Common Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents and Their Legal Impact in Florida and Georgia

Car accidents happen daily, leaving victims with everything from minor bruises to life-changing injuries. A simple drive can quickly turn into a painful, stressful ordeal.

Some injuries heal, but others lead to long-term medical issues, lost income, and legal battles.

At The Leach Firm, P.A., we fight for injured victims in Florida and Georgia, helping them get the compensation they deserve. With years of experience, we hold negligent drivers accountable.

Here’s a look at common car accident injuries and their legal impact.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Even a minor crash can cause injuries, but some are more serious than others. Here are the most common ones people suffer after a wreck.

Whiplash

Whiplash happens when the head is suddenly thrown forward and back, like the snap of a whip. This can strain or tear muscles and ligaments in the neck.

Symptoms of whiplash include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Reduced range of motion

Some people recover quickly, but others develop chronic pain that lingers for months or even years. Insurance companies often try to downplay whiplash claims, but the pain can be very real.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A sudden blow to the head in a crash can cause a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). These range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.

Types of TBI include:

• Concussions – Temporary brain function disruption
• Contusions – Brain bruising due to impact
• Hematomas – Blood pooling in the brain

Symptoms can include confusion, memory problems, emotional changes, and even physical disabilities. Some people require lifelong medical care, making these injuries especially serious in legal claims.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can be devastating, sometimes leading to partial or complete paralysis.

There are two main types:

• Incomplete spinal cord injuries – Some functions remain below the injury site
• Complete spinal cord injuries – No movement or sensation below the injury site

These injuries require expensive medical care, physical therapy, and sometimes home modifications to accommodate mobility issues.

Bone Fractures

Broken bones are common in crashes, especially in high-impact collisions.

Frequent fracture locations include:

• Arms and wrists (from bracing for impact)
• Ribs (from seatbelts or steering wheel impact)
• Legs and hips (from forceful collisions)

Some fractures heal quickly, but others require surgery, metal implants, or lengthy rehabilitation.

Soft Tissue Injuries

These injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and they can be hard to diagnose since they don’t show up on X-rays.

Common soft tissue injuries include:

• Sprains (ligament injuries)
• Strains (muscle or tendon injuries)
• Bruises (internal bleeding under the skin)

Even though they aren’t as visible as broken bones, soft tissue injuries can be painful and take weeks or months to heal.

Internal Injuries

Some of the most dangerous injuries are the ones you can’t see. Internal injuries can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.

Examples include:

• Organ damage – Blunt force trauma can harm internal organs
• Internal bleeding – Can lead to shock or other serious complications
• Punctured lungs – Caused by broken ribs

Since internal injuries may not have immediate symptoms, getting checked by a doctor after a crash is critical.

Psychological Trauma

Car accidents don’t just affect the body—they can have lasting emotional effects, too.

Victims may experience:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Flashbacks, nightmares, or severe anxiety
• Depression – Loss of interest in daily life due to the accident’s impact
• Driving anxiety – Fear of getting behind the wheel again

Mental health matters just as much as physical recovery, and emotional trauma can be included in personal injury claims.

Legal Impact of Car Accident Injuries

Your injuries don’t just affect your health—they also have legal consequences. The laws in Florida and Georgia determine how you can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

General Legal Principles

Car accident claims usually focus on negligence, which means proving that another driver was at fault.

If you’ve been injured in a crash, you may be able to recover:

• Medical expenses – Hospital bills, medications, physical therapy
• Lost wages – Income lost due to injury recovery
• Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress
• Property damage – Repairs or replacement of your vehicle

More severe injuries (like TBIs or spinal cord damage) typically lead to higher compensation since they require long-term care and impact your quality of life.

Florida’s Car Accident Laws

Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, which means your own insurance covers your medical bills regardless of who caused the crash.

Here are the main points you need to remember:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses, but it doesn’t cover everything.
• To sue the at-fault driver, you must meet Florida’s “serious injury” threshold, meaning your injuries must be severe enough to go beyond PIP.
• Florida has a two-year statute of limitations, meaning you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit.
• Comparative negligence applies, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you were partly at fault for the crash.

Georgia’s Car Accident Laws

Georgia uses a fault-based system, meaning the at-fault driver (and their insurance) pays for damages.

Here are the main points you need to remember:

• To get compensation, you must prove the other driver was at fault.
• Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule – if you’re 50% or more at fault, you can’t recover any damages.
• The state has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
• Georgia requires minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.

These legal differences matter when filing a claim, so having an experienced car accident attorney can make a big difference.

Need Legal Help After a Car Accident in Florida or Georgia? Contact The Leach Firm, P.A.

A car accident can turn your life upside down in seconds. Between medical bills, lost income, and insurance battles, the stress can feel overwhelming. That’s where The Leach Firm, P.A. comes in.

We’ve helped countless car accident victims in Florida and Georgia recover the compensation they deserve. Whether you’re dealing with whiplash, broken bones, or serious trauma, we’ll fight to protect your rights.

Call us today at 844-722-7567 for a consultation. Let us help you get back on your feet and on the road to recovery.