Car Accident Statistics
Getting into a car accident can be terrifying. Car accidents cause many injuries and deaths every year, and we know it can be hard to recover mentally and emotionally after a car accident occurs. 6 million car accidents occur in the United States each year, but only about 3 million people walk away from those accidents with injuries. About 2 million people experience permanent injuries because of their car accidents, and 90 people die each day because of car accidents.
6% of accidents result in fatality and 27% result in non-fatal injuries. Those non-fatal injuries can range from mild to severe, and just because fatality doesn’t occur doesn’t mean they aren’t life changing. We understand that car accidents can have a huge effect on your life and the people around you. That’s why we’re ready to help you get the compensation that you deserve for your accident. We want to help give you peace of mind, and ease the transition back into your everyday life, if possible.
Whiplash is an incredibly common injury that can occur because of a car accident. A rapid back and forth movement of the neck is what causes whiplash. This is a common result of rear-end accidents, because of the back and forth motion of the car upon being rear-ended. Whiplash is usually a pretty mild injury and often resolves itself with medication and exercise in just a few weeks. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t complications involved. Some people may experience chronic neck pain or a limited range of motion after their accident.
Scrapes and Cuts
It doesn’t seem serious, but many accidents can cause scrapes and cuts. This is especially true in accidents where glass is broken. If a window or windshield is shattered, a passenger is more likely to experience some cuts and scrapes. These cuts and scrapes can range from mild to severe, depending on the accident. Some cuts may not require more than a band aid while others may require serious medical attention.
Head injuries, like traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur when someone gets into a car accident. TBI symptoms can range from mild to serious, and can include things like concussion and even memory loss. In more severe cases, patients may experience concentration problems, mood swings, and feelings of depression and anxiety. In milder cases, symptoms can include problems speaking, difficult sleeping or sleep too much, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and sound. Patients may also experience sensory problems like blurred vision, a ringing in the ears or a bad taste in the mouth. Physical symptoms can include seizures, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and more. If you believe you have a brain injury, it’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Chest pain is always a cause for concern and should always be checked out by a medical professional. It can be caused by multiple other problems, like fractured or bruised ribs, muscle strain, or injuries to internal organs. Symptoms to look out for include stabbing pain when moving or stretching, severe pain when coughing or sneezing, constant pain even when you’re not moving, or pain when pressure is applied to the chest. Car accidents may also escalate existing heart problems and could cause a heart attack.
Broken bones are also a common occurrence with car accidents because of the amount of stress or pressure that can be applied to your body during a car accident. A broken bone can occur depending on where the accident occurs. If you’re the driver and another car strikes you on the driver’s side, you may get broken bones. Broken bones can also occur when a limb is crushed between pieces or metal, or when the airbags go off. Broken bones alone are easy to treat, but often are accompanied by other issues if the accident is severe.
Internal bleeding can be caused by any blunt trauma. Blunt trauma occurs when someone is it or hit by an object at a high speed. This can cause blood vessels in your body to become damaged and bleed. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening depending on where the bleed is located. If you have symptoms like dizziness, weakness, passing out, vision problems, severe headache, severe abdominal pain, or shortness of breath, your internal bleeding could be serious and you should seek medical attention.
Spinal injuries are often serious and can even lead to paralysis. Paralysis may also occur because of a car accident, if the accident is severe enough. Spinal cord injuries can occur when the spinal cord is bruised, cut, or even severed as a result of the force applied because of the accident. These injuries often have a long healing time and require a lot of treatment and therapy if they’re serious.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other Psychological Problems
A car accident can be traumatizing, even if you aren’t injured physically. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when an event causes so much trauma that you can’t get it out of your head. PTSD can manifest itself in many ways, but may cause people to be afraid of returning to the scene of the crime, or even driving again. PTSD is often accompanied by depression and even anxiety. The mental state is often affected greatly by car accidents, and it shouldn’t be ignored. Many people with severe injuries struggle with these issues as well as a feeling that they’ll never recover. If you’re experiencing any psychological problems because of your accident, it’s important to bring this up with your doctor. You may find relief from therapy or medications that they may prescribe you.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
With all of these potential injuries, getting a car accident attorney is more important than ever. The lawyers at Eberst Law will help you get the compensation that you need so you’re able to feel better mentally and physically. For more information, or a free case evaluation, please contact us online or at 772-225-4900.