can be helpful to be aware of the common injuries Floridians face in accidents.
No matter what type of injury you have, a Florida car accident lawyer can help you understand your options for pursuing compensation.
The Most Common Injuries Sustained in Florida Car Accidents
Considering the above statistics, you might wonder about the most common injuries car accident victims in Florida sustain. As a personal injury law firm, we’ve helped many clients pursue compensation for the following types of injuries.
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when the neck “whips” back and forth during a collision. Rear-ending is often to blame, as it gives drivers no time to brace for impact. Symptoms of whiplash range from minor neck or shoulder pain and stiffness to dizziness and insomnia.
Head Injuries
When a vehicle suddenly stops, the momentum may send the driver’s or passenger’s head into the windshield, steering wheel, or dashboard. The result is often some form of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Examples of TBIs include the following:
- Concussions: The brain bounces around and hits the inside of the skull, leading to disorientation or temporary loss of consciousness.
- Contusions: These bruises cause bleeding in the brain and can be potentially life-threatening without treatment.
- Penetrating injuries: Debris from the accident pierces the skull and injures the brain directly.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Injuries to the spinal cord include nerve damage, herniated discs, and spinal fractures. Any of these might leave victims in pain, feeling weak, or numb. The worst instances may lead to paralysis.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are common in more serious accidents. Most such injuries occur in the ribs, collarbones, arms, legs, jaw, and hands. Not every break is obvious, so it’s a good idea to take it easy until paramedics arrive.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Scrapes, lacerations, and bruises are typical accident injuries, as are rotator cuff tears and torn ligaments. Despite advances in car safety features, you may not walk away unharmed. For example, an airbag may save your life, but it could leave a mark or even cut the skin if it hits you in the face hard enough.
Psychological Trauma
Another common yet unspoken consequence of accidents is their effect on emotional well-being. Neglecting an accident victim’s psychological needs could lead to depression, PTSD, and loss of quality of life. Feelings of helplessness and guilt (even if it wasn’t your fault) are not uncommon.
What to Do After an Accident
Regardless of how you feel, you should seek medical treatment immediately after an accident. Certain injuries, like TBIs, may not show symptoms until days or even weeks after the fact. By that time, the insurance company might try to claim that your initial injuries weren’t serious and that you hurt yourself sometime after the accident.
At the scene, you’ll want to file a police report, which will serve as crucial evidence, especially if the case goes to trial. While a settlement out of court may be preferred, an experienced Florida car accident lawyer can represent and guide you through the process either way.
Warner & Fitzmartin: Your Experienced Florida Car Accident Lawyers
At the law firm of Warner & Fitzmartin, we know how devastating accidents can be and are committed to helping you seek fair compensation for your injuries. If you were injured in a car accident, call us today at (561) 782-0864 or fill out our contact form to consult with a car accident lawyer in Florida.