Common Injuries After a Florida Car Accident — And How They Affect Your Settlement

A car accident can change your life in an instant. In Florida, thousands of drivers are injured every year in crashes ranging from minor fender-benders to catastrophic collisions. 

Some people walk away with minor bumps or bruises. Unfortunately, many others sustain serious, long-lasting injuries that require medical treatment, time away from work, and ongoing rehabilitation. 

Have you been injured in a Florida car accident? If so, it is important to know how the type and severity of your injuries can directly impact your personal injury claim or settlement. 

Florida Car Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries

In 2023, there were over 395,000 car accidents reported in Florida. Many of these collisions left people suffering devastating injuries. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most common car accident injuries in Florida.

Whiplash

One of the most common injuries after a rear-end collision is whiplash. This injury occurs when the neck is forced back and forth rapidly. Soft-tissue injuries may not always appear on X-rays but can cause significant pain, stiffness, and headaches. 

How could your settlement be affected? Insurance companies sometimes downplay whiplash as “minor.” It’s important to have thorough medical documentation to prove the seriousness of your injuries. 

Broken bones

Broken legs, arms, and wrists are common in car accidents. These injuries often require surgery, physical therapy, and weeks or months away from work. 

Broken bones are usually proven through medical imaging. The cost of medical treatment, lost wages, and rehabilitation can greatly increase your settlement value. 

Internal injuries

Seatbelts and airbags save lives, but they can also cause internal bleeding, organ damage, or other injuries. These injuries might not be immediately obvious but can be life-threatening if left untreated. 

The seriousness of these injuries often leads to higher medical costs and significantly increases settlement value.

Back and spinal cord injuries

The human body and spine are not designed to sustain heavy impact, and back injuries are very common in Florida car accidents. A herniated disc, nerve damage, or spinal injury can cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, or even paralysis. 

Head injuries

Even without a direct blow, the force of a collision can cause concussions or other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or memory issues may not appear immediately, sometimes surfacing hours or days later. 

Brain injuries often result in higher settlements because of the potential for permanent impairment and lifelong care. 

The Importance of Getting Immediate Medical Treatment After a Florida Car Accident

After an accident, adrenaline and shock can mask pain. This could make you think you’re “fine” when, in reality, injuries are developing. Conditions like concussions, internal bleeding, and whiplash often show delayed symptoms that may not appear for hours or even days later. 

Seeking immediate medical treatment helps you in two ways. First, getting an early diagnosis ensures you get the care you need before your condition worsens. 

Second, it protects your personal injury claim. Insurance companies often try to argue that your injuries weren’t serious or caused by the crash. Immediate medical documentation creates a clear link between the accident and your injuries, strengthening your car accident case. 

Why More Serious Injuries Often Mean Higher Settlements

The severity of your injuries is one of the biggest factors that determine the value of your settlement. 

More serious injuries typically mean:

• Higher medical costs: Emergency care, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation costs 
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, or if you can’t return to the same job
• Long-term care needs: Permanent disabilities, ongoing therapy, or the need for assistive devices 

Because of these costs, cases involving severe injuries usually lead to higher settlements than cases involving minor or short-term injuries. 

How Florida PIP Coverage Works 

Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP pays for:

• Up to 80 percent of all reasonable and necessary medical expenses (up to your policy limit)
• Up to 60 percent of lost wages
• Certain out-of-pocket expenses

The problem with PIP coverage is that it is limited and often not enough to cover serious injuries. In cases of “serious injury” under Florida law, you can step outside of the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver for additional damages such as pain and suffering. 

Get Help From a Florida Car Accident Lawyer Today

The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. When insurance companies are looking for reasons to deny or delay your claim, it can feel like the legal system is working against you. 

This is where having an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer by your side can make all the difference. A skilled attorney from our law firm can gather the medical records and evidence needed to prove the full extent of your injuries and ensure that you receive full compensation for all of your damages. 

At Kogan & DiSalvo, we are committed to standing up for car accident victims across Florida. We know how devastating a serious injury can be for your health, finances, and peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.