More than 3 million Americans are injured in motor vehicle crashes each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While traffic deaths decreased in 2018 compared to the year before, nearly 300,000 accident victims were treated in emergency rooms.
Despite the massive human toll, car crashes are also costly as medical treatment, lost wages and other associated expenses amounted to more than $75 billion in 2017. Some of those injuries are permanent, while others have long-lasting effects.
Most common long-term crash injuries
Nearly half of all crash victims walk away without getting hurt while others have minor injuries that do not require medical treatment. However, the most likely injuries with lasting effects include:
- Neck injuries: Whiplash is one of the most frequently diagnosed crash injuries and can be extremely painful. It is usually the result of rear-end crashes when your head snaps violently backward and forward. Symptoms can be immediate or take several days to show up.
- Back injuries: Severe injuries can include complete or partial paralysis, while the most common types are bulging or herniated disks. Disks act as cushions between the vertebrae and can slip out of place and push against a nerve. While pain may be minor after an accident, it can become debilitating if not treated.
- Brain injuries: Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, and concussions are the two most common head injuries associated with car crashes. Concussions are generally short-term issues. However, they can have long-term consequences. Brain injuries can result in death, so it’s essential to see a doctor immediately if you have any symptoms.
- Lower extremity injuries: Thighs, hips, knees and ankles are other common areas where you can be injured in a crash. In front-end collisions, the steering wheel, dashboard and even engine parts can crush your legs and hips.
Seek immediate medical attention if you are injured
Too many people refuse medical help after a crash believing their injuries are minor. However, it’s vital to your physical and financial well-being to see a doctor if you experience any symptoms if you are in a crash. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney here in Georgia to protect yourself and receive the compensation you deserve.