When you are injured due to someone else’s negligence or actions on the road, the physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming. On top of that, dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and insurance companies can add significant stress. This is made even worse if you can’t work, which is common after a car accident.
What Injuries Are Common After a Car Accident?
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-altering trauma. The type and severity of injuries often depend on factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the point of impact, whether seat belts were worn, and whether airbags were deployed. Understanding the common injuries sustained in car accidents can help victims recognize the importance of seeking prompt medical attention and legal advice.
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
One of the most frequent
car accident injuries is whiplash, caused by the sudden jerking motion of the head and neck during a collision. This can strain or tear muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck, leading to pain, stiffness, headaches, and limited range of motion. Whiplash symptoms may not appear immediately and can worsen over time if untreated.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Back injuries, including herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, and spinal cord damage, are common in car crashes. Spinal cord injuries can be particularly serious, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis depending on the location and severity of the damage. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Head trauma can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. Even a seemingly minor bump to the head can cause a concussion, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and headaches. More severe TBIs can lead to long-term cognitive impairment, personality changes, and physical disabilities.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The force of a collision can easily cause broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone. Fractures may require surgery, immobilization, and lengthy recovery periods. In some cases, complications such as infections or improper healing can occur.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries, such as damage to organs or internal bleeding, are hazardous because they may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, swelling, dizziness, or fainting. Internal injuries often require emergency medical intervention and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Soft Tissue Injuries
These include bruises, cuts, scrapes, and muscle strains. While often less severe than other injuries, soft tissue damage can still cause significant pain and limit mobility during recovery.
Psychological Injuries
Beyond physical harm,
car accidents can also cause emotional and psychological trauma. Conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common among accident survivors, impacting their overall well-being and
quality of life.
Proving the extent of your common injuries is essential in a personal injury claim following a car accident. Medical documentation, including doctors’ reports, imaging studies, and treatment records, plays a critical role in establishing the severity of your injuries and the impact on your daily life.
Does a Personal Injury Claim Cover Time Missed From Work?
When you are injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, the financial impact often extends beyond medical bills and vehicle repairs. One of the most significant concerns many accident victims face is lost income due to time missed from work while recovering. Fortunately, in Georgia, personal injury claims related to
car accidents typically include compensation for lost wages, helping to ease the financial burden during your recovery.
In a car accident personal injury claim, “lost wages” refer to the income you would have earned had you not been injured. This includes not only the time you miss from your job due to common injuries but also any time taken off for medical appointments, therapy, or other necessary treatments related to the accident. If your common injuries prevent you from returning to work temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for both past and future lost earnings.
To recover lost wages as part of your personal injury claim, it is important to provide clear documentation of your employment and income. This typically includes pay stubs, tax returns, and a letter from your employer verifying the time you missed due to the accident.
If you’re self-employed, documentation such as business records, tax filings, and profit-and-loss statements can help establish your lost income. Your attorney can assist in gathering and presenting this evidence to strengthen your claim.
Georgia Law
Georgia law requires that the other driver’s negligence cause the injury for you to recover lost wages. This means you must prove that the accident was not your fault and that the other party’s actions directly caused your injuries and subsequent inability to work. Your personal injury lawyer can help establish liability by investigating the accident, reviewing police reports, and consulting with experts if necessary.
In addition to lost wages, your claim may also cover other related financial losses, such as diminished earning capacity. If your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability that affects your ability to earn the same income as before, you may be entitled to compensation for this future loss. For example, if a back injury prevents you from returning to a physically demanding job, your claim can include damages for the difference in your earning potential.
It is also important to note that Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation for lost wages and other damages may be reduced proportionally. For instance, if you are 20% at fault, your recovery will be reduced by 20%. However, if you’re more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any damages.
Recognizing your injuries and obtaining timely medical care is vital for recovery and for securing fair compensation if you pursue a personal injury claim. A lawyer can and should be brought in to help your claim.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio; Pexels
