When a car strikes another vehicle or object, the force of impact can result in a wide range of injuries. The nature and severity of those injuries may not always be immediately apparent. For instance, at first, you may feel a pain in your lower back. The seemingly minor ache could be the sign of a much more serious problem such as a bulging or herniated disc.
The human body simply is not designed to absorb the energy unleashed upon impact or to go through the bending and twisting motions that typically occur in a crash. For this reason, you should see a doctor as early as possible after you have been involved in a car accident. The doctor will know how to examine you for possible injuries and order X-rays, MRIs or CT scans which can detect some injuries which are not so obvious.
As our Florida car accident attorneys have seen over the years, some of the most common types of injuries associated with car accidents are:
Head and Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur if a person's head strikes an object in a crash such as a dashboard or windshield. The jolt to the brain at impact can also cause TBI. Even a mild form of TBI such as a concussion can have lingering effects on the way a person thinks, moves, communicates or regulates his or her behavior. In the worst cases, TBI may cause a coma or death.
Spinal Injuries
The nerves, bones and discs within the spine can sustain serious damage from a direct, traumatic blow or due to the unnatural motion that the body goes through in a crash. The major concern is paralysis, or the loss of feeling and control in the body below the point of where the injury occurs in the spine. Paraplegia is paralysis of the legs and lower body, while quadriplegia (or tetraplegia) is paralysis of every limb. Paralysis frequently leads to millions of dollars in lifetime medical costs.
Neck and Back Injuries
The rubbery discs which provide a cushion for the bones within the spine, or vertebrae, can suffer damage in a crash due to a direct hit or due to compression of the spine. A bulging or herniated disc may result. These are highly painful injuries and often require surgery. Additionally, the neck can snap back and forth in an accident and damage soft tissue, causing a condition commonly called "whiplash." This injury often occurs in rear-end collisions.
Broken Bones
Fractures are highly common in crashes, especially broken limbs. Many people can achieve a complete recovery from a fracture within a matter of months. However, some people experience chronic pain and long-term disability due to a fracture, which can limit their ability work. Additionally, certain types of fractures such as broken hips, ribs or pelvic bones can lead to serious complications such infections or nerve damage.
Burn Injuries
A car accident can expose a driver or passengers to thermal burns from a fire or gas tank explosion or from getting splashed by hot fluids. Friction burns also frequently occur from scraping against a hard surface in a crash.
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida
If someone else's negligence causes you to suffer serious injury in an auto accident in Florida, you have the right to seek full compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain, emotional distress and other harm. The experienced car accident attorneys of Holliday Karatinos Law Firm can provide a timely and free review of your case. To learn more, contact us today and schedule a consultation through our offices in Brooksville, Inverness or Lutz.
FAQs
What is the most common injury in car accidents?
The most common injury in car accidents is whiplash, a soft tissue neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth motion. Other frequent injuries include bruises, concussions, back strains, and fractures, especially in rear-end and side-impact collisions.
What injury pays the most for a car accident?
The highest payouts in car accident cases typically involve traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, paralysis, amputations, and wrongful death. These injuries result in long-term medical care, lost income, and permanent disability, often leading to six- or seven-figure settlements or verdicts.
Can minor car accidents still cause serious injuries?
Yes, even minor car accidents can cause serious injuries such as concussions, whiplash, herniated discs, or soft tissue damage. Symptoms may be delayed and appear hours or days later, making it important to seek medical evaluation after any collision.
How long is it normal for your body to hurt after a car accident?
It’s normal to experience body pain for a few days to several weeks after a car accident, depending on the injury. Soft tissue injuries can cause discomfort for up to 6–8 weeks, while more serious conditions like fractures or nerve damage may require months of recovery.
Which collision type is the most serious?
Head-on collisions are the most serious and often deadliest type of car crash due to the combined impact speeds. These are followed by rollover accidents and T-bone (side-impact) collisions, which can cause severe trauma to occupants, especially without side airbags.
What are the signs of internal injuries after a car accident?
Signs of internal injuries include:
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Blood in urine or stool
- Bruising on the abdomen or chest
- Vomiting or coughing blood
These injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention—even if external wounds are minor.
What psychological effects can result from a car accident?
Car accidents can cause psychological conditions such as:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression
- Sleep disturbances or nightmares
- Driving phobia or avoidance behaviors
Mental health impacts may persist even after physical injuries heal and are often compensable in personal injury claims.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a car accident?
In Florida, you have 2 years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, per the updated statute of limitations (as of 2023). Filing after this deadline may result in your claim being dismissed.
James Wayne Holliday
James Wayne Holliday has been practicing law since 1995. He has been named as a “Best Attorney” Lifetime Charter Member in Florida, an honor awarded to less than one percent of the nation’s lawyers.
Mr. Holliday has earned a reputation as a relentless trial lawyer because of his outstanding work ethic and thorough preparation of his cases for trial.
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