Motor Vehicle Accidents In Atlanta: Types, Causes, And Traumas Caused
Motor vehicle accidents are a common occurrence in the Atlanta area. In fact, according to statistics from the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety, there were over 97,000 reported crashes in 2016 alone. Of these crashes, over 3,700 resulted in fatalities, and over 84,000 resulted in injuries. Despite the city's best efforts to make the streets safer, car accidents continue to happen on a daily basis. While it is impossible to prevent every accident from happening, understanding the aspects of accidents can help you be better prepared if you are ever involved in one.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
A motor vehicle accident (MVA) is defined as a traffic collision that involves a motor vehicle. MVA's are a leading cause of death and injury in the United States, accounting for more than 30,000 fatalities and 2.5 million injuries each year.
If you are involved in an accident, the first thing you should do is to stop your vehicle and turn on your hazard lights. Next, you should check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Once the authorities have arrived, exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. You should also take pictures of the accident scene if possible.
Once you have gathered all of this information, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney like the ones from The Mabra Law Firm of Atlanta who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries.
Common Types Of Injuries
Motor vehicle accidents are a common occurrence in Atlanta, and can cause a wide variety of injuries. The most common are as follows.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
They can occur when the head hits something hard, such as the dashboard or windshield, or when the head is shaken violently. Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss.
Spinal Cord Injuries
They can occur when the spine is compressed or fractured. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury include weakness or paralysis in the arms or legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, and difficulty breathing.
Fractures
They can occur when the body is thrown against something hard, such as the steering wheel or dashboard, or when the body is crushed by a car. Symptoms of a fracture include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the injured area.
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Different Types
Here are the different types of accidents.
Rear-End Accidents
They occur when one vehicle hits another from behind. These accidents often happen because the driver in front brakes suddenly, and the driver behind them does not have enough time to stop.
Side-Swipe Accidents
They happen when two vehicles hit each other's sides as they are passing each other. This can be dangerous because it can cause drivers to lose control of their cars.
Head-On Collisions
They are the most dangerous type of accident. They occur when two vehicles hit each other head-on. These accidents often cause serious injuries or fatalities.
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to seek legal counsel from lawyers for motor vehicle accidents as soon as possible. Make sure to choose a lawyer from a respectable and trusted law firm like The Mabra Law Firm.
The Causes
There are many factors that can lead to a motor vehicle accident.
Driver Negligence
This includes things like failing to yield the right of way, running a red light or stop sign, and driving while distracted.
Speeding
When drivers exceed the speed limit, they are less likely to be able to stop in time if something unexpected happens in front of them. This can lead to T-bone collisions and other types of crashes.
Drunk Driving
Alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment and reflexes, making it more likely that they will get into an accident.
Distracted Driving
It can include anything from texting to eating to talking on the phone.
Traumas Caused
The types of traumas caused by motor vehicle accidents vary depending on the type of accident. Here are some of the most common traumas.
Head Injuries
It can range from mild concussions to life-threatening brain injuries. Concussions are typically milder head injuries that can cause short-term memory loss, confusion, and dizziness. More serious head injuries can cause long-term problems such as seizures, paralysis, and even death.
Neck Injuries
It can include strains, sprains, fractures, and dislocations. These injuries can cause severe pain and limited mobility.
Back Injuries
It can include strains, sprains, fractures, and disc herniations. Back fractures can be very serious and may require surgery or physical therapy to correct.
Chest Injuries
It can include bruising, broken ribs, punctured lungs, and even heart damage. These injuries can be extremely painful and may require hospitalization.
Psychological Trauma
This can include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health disorders.
If you or a loved one has suffered psychological trauma in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible.
Contact The Mabra Law Firm In Atlanta, GA
Motor vehicle accidents can be devastating for everyone involved. Not only are the physical injuries often severe, but the emotional trauma can be long-lasting as well. If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, it’s important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer right away.
At The Mabra Law Firm, they have years of experience helping people just like you get the compensation they deserve. They understand what you’re going through and will work tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome. Contact them to schedule a consultation.