Some of the Most Common Injuries That Occur in Texas Car Crashes

By October 20, 2019Auto Accidents

Some of the Most Common Injuries That Occur in Texas Car Crashes

Nobody wakes up in the morning and hopes to get into a car accident, but the terrifying reality is that they happen every day. Even the most cautious drivers are not immune to traffic accidents. The poor driving of others can result in unexpected and potentially lethal situations too.

Although every car accident is different, there are some common types of injuries that commonly occur in a crash. These injuries can be divided into two categories – impact injuries and penetrating injuries. The following is a list of injuries to look out for if you are ever involved in a traffic accident.

Impact Injuries

  • Head Injuries

Head injuries are perhaps the most serious type of injury that can occur as a result of a car accident. These injuries can range from mild concussions to serious brain injuries. They can result in hearing loss, vision problems, and brain damage. Serious medical attention and treatment may be required.

  • Back Injuries

Back injuries can also be very serious. Any damage to the spinal cord can cause an individual to lose control of their limbs, and in the worst-case scenario, become permanently paralyzed.

Back injuries can also result in a herniated disk or other soft tissue problems. Although these are less serious than other types of back injuries, they can still cause a significant amount of pain and discomfort.

  • Neck Injuries

Perhaps the most common injury in a car accident is whiplash. Whiplash is caused by the sudden movement of the head and neck and can result in serious muscle and ligament damage. Victims of a car accident can also suffer vocal cord paralysis due to a neck injury.

  • Chest and Torso Injuries

The blunt force trauma of a car accident can result in serious chest injuries. Individuals can suffer from collapsed lungs and broken rib cages. There is also the potential for internal bleeding and damage to the organs. People with heart problems may experience cardiac arrest.

  • Arm and Leg Injuries

Car crashes can result in significant damage to the arms and legs as well, including sprained or broken bones.

Penetrating Injuries

  • Cuts, scrapes, and bruises

During a car accident, glass and debris may be flung towards persons in the vehicle. This debris can result in cuts, scrapes and bruises.

  • Puncture wounds

Flying objects not only cause cuts, scrapes, and bruises – paired with the force of the crash, they can impale people as well. This is also true for stationary objects in some cases.

Texans, Beware Delayed Car Crash Injuries

Not all injuries will present themselves immediately following a car accident. There is a chance that victims of a car crash will exhibit delayed car crash injuries. The symptoms of these types of injuries typically make themselves known after the immediate aftermath of an accident – sometimes days or even weeks later.

One such injury? A concussion. The following symptoms may be associated with a concussion:

  • difficulty concentrating or remembering information
  • clouded thinking
  • headaches
  • blurry vision
  • dizziness or nausea
  • lack of energy
  • difficulty sleeping or oversleeping

Texans, Beware Delayed Car Crash Injuries

Soft tissue damage is also another common type of injury that isn’t immediately present. Signs can include:

  • Generalized neck, back and shoulder pain
  • Whiplash
  • Numbness

Regardless of the apparent severity of injuries following a car crash, it is always advisable to seek medical attention immediately after an accident. Since there are some symptoms that may not be immediately present, consulting a medical professional can help ensure you are in good health.

Motorcyclists at Extreme Risk in Texas

Motorcyclists are at greater risk for every injury type since they are more exposed. Riders commonly experience broken bones and ligament damage in crashes. In severe accidents, they may experience severed limbs. Additionally, the fatality rate for motorcyclists is significantly higher than those in other vehicles.

How Emotional Distress Fits In

Experiencing a car accident is a terrifying thing, and people involved in a crash may experience post-traumatic stress disorder. It is fairly common for individuals to seek emotional and psychological counseling following an accident.

Texas Is An At-Fault State

Texas is an at-fault car insurance state, meaning insurers will assign fault before deciding how and whether to provide coverage.

Separate from this, individuals can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. There is a maximum limit of two years to file a personal injury claim in the state of Texas.

Since the circumstances behind every car accident are unique, it is difficult to determine how much compensation victims may be entitled to in a general way. However, there are various factors to consider that will strengthen your case. Consulting a legal professional will assist in determining the factors relevant to you.

Fprt Worth Auto Accident Injury Lawyer

Car accidents only take seconds to occur, but the ongoing impacts can be devastating. Familiarizing yourself with the common injuries that occur in a crash can help you better articulate the symptoms you are experiencing to medical and legal professionals.

 

 

About the Author:

Brandon Fulgham has an in-depth understanding of both Texas law and Texans themselves. Before practicing law here, he received his undergraduate degree from TCU, and his law degree from South Texas College of Law in Houston. After graduation, he worked in District Attorneys’ offices as a prosecutor. Now, he uses that knowledge to anticipate opposing counsel’s arguments and protect the rights of people in and around Fort Worth. He has been recognized for his work by The National Trial Lawyers, Fort Worth Magazine, and others.