Most Common Car Accident Injuries After a Crash in Athens

Hurt in a crash in Georgia? You are not alone. Traffic collisions are a serious public safety hazard.

Injured victims need immediate medical attention and the proper follow-up care. At The Larrison Law Firm, we handle the full range of auto accident injuries, from the relatively modest to the catastrophic. Our firm wants to empower victims to get justice and compensation. Here, our Athens car accident attorney provides an overview of the most common injuries in crashes in Georgia.

Know the Most Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents remain a leading cause of serious injuries in our region. According to data from the Georgia Governor’s Highway Safety Office, there were nearly 130,000 people hurt in motor vehicle collisions in the state in 2021 alone. Car crash injuries can come in a wide range of different forms. While some are thankfully only mild, others are catastrophic or even life-threatening. Some of the most common car accident injuries that are reported in Athens include:

Mild Strains and Sprains: Low-impact collisions often cause stretched or torn muscles and ligaments. These injuries limit movement and create lasting soreness even when imaging appears normal. Physical therapy may be required.

Bruises and Contusions: Deep bruising is a common injury. Notably, seat belts and airbags frequently cause bruising on the chest, shoulders, and hips. Blood vessels rupture under blunt force, leading to swelling and discoloration.

Cuts and Abrasions: Broken glass or sharp debris can break the skin. Small wounds can become infected if not cleaned and treated properly. More serious abrasions may leave permanent scarring. In some cases, stitches are required.

Whiplash: A rapid back-and-forth neck motion strains the cervical spine. The injury damages muscles, tendons, and nerves in the upper back. Persistent headaches and stiffness can follow for months. Whiplash can be a very serious injury.

Joint Damage: Shoulders, knees, and elbows absorb impact in collisions. Dislocations or ligament tears often occur from twisting or blunt force. Joint instability may require surgery or long-term rehabilitation.

Back Injuries and Herniated Discs: Sudden compression can rupture spinal discs or strain the lower back. Nerve pressure from a herniation causes radiating pain or numbness. Severe cases limit movement and may need surgical correction.

Broken Bones: Crashes exert forces strong enough to break bones in the arms, ribs, and legs. Simple fractures heal with casting. However, compound breaks often need surgical fixation. Even healed fractures can reduce long-term strength or flexibility.

Chest Trauma: Airbags and restraints protect life but can cause rib fractures or internal bruising. High-force impact may injure the lungs or heart. Medical imaging is essential to detect internal bleeding.

Concussions: A blow or jolt to the head disturbs brain function. Victims may lose consciousness or suffer confusion, nausea, or memory gaps. Even mild concussions demand prompt medical review.

Facial Injuries: Broken noses, jaw fractures, and dental damage occur when the face strikes hard surfaces. Lacerations and fractures can require reconstructive procedures. Sadly, some victims experience permanent disfigurement or nerve loss.

Loss of Limb (Amputation): The loss of a limb to a car accident can change a person’s entire life. In some cases, medical amputation of part of a limb is required to prevent further harm. Emergency medical attention and lifelong care are often needed.

Spinal Cord Damage: All spinal cord injuries are catastrophic. Direct trauma to the spine can sever or compress the spinal cord. Victims may lose sensation or movement below the injury site. Emergency medical care is a must.

Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Severe TBIs result from violent impact or penetration of the skull. Damage affects cognition, speech, and motor control. These can be life-altering, catastrophic injuries. Permanent care may be required.

You Need to Seek Immediate Medical Attention and Proper Follow-Up Care

Your health, safety, and well-being should always be the absolute highest priority after a car wreck in Georgia. You should always see a doctor right away. Indeed, after any car accident in Athens, immediate medical evaluation is critical. Many injuries (whiplash, concussions, internal trauma, etc) do not show their full symptoms right away. You may be far more badly hurt than you initially believe. For that reason, prompt diagnosis is a must; it can help to protect your health. Seeing a doctor right away after a car crash also creates a documented link between the crash and your injuries. That matters: Evidence that is essential in a personal injury claim. Without comprehensive medical records, you will not be in a position to bring a claim in Georgia. Notably, follow-up care is just as important. Missed appointments or gaps in treatment can give insurers grounds to dispute your condition. Car accident victims in Athens should always follow medical advice.

Be Proactive: Statute of Limitations in Georgia

No matter what type of car accident injury you have, the claims process is very time-sensitive. In Georgia, personal injury victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). What happens if you wait too long to start your case? It could cost you your ability to get compensation at all. Indeed, missing this deadline almost always bars recovery, regardless of how strong the case may be. Some exceptions apply, such as claims involving minors or delayed discovery of injury. Still, these exceptions are quite narrow and should only be relied on when necessary. Do not fall behind the insurance company in the claims process: Consult with a top-rated Athens, GA car accident attorney right away after a wreck.

Compensation for Car Accident Injuries in Athens

Under Georgia law, injured victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, including for intangible losses. However, unfortunately, the big insurance companies can make the claims process very hard on people. They fight to resolve their liability for the lowest amount possible. They may even pressure victims with serious injuries to try to settle for mere pennies on the dollar. Our Athens, GA auto accident attorney can help. Along with other damages, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for:

Vehicle repairs;
Ambulance costs;
Emergency room care;
Hospital bills;
Other health care costs;
Loss of wages;
Diminished earnings;
Pain and suffering;
Mental distress;
Long-term disability;
Reduced quality of life; and
Wrongful death.

Why Trust Our Athens, GA Car Wreck Lawyer

Motor vehicle accident injury claims are complicated. Our founder, Brady M. Larrison, has the knowledge, skills, and legal expertise to take on all types of cases in Athens. No matter the specific cause, nature, or severity of your injury, we are here to help you navigate the claims process so that you are in the best possible position to get justice and financial compensation. We have the case results and client testimonials that you can rely on. With an office right here in Athens, our team knows the community well. Our firm is well-acquainted with the driving conditions, the law, and how insurance companies operate. We are proud to serve all zip codes that cover Athens and the surrounding region, including 30601, 30602, 30603, 30604, 30605, 30606, and 30607.

Contact Athens Auto Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review

At The Larrison Law Firm, our Athens car crash lawyer has the knowledge, skills, and legal experience that you can trust. If you or your loved one was hurt in a bad crash, please do not hesitate to call us now or contact us online to arrange your free, no obligation case review. With an office in Athens, we handle all types of car accident injury claims throughout the entire region, including in the zip codes of 30601, 30602, 30603, and 30604.