Car crashes are one of the top causes of death and injury in the U.S. Those who survive their injuries after a traumatic collision face significant healthcare costs due to emergency department services, hospitalization, and in some cases permanent disability.
The ten most common types of injuries caused by a car accident and treated in the ER, according to this study, are as follows:
- Sprains
- Contusions
- Superficial injuries
- Open wounds
- Certain traumatic complications and unspecified injuries
- Intracranial injury (traumatic brain injury/concussion)
- Neck and spinal fractures
- Broken arms
- Broken legs
- Internal injuries
The types of injuries most commonly seen and treated in the ER were sprains (44%), contusions (34.8%), and superficial injuries (11.8%). Internal injuries to the brain, chest, abdomen, and pelvis were much rarer (2.6%).
Most patients treated in the ER after a crash are released (84.7%). Eight percent were admitted to the hospital for further care, 1.2% were transferred to an acute care hospital, 0.2% died in the ER, while 5.8% went to other facilities. Those admitted to the hospital for care were more likely to have neck and spinal fractures, open wounds, upper and lower limb fractures, and internal damage.
In addition to injury types, the study also revealed the 10 most common procedures performed on car accident patients in the emergency department:
- Diagnostic evaluations
- Stitching the skin and subcutaneous tissue
- Diagnostic radiology
- Traction, splints, and other wound care
- Other therapeutic procedures
- CT head scans
- Treating lower extremity fractures or dislocations
- Vaccinations and inoculations
- Respiratory intubation and mechanical ventilation
- Routine chest X-rays
Emergency Room Patient Statistics for Crashes
From 2017 to 2018, there were more than 3.4 million emergency room visits for car accident injuries. Most people injured or killed in crashes are vehicle occupants.
According to data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, the emergency department visit rate for victims of motor vehicle accidents were highest for the following groups:
- Patients between the ages of 15-24
- Black patients
- Those who had Medicaid, no insurance, or relied on workers’ compensation insurance
- People who live in the South
Black accident victims have a visit rate of 15.2 visits per 1,000 people, significantly higher than the rates for whites (4.3) and Hispanics (3.8). The age group most frequently affected by car accident injuries among the Black population are persons between the ages of 25-44.
Accidents are more likely to happen in Southern states like Georgia due to warmer weather, higher amounts of rain, and mild winters.
Car Accidents in Georgia
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injury deaths and the second-leading cause of ER visits and hospitalizations in Georgia. The physical, emotional, and financial devastation families face after a severe accident can never truly be understood or measured.
What doesn’t help the situation are insurance companies and their desire to put profit before people. That’s where a consultation with an Atlanta personal injury lawyer comes in.
If you suffered a serious or catastrophic injury due to a car accident that wasn’t your fault and you are worried about emergency room medical bills and insurance coverage, contact our experienced legal team today for assistance.
Gary Martin Hays & Associates understand the costs that come with emergency care. We can offer you peace of mind while we deal with the insurance company on your behalf and fight for the post-accident settlement amount you actually deserve.
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