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770-626-7895Each year, tens of thousands of people are hurt in motor vehicle collisions in Georgia (Georgia Department of Public Health). Every community across the state is affected by the risks of car accidents. Athens is certainly no exception to the rule. Car accident injuries can vary dramatically in their kind, cause, and severity. At The Larrison Law Firm, we handle all types of cases. Here, our Athens car accident attorney discusses the most common injuries in crashes in Georgia.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Athens
Lacerations
A car accident may involve shattered glass, exposed objects, and other hazards that can lead to lacerations. In serious cases, a car accident victim may require stitches to control the bleeding. Further, with lacerations from car accidents, there is always the risk of an infection. Injured victims must get the right medical care after a crash in Athens, Georgia.
Strains and Sprains
Soft tissue damage is relatively common in car accidents in Georgia. Soft tissue injuries involve the overstretching and/or tearing of muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Cervical and lumbar strains are common due to rapid acceleration and deceleration forces. People involved in motor vehicle collisions in Athens often report localized pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion due to some form of soft tissue damage. Notably, symptoms may worsen over the first forty-eight hours as inflammation develops. You should always get the proper medical care for a soft tissue injury.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common type of soft tissue damage that happens in car accidents. Rear-end collisions are especially likely to cause soft tissue injuries. Whiplash can happen due to the hyperextension and hyperflexion of the cervical spine. It affects muscles, ligaments, facet joints, and sometimes cervical nerve roots. Patients often report neck pain, headaches, and upper extremity paresthesia. Notably, this is a painful injury that has the potential to be debilitating for the victim.
Contusions/Hematomas
A contusion occurs when blunt trauma damages capillaries without breaking the skin. Blood collects in the surrounding tissue, forming a bruise or deeper hematoma. Larger hematomas can compress nearby nerves or restrict joint movement. To be clear, the severity of the pain for a contusion/hematoma does not always correlate with visual appearance. Imaging may be required to rule out associated fractures or internal bleeding.
Rib Fractures
Broken ribs are another relatively common car accident injury in Athens. Rib fractures occur from direct impact or compression of the thoracic cage. Even a single fracture can cause severe pain with breathing or movement. Improper ventilation increases the risk of pneumonia or atelectasis. Elderly patients face higher complication rates due to reduced pulmonary reserve. Multiple fractures raise concern for underlying organ injury. If you suspect that you may have suffered a rib fracture injury in a crash, you must get immediate medical attention.
Internal Organ Injuries
Blunt force trauma can injure organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. These injuries may not present with immediate external signs. Internal bleeding can progress rapidly and become life-threatening. CT imaging often plays a critical diagnostic role. Delayed diagnosis significantly worsens outcomes. Any type of internal organ injury is a medical emergency. The prognosis and the treatment will vary based on the specific medical findings. You must see a doctor right away if you are showing any signs or symptoms of organ trauma.
Spinal Disc Herniation
Disc herniation occurs when nucleus pulposus material protrudes through the annulus fibrosus. Traumatic loading can accelerate disc degeneration or cause acute extrusion. Nerve root compression produces radicular pain, weakness, or sensory loss. In other words, spinal disc herniation is a bad injury. Cervical and lumbar regions are most commonly affected. Surgery may be required for some cases. Regardless, emergency medical attention is a must.
Broken Bones, including Complex Fractures
Broken bones are another relatively common car accident injury. All broken bones are serious, with complex fractures being an extreme medical emergency. Complex fractures include comminuted, displaced, or open fractures. These injuries compromise bone integrity and surrounding soft tissue. Surgery is often necessary to restore alignment and stability. The time to recover can be very long. It will always depend on the specific situation.
Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBIs)
Head trauma is a big concern in accidents in Athens. Injured victims may suffer concussions or other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in a collision. Severe TBI involves prolonged loss of consciousness or measurable structural brain damage. It may include cerebral contusions, hemorrhage, or diffuse axonal injury. Patients often require intensive care and neurosurgical evaluation. Long-term deficits can include cognitive, behavioral, and motor impairments.
Spinal Cord Injury
Any amount of spinal cord damage is potentially a catastrophic injury. Spinal cord injury results from direct trauma or secondary swelling and ischemia. Damage disrupts motor, sensory, and autonomic pathways below the injury level. Outcomes range from incomplete deficits to permanent paralysis. Early intervention focuses on preventing secondary injury. These injuries permanently alter mobility, independence, and quality of life.
All Injuries Require Prompt Medical Care
All car accident injuries should be evaluated and treated by a doctor. Not only is getting prompt medical care important for your health, safety, well-being, and recovery, but there are legal reasons to see a doctor as well. Without medical records, you will not be in a position to recover personal injury compensation at all. Do not assume that you are “fine” after a car crash. Get yourself to a doctor and get the medical care that you need.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for a Car Crash Injury in Georgia
Hurt in an accident in Athens or elsewhere in Georgia? You have the right to seek compensation for the full amount of your damages, including for any non-economic losses. How much can you expect to recover as part of a car accident claim? The answer will depend on many case-specific factors, including the nature and severity of your injuries. You do not want to rely on any insurance company to properly and fairly value your case. They fight to pay out less in settlement. Our Athens, GA, auto accident lawyers can help. Along with other damages, you may be able to recover for:
- Vehicle repairs or replacement;
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses;
- Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering and mental anguish;
- Long-term physical disability; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
How Our Athens Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Navigate a Serious Injury
If you or your loved one was hurt in a car crash, you must be able to get justice and compensation for your injuries. Our founder, Brady M. Larrison, puts victims and families first. We have the case results and client testimonials that demonstrate our resolve in providing top-tier legal advocacy in car accident cases. Your initial consultation with our Athens car accident attorney is free, completely confidential, and carries zero obligations. With an office in the 30601 zip code of Athens, we are proud to fight for the rights of the people who need help across the whole region.
Contact Our Athens, GA, Car Crash Lawyer for a Free Case Review
At The Larrison Law Firm, our Athens motor vehicle accident lawyer has the skills and experience to take on all types of cases. If you or your loved one suffered a bad injury in a car wreck, we are here to help. Contact us today for your free, no obligation initial consultation. We handle car accident injury claims in Athens and throughout the entire region, including in the zip codes of 30601, 30602, 30605, 30606, 30607, and 30609.
