When you’re involved in a car accident in Jacksonville, the injuries can be severe and far-reaching. You may experience soft tissue injuries like whiplash, which can lead to chronic neck pain and stiffness.
As an experienced Jacksonville car accident lawyer at Anidjar & Levine, we understand the significant impact these injuries can have on your daily life. Read on to learn more about common injuries from car accidents in Jacksonville.
Soft Tissue Injuries
As you drive the roadways of Jacksonville, the risk of being involved in a car accident is ever-present, and with it, the potential for soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries, which affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments, are common consequences of car accidents.
Whiplash is a type of soft tissue injury that occurs when the head and neck are forcefully jerked forward and backward, straining the cervical spine. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion.
Fractures and Broken Bones in Jacksonville Car Accidents
When you’re involved in a car accident, the force of the impact can cause significant damage to your skeletal system, leading to fractures and broken bones.
Wrist and Ankle Fractures
Wrist and ankle fractures are common consequences of car accidents in Jacksonville, particularly those involving high-impact collisions or rollover accidents. If you’re involved in a car accident, you’re at risk of sustaining these types of injuries.
Wrist fractures can be especially debilitating, requiring extensive wrist rehabilitation to regain full mobility and strength. Ankle fractures, on the other hand, may necessitate ankle surgery to realign and stabilize the joint properly.
In either case, prompt medical attention is important to prevent long-term damage or complications. You may need to undergo imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, to confirm the extent of your injuries and develop an effective treatment plan.
Rib Cage Injuries Common
The force of a car accident can be intense, and your rib cage is no exception. You may experience severe rib pain or chest trauma, which can be a sign of a fractured or broken rib. The impact of the crash can cause the ribs to bend or break, leading to painful breathing, coughing, or movement.
Rib cage injuries can range from minor cracks to severe breaks and, in some cases, may puncture the lungs. If you’re experiencing rib pain or chest trauma after a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention to rule out any life-threatening complications.
Head and Brain Injuries Are Common Injuries From Jacksonville Car Accidents
You’re at risk of suffering head and brain injuries in a car accident, which can have devastating and long-lasting consequences.
Concussions and Coma
While operating a vehicle, your head is susceptible to violent jolts, sharp twists, and powerful impacts, making it vulnerable to concussions and comas, two of the most severe head and brain injuries that are common in Jacksonville car accidents.
Concussions can cause a range of symptoms, from mild dizziness and headaches to severe memory loss and confusion. If you experience concussion symptoms, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention to prevent long-term damage.
Comas, on the other hand, are life-threatening and require prompt medical intervention. The recovery process for coma patients is often lengthy and unpredictable, with some regaining full consciousness and others experiencing permanent cognitive impairments.
Skull Fractures Possible
In the aftermath of a car accident in Jacksonville, the force of the impact can cause your skull to fracture, leading to a range of serious head and brain injuries. Your skull anatomy is extensive, consisting of 22 bones that protect your brain.
When these bones break, it can cause bleeding, swelling, and pressure on your brain. Skull fractures can be treated with surgical or non-surgical methods, depending on the severity of the injury.
Fracture treatment may involve stabilizing the bone fragments, relieving pressure on the brain, or repairing damaged blood vessels. It’s important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms such as severe headaches, confusion, or loss of consciousness after a car accident.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis in Jacksonville Car Accidents
The force of a car accident can be so severe that it causes your spine to stretch, compress, or even tear, leading to spinal cord injuries that can result in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can disrupt the communication between your brain and the rest of your body, affecting your motor skills, sensation, and reflexes.
The severity of the injury depends on the location and extent of the damage. If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury, maintaining spinal stability is important to prevent further damage. Your healthcare team will develop rehabilitation strategies tailored to your specific needs, focusing on regaining strength, mobility, and independence.
These strategies may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medication management. With proper care and treatment, you can maximize your recovery and improve your quality of life.
Psychological and Emotional Trauma
After surviving a car accident, you may think you’ve escaped the worst, but the traumatic experience can linger, leaving emotional scars that affect your daily life. The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, leading to emotional distress and anxiety. Psychological trauma is a common injury from car accidents in Jacksonville.
You may experience flashbacks, nightmares, or avoidance of triggers that remind you of the accident. These symptoms are common indicators of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If left untreated, PTSD symptoms can worsen over time, impacting your relationships, work, and overall well-being.
It’s important to recognize the emotional toll of a car accident and seek professional help from a mental health expert. They can provide you with coping strategies and support to manage your emotional distress and promote recovery.
Learn More About Common Injuries from Car Accidents in Jacksonville
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Jacksonville, you’ve likely suffered significant harm. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention to diagnose and treat your injuries effectively. At Anidjar & Levine, we understand the importance of prompt medical attention and effective legal representation.
Contact us today for a free consultation.