Our Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Ashby Thelen Lowry know spinal cord injuries are unfortunately common in car crashes in Georgia due to several factors related to the mechanics of collisions, the vulnerability of the spine, and the nature of traffic on our roadways.
Here, we discuss why these life-changing injuries are prevalent in traffic collisions throughout the state.
Georgia’s Road Conditions & Heavy Traffic Patterns are Subject to Certain Types of Collisions
Georgia’s urban areas, like Atlanta, experience heavy traffic congestion, leading to frequent collisions. In addition, Georgia has several major interstate highways with heavy commercial and passenger traffic, increasing the likelihood of high-speed crashes. These car crashes involve significant kinetic energy transferred to the occupants, especially at high speeds. This sudden transfer of energy can cause severe trauma to the spine.
In addition, in certain crashes, the sudden deceleration forces can cause the body to jerk violently, leading to spinal injuries.
That includes:
- Rear-End Collisions: These are common in heavy traffic and often result in whiplash, which can injure the cervical spine.
- Head-On Collisions: These are particularly dangerous and can cause catastrophic injuries to the spine due to the direct and forceful impact.
- Side-Impact Collisions (T-bones): These collisions can cause the body to twist or bend unnaturally, putting immense pressure on the spinal cord.
- Rollover Collisions: Rollovers are particularly hazardous for the spine as the body is subjected to multiple directions of force, increasing the risk of severe spinal injuries.
While seat belts and airbags provide some protection, they do not entirely prevent spinal injuries, especially in severe collisions. The spine is a complex structure composed of vertebrae, discs, nerves, and the spinal cord. Even minor damage to any of these components can result in significant injury.
Immediate medical attention is crucial for spinal injuries. In some cases, delayed treatment due to traffic congestion or remote crash locations can exacerbate the severity of the injury.
These injuries can have devastating and long-lasting effects on victims, often requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. We can help you pursue the negligent driver who caused your spinal cord injuries to help ensure you are not paying for your medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages out of pocket.
contact our skilled Atlanta spinal cord injury lawyers and support team at Ashby Thelen Lowry at (404) 777-7771 to schedule a free consultation. This initial step will ensure your rights are protected and enable you to make informed decisions about the direction of your claim.