When you are injured in a car accident, understanding what injuries you may sustain is critical to ensuring you seek immediate medical care. Unfortunately, many make the assumption that they will be fine, which is far from the truth. In reality, car accidents can cause serious, life-long conditions, so doing what you can to mitigate the potential damages is critical. The following blog explores some of the most common car accident injuries you may sustain and why connecting with an experienced Broward County auto accident lawyer is critical to fighting for justice if you’ve been hurt.

What Are Common Car Accident Injuries I Can Sustain in Florida?

Unfortunately, there are a number of car accident injuries you can suffer that vary in severity. However, certain injuries tend to appear due to the nature of car accidents, primarily through rapid deceleration and significant impact force.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there are hundreds of thousands of motor vehicle collisions annually, with many resulting in serious injuries. Unfortunately, Broward County generally ranks among the counties with the highest number of reported injury crashes.

Head Trauma and Brain Injuries

Unfortunately, head trauma is one of the most common injuries, as the brain may collide with the inside of the skull during the sudden movements associated with collisions.

  • Concussions resulting from rapid deceleration
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) from blunt force trauma
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Confusion and or feeling “off”
  • Headaches, dizziness, and nausea
  • Sensitivity to light and noise
  • Loss of cognitive impairment
  • Delayed onset of symptoms, from hours to days following the accident

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash is common in car accidents, especially rear-end collisions that cause the neck to move back and forth rapidly.

  • Ligament and tendon strains
  • Muscle spasms
  • Chronic instability in severe cases
  • Radiating pain down to the shoulders and back
  • Neck stiffness and reduced range of motion

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Both high and low-impact collisions can take a serious toll on back and spinal cord health.

  • Slipped or herniated discs
  • Spinal cord trauma resulting in partial or complete paralysis
  • Long-term degenerative spine issues
  • Nerve compression
  • Sciatic nerve damage

Chest and Rib Injuries

Though studies suggest that seatbelts save around 15,000 lives annually, they can also contribute to chest injuries during impact.

  • Fractured ribs
  • Punctured lungs (pneumothorax)
  • Pulmonary contusions
  • Fractured sternum
  • Internal organ injuries resulting from blunt force trauma

Orthopedic Injuries

The inward force of a car crash can result in multiple broken bones throughout the body.

  • Arm and wrist fractures
  • Broken legs or ankles
  • Pelvic fractures
  • Broken facial bones
  • Surgical repair may be required
  • Can result in long-term mobility issues

Soft Tissue and Internal Injuries

Unfortunately, not all serious injuries are visible. As such, understanding the most common internal injuries is critical to being able to quickly identify symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.

  • Deep contusions
  • Internal bleeding
  • Abdominal organ injury
  • Swelling and tenderness
  • Ligament tears

Psychological Injuries

Being involved in a car accident doesn’t just result in physical injuries, but can also result in lasting emotional and mental harm. It’s critical to understand that these injuries are legally compensable.

What Should You Do Immediately Following a Car Accident in Florida?

Following a car accident in Broward County, the steps you take in the immediate aftermath of the collision can have a significant impact on the outcome of your claim and your long-term health. As such, it is imperative to remain calm and collected during this period.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

It is strongly recommended to request emergency medical assistance at the scene of the accident, even if you feel okay. Doing so helps establish medical treatment while protecting your health and well-being.

  • Adrenaline can mask pain and symptoms
  • TBIs and internal injuries may have a delayed onset of symptoms
  • Medical documentation helps establish an injury timeline
  • Florida insurance companies will scrutinize gaps in care

Contact Law Enforcement

In Florida, those involved in a car accident have a legal obligation to report the collision to police if injuries, death, or property damage exceed a certain amount. Regardless, however, contacting the police is generally recommended to ensure a formal report of the collision is filed.

  • Obtain a police crash report
  • Ensure accurate documentation to assist in establishing fault
  • Preserving witness statements

Understand Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System

Florida is one of a handful of states that adheres to a no-fault insurance system. As such, drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance and file a claim through their own policy, regardless of fault. However, if your injuries reach Florida’s serious injury threshold, you may be able to pursue a third-party claim against the negligent driver.

  • PIP insurance covers up to 80% of medical expenses
  • Coverage only applies if treatment was sought within 14 days
  • Severe injuries can allow for pain and suffering claims
  • Permanent injuries remove the no-fault limitation

Avoid Statements that Can Be Used Against You

Unfortunately, in the chaos that follows a collision, you may make statements that can eventually be used as a means of reducing your compensation. As such, you should avoid:

  • Admitting fault at the scene
  • Apologizing (can imply liability)
  • Providing recorded statements to insurance companies without legal representation
  • Downplaying or minimizing your injuries
  • Statements that imply fault (“I don’t know how fast I was going,” or “I didn’t see them”)

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you are physically able to do so, you should gather the following evidence and information that may benefit your case:

  • Photos and videos of visible injuries
  • Photos and videos of damage to vehicles, road conditions, and weather conditions
  • Contact information for witnesses
  • The contact information and insurance information of the other driver involved in the collision

Contact an Experienced Broward County Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve been injured, you should connect with an experienced attorney from the Finizio Law Group as soon as possible to explore your legal options. Our team understands how complicated it can be to seek the compensation you deserve while healing from the injuries you’ve endured. As such, we will do everything possible to help you fight for the outcome you deserve. Connect with us today to learn how we can guide you through these times.