In 2018, there were 403,626 accidents in Florida; over half of these accidents resulted in injuries. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles breaks these injury crashes into three categories:
- Injury crashes involving possible injuries. There are no visible signs of injury but complaints of pain or momentary unconsciousness.
- Injury crashes involving non-incapacitating injuries. Minor injuries such as bruises, abrasions, muscle aches, etc.
- Injury crashes involving incapacitating injuries. Disabling injuries, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, severed limbs, etc. These injuries usually require hospitalization and transport to a medical facility.
A fatal traffic accident is one that results in one or more fatalities within thirty days of its occurrence.
Lutz personal injury attorney Tania Rivas has represented many clients who have been involved in car accidents in Lakeland, Winter Haven and other Central Florida communities. In addition to property damage, many have sustained physical injuries as a result of their car accident. Some of these injuries were quite severe and required emergency medical treatment, surgery, ongoing physical therapy and assistive care, and prescription pain medications.
Common Injuries in Florida Car Accidents
Some of the most common injuries in a Florida car accident include:
Brain and Head Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur when the skull strikes something or is hit by something with enough force to cause injury. TBIs can range from mild, such as a concussion that resolves itself after a few weeks, to severe life-changing events that can result in permanent cognitive impairment. Other types of head injuries include broken facial bones, cuts, bruises and disfigurement.
Neck and Back Injuries
Whiplash is a common back injury experienced during automobile accidents. Whiplash results from a sudden jolt to the neck or back. Spinal injuries, such as herniated discs, are also common after a car crash. Severe neck and spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis. Muscle, tendon and nerve damage are other common neck and back injuries resulting from a car accident.
Chest and Abdominal Injuries
Common accident related chest and abdominal injuries include broken ribs and damage to internal organs. These are the kinds of injuries that may not manifest themselves until days or weeks after the accident, making it important to see a doctor after an accident, even if you’re feeling fine.
Bone Fractures
Broken arms, legs, collar bones and ribs are a common injury in a lot of Florida car accidents. These injuries often require emergency medical treatment to set the bones and ensure they heal correctly.
Lacerations and Contusions
Cuts, bruises, scrapes — these types of soft tissue injuries usually resolve themselves and, in most cases, don’t require emergency medical attention. If you continue to experience aches and pain after an accident, you should go ahead and be checked out by a doctor, even if your injuries seem mild.
Speak with an Attorney about your Injuries in a Florida Car Accident
If you’ve suffered injuries in a Lutz, FL car accident or other Central Florida communities as a result of the negligent actions of another, Florida state law gives you the right to seek compensation for the damages resulting from your injuries. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish and other losses.
Before you settle with an insurance company, we urge you to speak to an experienced car accident attorney. Being laid up with injuries, unable to work, and short on cash, you may be tempted to accept their initial offer. Reconsider.
The insurance companies are interested in protecting their profits and rarely offer an amount that will address all your damages. You will want somebody on your side who takes into consideration the total costs of your injuries — not just the expenses you face today, but also any ongoing expenses resulting from your injuries.
Lutz car accident attorney Tania Rivas and Rivas Law Group are dedicated to the welfare of their clients. Tania possesses the skills, experience and resources to thoroughly investigate the causes of your crash, determine the full extent of your damages, aggressively negotiate with the insurance companies and even go to court to ensure her clients obtain the total compensation they are owed for their injuries.
Call Rivas Law Group today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Don’t delay — there are strict statute of limitations laws in Florida. If you wait too long to act, the court may refuse to hear your case.
