Injury
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a motor vehicle collision, you likely suffered injuries ranging from minor to severe. In Florida, over 400,000 drivers are injured every year in auto accidents. Understanding the most frequent crash-related injuries can help you through your medical treatment, recovery process, and finding the best car accident lawyer in Miami after your accident.
Overview of Key Car Accident Injury Statistics in Florida
Some noteworthy statistics about car accident injuries in the Sunshine State include:
- Over 2.7 million Florida car accidents occurred between 2012-2016.
- In 2020, nearly 2400 people died from their injuries after Florida auto collisions.
- Head-on collisions have a higher risk of injury with over 60% involving trauma.
- Rear-end crashes make up the majority of accidents and cause frequent whiplash and back injuries.
Knowing the types of collisions and physics of crash forces help identify likely resulting health impacts.
The 5 Most Common Car Accident Injuries in Florida
While each wreck occurs uniquely, patterns emerge regarding frequent car accident injuries:
1. Whiplash
Whiplash tops the list, spraining the neck’s soft tissues from the sudden back-and-forth jerking motion most commonly occurring in rear-end collisions. Pain, stiffness, headaches, and restricted mobility often persist for months.
2. Back Injuries
Spinal damage from the intense compressive forces can lead to debilitating back pain. Bulging discs, spine misalignment, nerve damage, and sometimes paralysis tragically result.
3. Broken Bones
Ribs, arms, legs and ankles commonly absorb crash forces through traumatic fractures. Healing these complex breaks involves extensive medical intervention and rehabilitation.
4. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Major blows to the head may lead to concussions or bleeding/swelling of brain tissue. Even mild TBIs can have lasting cognitive, emotional and physiological impacts.
5. PTSD
Many accident survivors develop emotional trauma like anxiety, sleep disruptions, flashbacks and depression – collectively called post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.
Prompt and ongoing treatment helps manage these common collision injuries. Exploring legal options can assist in long-term healing.
FAQs Related to Florida Car Accident Injuries
What should I do if I’ve suffered major injuries in an auto accident?
First and foremost focus on medical care from either the ER, primary care physician, specialists and therapists as needed. Also document injuries thoroughly as this can assist with insurance claims and possible legal action.
Does Florida have strict statutes of limitations to file injury lawsuits after crashes?
Yes, generally auto accident victims have just 4 years under Florida personal injury law to take legal action or risk forfeiting the claim entirely.
Is it advisable to settle directly with insurance shortly after an accident?
Rushing into an quick settlement before fully realizing the extent of health impacts is generally not advisable. Consult an attorney to best protect your rights.
Suffering from lingering collision injuries like whiplash, back problems or trauma can upend lives. By understanding common car accident injuries in Florida, victims can better advocate for their health and legal interests during recovery.
