Driving is an inherently dangerous activity. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over three million people are injured every year in vehicle accidents in the United States. Some of these injuries are fairly minor, but, depending on the severity of the accident, can require extensive hospitalization and recovery time.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of injuries that can arise from car accidents.
Whiplash
Whiplash is an injury to the soft tissue of the neck and upper back. It occurs when the muscles and ligaments of the neck and upper back are stretched due to sudden movements. This stretching is most often caused by the sudden jerking that is caused when one vehicle is struck by another.
Scrapes and Cuts
There are a variety of items that can cause scrapes and cuts in an automobile accident, including glass, airbags, dash-mounted GPS systems, cell phones, coffee mugs, purses, or anything else that is not physically attached to the automobile. Loose objects automatically become projectiles in a vehicle collision, and the severity of the injury depends on the type of object you are struck with.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are caused by the same forces as whiplash. If the force of impact in the collision is great enough, it can cause an occupant’s head to strike nearby objects, including the steering wheel, dashboard, console, or windows.
Chest Injuries
Just as with head injuries, chest injuries can also be caused when that part of the body strikes a nearby object as a result of the force of the collision. Chest injuries are particularly dangerous for the driver due to his or her chest’s position directly behind the steering wheel. The danger of chest injuries increases when a vehicle is struck at high speeds from behind, as the force of the impact throws occupants forward.
Arm and Leg Injuries
Due to their exposure and relatively free movement, an occupant’s arms are at great risk from striking nearby objects or being scraped or cut by projectiles. One of the most common causes of leg injuries is to the knees, as the force of impact in an accident often causes an occupant’s knees to hit the dashboard or the seats in front of them.
Contact an Atlanta Auto Accident Attorney Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been involved in an automobile accident and have suffered any of the injuries outlined below, contact the attorneys at Slappey & Sadd for a free consultation to discuss your case by calling 404.255.6677. We serve the entire state of Georgia, including Fulton, Cobb, Dekalb, and Gwinnett Counties.