Were you involved in a car crash in Georgia? It is imperative that you take immediate action to protect your health, safety, and legal rights. Motor vehicle collisions can cause serious injuries. After a crash, victims need compensation for the full extent of their damages, including automobile repairs, medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering, and other damages. At The Larrison Law Firm, our team is ready to fight for justice. We handle all types of injuries from car accidents. Here, our car accident lawyer Athens, GA provides an overview of the most common injuries from crashes.
Motor Vehicle Collisions are Consistently a Leading Cause of Accidental Injuries in Georgia
Traffic safety remains a major area of concern in our region. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) notes that collisions are “the second leading cause of injury deaths and second leading cause of hospitalizations and ER visits” in the state. Tens of thousands of people suffer a wide range of different injuries in wrecks each year. Tragically, auto accidents also take many lives.
According to data from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, 1,797 people were killed in motor vehicle collisions in the state in 2022 alone.
Common Injuries from Car Accidents
Lacerations
You may suffer deep cuts and wounds during a car accident in Georgia. Broken glass and sharp metal can cause severe lacerations that require immediate medical attention. These injuries not only cause intense pain but also risk infection and even significant blood loss.
Whiplash
You might experience whiplash when your neck jerks suddenly during a collision. Whiplash can lead to neck pain, stiffness, and headaches that disrupt your daily life. In some cases, the symptoms do ot appear right away—seeking prompt medical care after a crash is a must.
Sprains and Strains
During a crash, your muscles and ligaments can stretch or tear, resulting in sprains and strains. You may feel pain, and swelling, and have difficulty moving the affected area. Sprains and strain injuries can interfere with your ability to perform daily tasks and may require physical therapy.
Broken Bones
The force of a car accident can cause you to suffer broken bones. Fractures can occur in your arms, legs, ribs, or other parts of your body, leading to severe pain and limited mobility. You might need casts, surgeries, or even metal implants in order to health properly from a crash.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
You may sustain a traumatic brain injury if your head hits something hard during a collision. TBIs can cause headaches, confusion, memory loss, and even long-term cognitive challenges. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to make the best possible recovery from a TBI.
Facial/Dental Injuries
In a crash, you might suffer injuries to your face and teeth from impact with steering wheels, dashboards, or airbags. Cuts, broken bones, and damaged teeth can cause you both physical pain and emotional distress. Facial injuries may require reconstructive surgery or dental procedures.
Internal Injuries
The impact of a car accident can cause internal injuries that aren’t immediately visible. You may experience damage to organs like your lungs, liver, or spleen, which can be life-threatening. Internal bleeding can often occur without obvious symptoms. Emergency care is an absolute must.
Loss of Limb (Amputation)
A severe collision might lead you to suffer the devastating loss of a limb. No matter the circumstances, the loss of a limb is always a catastrophic injury. Victims face emotional trauma alongside physical challenges.
Spinal Cord Damage
Damage to your spinal cord in an accident can result in partial or complete paralysis. Any suspected spinal cord injury is a serious medical emergency. Spinal cord injuries require extensive medical treatment, therapy, and ongoing support. It is crucial that victims are fully compensated.
All Car Accident Injuries Require Prompt Medical Attention
Hurt in a crash in Athens or elsewhere in Georgia? It is important that you see a licensed physician as soon as possible. Even if you feel “fine” or “not that bad” in the moments after an accident, you should always get yourself checked out by a doctor. Some of the most common car wreck injuries—those being things like internal bleeding, TBIs, low back pain, and whiplash—may not present symptoms right away but can become serious if left untreated. Early diagnosis can prevent complications and improve your chances for a full recovery.
You Cannot Bring a Personal Injury Claim Unless You See a Doctor
Not only is seeing a doctor after a car crash vital for your health and well-being, it is a required aspect of the personal injury claims process. Without medical records that document the existence and severity of your injuries—as well as the treatment that you have received—you will not be able to recover the full and fair financial compensation that you deserve.
Do I Have the Right to Choose My Doctor After a Crash in Georgia?
Yes. You should be treated by a medical provider who you are comfortable with and who you have confidence in. Under Georgia state, you generally have the right to choose your own doctor after a car accident. Your choice of doctor can also influence your case. Be sure that you notify your insurance company of your choice of doctor. You may need to produce medical records at certain points during the claims process. If you have any questions about the process, an experienced Georgia auto accident lawyer can help.
Injured Victims Need the Maximum Financial Compensation
Hurt in a motor vehicle crash in Athens or elsewhere in Georgia? It is imperative that you are able to secure the full and fair financial compensation that you need to pay bills and support your family.
Under state law, injured victims have the right to seek compensation for the full value of their damages, including for any non-economic losses. However, insurance adjusters often try to settle claims for far less than full value—potentially only pennies on the dollar. Our Georgia auto accident lawyer fights for the maximum settlement or judgment for our clients. You may be in a position to seek financial compensation for:
- Property loss;
- Ambulance costs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Medical expenses;
- Physical therapy;
- Loss of wages;
- Loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental anguish;
- Long-term disability;
- Reduced quality of life; and
- Wrongful death.
Why Injured Auto Accident Victims in Georgia Trust The Larrison Law Firm
Car accident injury claims are complicated. It is normal to have a ton of questions about your rights and your options after a serious crash. Unfortunately, you cannot rely on any insurance adjuster to look out for what is best for you and your family. Our founder and lead attorney Brady M. Larrison has more than a decade of experience advocating for victims and families in Georgia. We have what it takes to hold insurance companies accountable in even the most serious of car crashes. With millions recovered for clients, our case results demonstrate what we can do for victims.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With Our Georgia Auto Accident Lawyer Today
At The Larrison Law Firm, our Georgia car accident attorney has the experience that you can depend on when it matters most. We fight for justice and the absolute maximum financial compensation for car crash victims in Georgia. Reach out to us by phone or contact us online for your free, no-obligation initial case review. From our law offices in Athens and Loganville, we are well-positioned to handle motor vehicle accident injury cases all across the region.