Were you involved in a motor vehicle crash in Marietta, Cobb County, or elsewhere in North Georgia? You are not alone. Traffic collisions are consistently a leading cause of accidental injuries in our region. At The Persons Firm, LLC, we are a boutique law firm that fights for justice for victims and families. We handle all types of accidents, including those involving very serious injuries. In this article, our Marietta auto accident attorney discusses the most common injuries in Georgia.
What are the Most Common Car Crash Injuries in Georgia
Lacerations
Cuts/lacerations can be serious injuries. Lacerations occur when sharp metal, shattered glass, or interior components cut through the skin. Even small cuts can bleed heavily due to the rich vascular supply in the face, scalp, and limbs. Deeper lacerations may damage tendons, nerves, or blood vessels, requiring surgical repair. All serious cuts should be evaluated and treated by a doctor. Unfortunately, bad lacerations can result in permanent scarring.
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most frequently reported soft-tissue injuries in Georgia rear-end and side-impact collisions. The rapid acceleration-deceleration forces stretch the cervical spine beyond its normal physiological range. It is an injury that can irritate facet joints, strain neck muscles, and disrupt surrounding ligaments. Treatment for whiplash often involves physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and restrictions on activity.
Torn Ligaments
Car crashes frequently produce ligament tears in the knee, shoulder, wrist, and ankle. A torn ligament results from the joint twisting, compressing, or hyperextending during impact. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) are especially vulnerable. Partial tears may be treated conservatively, while full-thickness tears often require surgery. The recovery from a ligament injury can be long and uneven.
Broken Bones
Fractures occur when crash forces exceed the structural limits of bone. High-energy Georgia collisions often cause fractures of the ribs, pelvis, femur, clavicle, and forearm. Some fractures are simple and non-displaced. Others are comminuted, open, or involve joint surfaces. Open fractures carry a high infection risk and require urgent surgical cleaning and fixation. Even uncomplicated fractures can still be a very serious injury. Immediate medical attention is a must.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
TBIs result from direct impact, sudden acceleration, or rotational forces. Even without a direct blow, the brain can strike the inside of the skull during a Georgia car crash. Mild TBIs, including concussions, cause headaches, dizziness, memory problems, sleep disruption, and emotional changes. Moderate and severe TBIs can produce structural damage visible on CT or MRI. These injuries create long-term cognitive, behavioral, and functional deficits.
Note: Concussions and TBIs often arise with a delayed onset. You may be far more seriously hurt than you initially believe after a car accident if you suffered trauma to the head. It is imperative that all suspected brain injuries are evaluated right away by a qualified doctor.
Spinal Cord Damage
Any damage to the spinal cord can be a catastrophic injury. The spinal cord carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Crash forces can damage vertebrae, discs, or ligaments and compress the cord. Incomplete spinal cord injuries may cause weakness, impaired sensation, or loss of fine motor control. Complete injuries may result in paralysis. Even without direct cord damage, a spinal cord injury can still be life-changing. Victims need a car accident lawyer in Marietta who has experience handling catastrophic injury cases.
Amputations
Amputations occur when a crash forces, crushes, or severs a limb or when a limb is too damaged to salvage. Traumatic amputations are devastating and require immediate surgical stabilization. Secondary or surgical amputations follow when blood flow cannot be restored or the infection risk becomes too high. Amputees face significant physical and emotional challenges. It is imperative that injured victims get immediate emergency medical attention.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries include organ damage, internal bleeding, and damage to abdominal or thoracic structures. Blunt-force trauma can injure the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. Internal bleeding may not present immediate symptoms and can become life-threatening. CT imaging is critical for diagnosis. Many internal injuries require surgery. If you or your loved one suffered any type of internal injury in a car crash, a Marietta auto accident attorney can help.
Know the Deadline: Georgia Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
Car accident injury cases are time-sensitive. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33), there is a two-year statute of limitations. There are only very limited, narrow exceptions to the rule. The deadline is important. What happens if you fail to file a car accident injury lawsuit in a timely manner? You will most likely lose out on your right to seek compensation at all. You do not want to fall behind the insurance company in the legal claims process. Be proactive: Consult with a Marietta, GA, auto accident attorney right away after a serious crash.
How Our Marietta Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
A serious accident can change your entire life. At The Persons Firm, LLC, we are a boutique law firm that has a proven record of case results. Since 2007, our managing attorney has secured more than $100 million in settlements and verdicts for victims and families. With a conveniently located law office in the 30060 zip code of Marietta, we take on car crash claims in Cobb County and communities beyond. Your initial case review with our Marietta auto accident attorney is free, completely confidential, and does not carry any additional obligations. We are here to help.
Contact Our Marietta, GA, Car Accident Attorney Today
At The Persons Firm, LLC, our Marietta auto accident attorney has the knowledge, skills, and experience that you can trust. If you or your loved one was hurt in a crash, we can help. Contact us now for your no-cost, no-obligation case review. With a law office in Marietta, we fight for justice for car accident victims all across the wider region, including in 30060, 30008, 30062, 30064, 30066, 30067, and 30068.