Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accidents are a common occurrence, and most people will be involved in a collision at some point in their lives. Many crashes cause significant damages, and there are common injuries in car accidents that frequently arise regardless of how the accident happened. People hurt in collisions often have to contend with substantial economic costs in addition to physical pain and emotional trauma, but fortunately, there are legal remedies available that may help them recoup their losses. If you were injured in a car accident, it is in your best interest to consult an attorney about what claims you may be able to pursue against the person responsible for your harm. The trusted Florida attorneys of Cardoso Law, PLLC, can advise you of your rights and assist you in pursuing the maximum amount of compensation available. We have an office in Pensacola, and we regularly assist people in car accident cases in cities throughout Florida.

Soft tissue injuries, which is the phrase used for harm to a person’s ligaments, muscles, and tendons, are among the most common injuries in car accidents. For example, whiplash, which is when the ligaments and muscles in the neck are strained due to sudden movements caused by the force of a collision, frequently arises out of accidents. Many crashes cause soft tissue injuries in the lower and middle back as well. Fractures frequently occur due to crashes also, as the force of the impact often causes the body of a vehicle to strike or crush a person’s limb, causing it to break.

Another common injury in car accidents is brain trauma, such as hemorrhaging, coup contrecoup injuries, and concussions. Traumatic brain injuries may not be evident for hours or days after a collision but can cause lifelong detriments, like cognitive impairment, memory loss, mood instability, and diminished fine motor skills.

People who are hurt in car accidents usually have to undergo extensive medical treatment and may be unable to work due to their injuries. They often suffer intangible harm, like mental anguish, pain, and suffering, as well. As such, they often strive to hold the parties that caused their accidents accountable in civil lawsuits.

Generally, a plaintiff in a case arising out of a car accident will have to prove the defendant’s negligence. In Florida, four elements comprise negligence, and a plaintiff must prove each one to recover damages. First, the plaintiff must show the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty, which is generally the obligation to act with relative care under the circumstances or abide by a statute such as those defining the safe operation of a motor vehicle. Next, the plaintiff has to establish that the defendant breached the duty.

The final two elements, causation and damages are linked. In other words, the plaintiff must show that the defendant’s breach proximately caused the plaintiff to suffer measurable harm. While the defendant’s actions or omissions do not have to be the sole cause of the accident, the plaintiff has to prove that the crash would not have happened absent the defendant’s behavior.

While collisions are common, they are typically preventable, and parties that drive in a careless manner and cause other people to suffer harm should be held responsible. If you sustained injuries in a car crash, you might be able to recover damages, and you should discuss the circumstances surrounding your accident with an attorney. The skillful Florida car accident attorneys of Cardoso Law, PLLC, possess the resources and experience needed to achieve successful results, and if you hire us, we will work diligently on your behalf. We have an office in Pensacola, and we regularly represent people in car accident cases in Pensacola, Ferry Pass, West Pensacola, Cantonment, Brent, Bellview, Century, Milton, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Jay, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville. We also help people seek damages in personal injury matters in cities in Santa Rosa, Escambia, and Okaloosa Counties and throughout Florida. You can contact us at (850) 466-2073 or through the form online to schedule a meeting.