Common Injuries Caused by Speeding Accidents
Speeding is a leading cause of car accidents in the United States of America. According to the NHTSA, in 2021 alone, speeding killed 12,330 people. This means that in 2021, speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities. According to the NHTSA, an estimated 328,946 people were injured in speeding-related motor vehicle accidents in 2021 in the United States. This was 13% of the total number of people injured in motor vehicle accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they reduce their reaction time, increase stopping distances, and create a greater force of impact in collisions. So, generally, the faster a car is moving, the more severe the injuries are likely to be. For those involved in speeding-related accidents, it is crucial to understand the common injuries caused by such accidents.
The following are some of the common injuries that people suffer in speeding-related vehicle collisions;
Whiplash
One of the most common injuries from speeding accidents is whiplash. This injury occurs due to forceful, fast back-and-forth neck and head movement. Even at a relatively slow speed, a person can suffer whiplash. This injury can damage the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons, resulting in chronic pain and limited mobility.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains, are also quite common in speeding-related collisions. These injuries can arise when the body is thrown against the interior of the vehicle. Being restrained by a seatbelt can also cause soft tissue injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the head is violently impacted, resulting in the brain colliding with the inside of the skull. This can lead to bleeding, bruising, or swelling. TBIs can vary in severity, ranging from mild to moderate to severe. However, even a mild TBI should be taken seriously. Often, speeding accidents cause severe TBIs because of the increased force of impact. Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can cause various symptoms, including loss of consciousness, persistent headache, convulsion, inability to awaken from sleep, loss of coordination, profound confusion, and coma.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The forceful impact of a speeding accident can inflict harm on the spinal cord or vertebrae, resulting in a spinal cord injury. Based on the location and severity of a spinal cord injury, it can cause partial or total paralysis. Depending on the severity of a spinal cord injury, the individual may need long-term treatment and care, rehabilitation, and modification of their living conditions, such as assistive devices, to manage their daily lives.
Internal Injuries
The physical trauma caused by speeding can cause damage to internal organs, such as the liver, lungs, kidneys, or the spleen. Damage to internal organs can lead to bleeding or organ failure. Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent after a vehicle accident. Because of this, these injuries are particularly dangerous as they may go unnoticed until a person’s condition worsens.
Broken Bones
Speeding accidents can cause broken bones, ranging from minor fractures to more severe breaks that may require surgery and extended recovery periods.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you’ve been injured in a speeding accident because of another party’s negligence, contact our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm for legal help.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Myers, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
Source:
crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813473.pdf