A serious car crash can change your whole life in a matter of seconds. Unfortunately, collisions remain far too common on our roadways. According to data published by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were 401,867 reported in the state in 2019. These motor vehicle collisions resulted in 236,753 injuries. In this article, our Boca Raton auto accident lawyers discuss the top injuries from car crashes in Florida.
What are the Most Common Injuries in Car Accidents in Florida?
1. Lacerations
Many car accident victims report lacerations. Due to broken glass and other sharp objects, a person may suffer a serious cut in a collision. As there is a risk of infection, a significant laceration requires immediate medical attention. In some cases, car accident lacerations can become infected.
2. Soft Tissue Damage (Whiplash)
Soft tissue damage is relatively common in Florida car accidents. One of the primary issues is whiplash—a neck strain that occurs because of sudden back and forth movement of the head. Soft tissue injuries frequently present with a delayed onset. It could be several days before the victim feels the full extent of the impact.
3. Broken Bones
A motor vehicle accident puts tremendous force on the human body. It can result in broken or fractured bones. The types of fractures that most frequently occur in auto accident are:
- Broken arm (humerus, ulna, radius)
- Broken leg (femur, tibia, fibula).
The prognosis of a broken bone injury depends on the specific nature and severity of the fracture. If you or your loved one suffered a broken bone in a crash, it is imperative that you seek immediate medical attention.
4. Joint Injuries (Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, Hip, Knee, Ankle)
The blunt force trauma associated with a car accident contributes to a significant number of joint injuries. Car accident victims frequently report problems with their shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle.
5. Head Injuries (Concussions and TBIs)
Few injuries are more frightening than a brain injury. The road to recovery after a major concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be extremely difficult. It can take months (or longer) to make a full physical and psychological recovery after dealing with a concussion.
6. Spinal Cord Injuries
Any amount of damage to the spinal cord is a medical emergency. A spinal cord injury can lead to permanent impairment, including partial or total paralysis. If you or your loved one suffered a spinal cord injury in a collision, you need a car accident attorney who has experience handling catastrophic injury claims.
Call Our Boca Raton, FL Car Accident Attorneys Today
At Eltringham Law Group, our Florida auto accident lawyers are here to listen to your story. We will take aggressive action to protect your rights and maximize your settlement. If you or someone you know was hurt in a car wreck in Florida, our team can help. Contact us now for a free, confidential review of your case. With an office in Boca Raton, we represent car accident victims throughout South Florida, including in West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, and Jupiter.