Tiger Woods has been hospitalized following a car wreck on February 23, and authorities have officially ruled it an accident. Most accidents involve two or more vehicles, but Woods’s accident was a single-car accident.
The Los Angeles County sheriff reported that “The first contact was with the center median, from there then crossed into the opposing lane of traffic, hit the curb, hit a tree, and there were several rollovers during that process.”
Despite the major damage that his car sustained, authorities do not believe that Woods had been driving under the influence. Drugs and alcohol cause many crashes in the United States, and the impairment that comes with driving under the influence often makes these crashes severe.
However, since Woods was taken to the hospital following the crash, they were able to test him and determined that alcohol was not a factor. Woods was rushed to the emergency room because he sustained several injuries that required medical attention.
After first responders had to extricate Woods from his car with the jaws of life, they quickly realized that the pro golfer had also suffered multiple leg injuries. Leg injuries are very common in car accidents, as they can be crushed by the metal and cut by flying debris.
The most common injuries in car accidents are:
- Whiplash: The sudden jerking motion of a car accident can cause injuries to the back, neck, and shoulders. The pain from whiplash can be immediate, or it can take a few days to show up.
- Scrapes and lacerations: The flying shards of glass along with other debris from inside and outside the vehicle can cause injuries to the skin. These cuts can be relatively minor, but they can also be deep and result in massive blood loss.
- Head injuries: If your head smacks against the window or steering wheel of your vehicle, you may suffer head trauma. Head trauma, especially concussions, often goes unnoticed, which is why you should always have a medical expert examine you after an accident.
It’s unclear if Woods’s injuries are severe enough to affect his career. Woods was the only person in the car, and no foul play is suspected. When asked if Woods would be charged with reckless driving, the sheriff said no charges would be filed.
“This is purely an accident,” the sheriff said. “We do not contemplate any charges whatsoever in this crash. This remains an accident. An accident is not a crime.”
Even if Woods was the only person in the car, he can still get compensation for his accident. Speaking to a car wreck lawyer in Sherman Oaks can give you insight into how you can get compensated for your injuries and vehicular damage. Contact us for a free consultation about your case!