Traffic accidents happen every day in Decatur, from rear-end crashes at busy intersections to serious head-on collisions on highways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car accidents remain one of the leading causes of injury nationwide. Even with seat belts, airbags, booster seats for children, and safety features like turn signals and windshield wipers, serious injuries still occur.
Vehicle accidents often involve impact trauma or blunt trauma injuries caused by sudden force. Airbag deployment, rapid stopping, or being struck from the side can all place enormous stress on the body. Passenger injuries can range from mild soreness to life-altering spinal cord injuries or traumatic head injuries. Because symptoms are not always immediate, seeking medical attention after any crash is critical.
After a car accident, you do not have to handle insurance companies and medical bills alone. At Marks Law Group, we are ready to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (678) 251-9309 to get started.
Most Common Car Accident Injuries
Over the years, we have seen a wide range of car accident injury cases. Below are some of the most common injuries linked to car crashes and traffic accidents in Decatur.
Head and Brain Injuries
Head injuries are among the most serious outcomes of car accidents. Even when there is no visible wound, head trauma can occur.
Common examples include:
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Traumatic head injuries caused by impact with the steering wheel, window, or headrest
- Neurological injuries affecting memory, balance, and concentration
Brain injuries may require imaging exams, ongoing care from medical providers, and long-term treatment. These injuries often affect a person’s ability to work and enjoy daily life.
Neck and Back Injuries
Neck and back injuries are extremely common in vehicle accidents, especially rear-end collisions.
These injuries may include:
- Whiplash and cervical strain
- Neck injuries causing chronic neck pain and stiffness
- Herniated discs and spinal trauma
- Neck and back injuries affecting the spinal column
Spinal injuries can lead to muscle weakness, nerve damage, and long-term disability. Severe spinal cord injuries may result in partial or complete paralysis.
Spinal Cord and Spinal Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating injuries we see. Damage to the spinal cord or spinal column can permanently change a person’s life.
These injuries may involve:
- Spinal cord damage
- Spinal injuries requiring surgery
- Long-term Physical Therapy and rehabilitation
Even less severe spinal trauma can result in ongoing pain and suffering and high medical expenses.
Broken Bones and Crush Injuries
The force of a car crash can easily cause broken bones or fractures.
Common fractures include:
- Arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones
- Bone fractures caused by impact trauma
- Crush injury cases involving trapped limbs
Some fractures require surgery, metal implants, or long recovery periods. In severe cases, plastic surgery or skin grafting may be needed.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are often underestimated but can be extremely painful and disruptive.
These include:
- Soft tissue damage to muscles and ligaments
- Soft tissue injuries causing limited movement
- Chronic pain from muscle tears or strains
These injuries frequently require Physical Therapy and ongoing medical care.
Internal Injuries and Organ Damage
Internal injuries can be life-threatening and are not always visible.
Examples include:
- Internal bleeding
- Damage to internal organs such as the liver or spleen
- Organ damage caused by blunt force trauma
Internal injuries often require emergency room treatment and careful monitoring.
Burns and Skin Injuries
Burns can occur during airbag deployment or vehicle fires.
Severe cases may require:
- Skin grafts or skin grafting
- Plastic surgery to repair damaged tissue
According to nationally reported traffic safety facts, car accidents remain one of the leading causes of injury, even with modern vehicle safety features.
Symptoms You Should Never Ignore After a Car Accident
After a car crash, certain physical and emotional symptoms should never be ignored. These signs may indicate serious injuries.
Watch for:
- Persistent headaches, dizziness, or confusion
- Neck pain, back pain, or limited movement
- Muscle weakness or numbness
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Emotional symptoms such as anxiety, fear, or sleep problems
Some individuals also experience emotional effects like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after motor vehicle accidents. Emotional distress is a real injury and should be documented as part of your claim.
What to Do If You Are Injured in a Car Accident
If you are involved in a car crash, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your personal injury claim.
We typically advise clients to:
- Seek immediate medical attention or go to the emergency room
- Follow up with recommended medical providers and specialists
- Keep copies of medical records, imaging exams, and treatment plans
- Document symptoms, emotional effects, and limitations
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal advice
Medical records and consistent care are critical when pursuing insurance claims or a personal injury lawsuit.
Learn More: What to do after a car accident
How Car Accident Injuries Can Affect Your Life and Finances
Car accident injuries go far beyond physical pain. Many clients are surprised by how quickly costs add up.
Injuries may lead to:
- Mounting medical bills and ongoing medical expenses
- Lost wages from missed work or reduced earning capacity
- Long-term rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, or surgery
- Pain and suffering that affects daily activities and relationships
In the most tragic cases, families may need to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional loss.
How Marks Law Group Can Help After a Car Accident in Decatur
At Marks Law Group, we handle personal injury cases involving car accidents, traffic accidents, and vehicle accidents throughout Decatur. We understand how overwhelming this time can feel, especially when insurance companies push for quick settlements that do not reflect the true cost of your injuries.
We help by:
- Investigating the car crash and reconstructing how it happened
- Gathering medical records and insurance details
- Working with experts on injury reconstruction and spinal trauma cases
- Calculating full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Filing insurance claims or a personal injury lawsuit when necessary
We also ensure your case complies with the statute of limitations so your right to recover compensation is protected.
We Are Here to Help You Move Forward
Car accidents can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars. Whether you are dealing with neck injuries, brain injuries, internal injuries, or lesiones físicas that disrupt your daily life, you do not have to face this process alone.
At Marks Law Group, we take the time to listen, explain your options in clear terms, and fight for the outcome you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Decatur, contact Marks Law Group today. Let us handle the legal burden while you focus on healing and moving forward.
FAQs
Should I go to the emergency room even if I feel okay?
Yes, after motor vehicle accidents, it is always safer to be evaluated in an emergency room or by a medical provider. Early medical care helps protect your health and creates medical records that may be important if you later file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Can I still file a claim if my pain started days after the accident?
Yes, delayed symptoms are very common in car crash cases, especially with cervical strain, herniated discs, and brain injuries. What matters is that you seek medical attention once symptoms appear and document your condition.
What if the insurance company says my injuries are minor?
Insurance companies often downplay injuries to limit payouts. Even injuries labeled as “minor” can lead to chronic pain, Physical Therapy, lost wages, and significant medical expenses. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help protect your right to full compensation.
