Injuries suffered from car accidents can range from minor to severe. If you suspect you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Injuries are not always immediately apparent. Car accidents can cause internal damage that may worsen without medical intervention.
In this article, we cover five common types of car accident injuries. Then, we discuss types of auto accidents and commonly related injuries. Next, we discuss statistics for your likelihood of being injured in a car accident in Texas. Then, we end with legal options for car accident injury victims in Texas.
Let’s begin.
Common Car Accident Injuries
The following types of injuries are commonly reported in car accidents:
1. Whiplash
A whiplash injury refers to what can happen to a person’s neck when their vehicle is hit from behind. The head is not restrained and can be thrown backward and forward from the force of impact. The rapid motion can damage muscles and other tissues in the neck.
Whiplash symptoms develop within a few days after an accident. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, limited movement, headaches, and dizziness. Typically, symptoms improve within a few weeks. Some people however, have additional risk factors that may delay or prevent the anticipated healing.
2. Spinal Column or Cord
The spinal column is made up of bony vertebrae separated by spongy discs and held together by ligaments. Running inside the length of the vertebrae is the spinal cord, consisting of the nerves that convey messages between the brain and the body.
A spinal column injury is characterized by stiffness and pain that may worsen with physical activity. Vertebrae out of alignment or a herniated disc can put pressure on the spinal cord. It can be difficult to stand or walk, and there may be numbness or tingling in the extremities.
When the spinal cord is injured, the damage can be significant and permanent. An injury to the spinal cord can result in immediate paralysis and loss of bodily function below the level of the injury. The crucial survival period is the first 24 hours. Of those who survive, 85% will likely be alive 10 years later.
The majority of function to be regained will occur in the first 18 months following a spinal cord injury. It is rare for someone to recover all previous functioning. The biggest risks of death for persons living with spinal cord injuries come from respiratory diseases – particularly pneumonia during the first 15 years following the injury.
3. Head and Brain
Head injuries can occur from direct impact to the head or from the force generated by the crash, causing the brain to slam into the skull. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can have physical, sensory, and cognitive symptoms and range from mild to severe.
A concussion is a mild form of TBI where consciousness is rarely lost. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, mild cognitive difficulty, mood changes, and altered sleep patterns. It takes about a month for a person to recover from a mild TBI.
Loss of consciousness typically indicates a more severe brain injury. Physical symptoms will be more pronounced and may continue to worsen. A person may appear extremely tired or very confused. Most people who experience moderate to severe TBI will live with some permanent disability and are at greater risk for seizures, drug poisoning, infections, and pneumonia.
Long-term prognosis is not encouraging, with only about 26% of persons with TBI reporting improvement after 5 years.
4. Broken Bones
Upper and lower legs and pelvises are the most commonly broken bones in car accidents. The force of the body against the restraint of a seatbelt can result in a fractured sternum or ribs. Spinal vertebrae in the back and neck can break from the force of impact in rear-end or head-on crashes.
5. Internal Damage
Internal damage can be caused by a crushing force or can occur as secondary to another injury, such as a bone fracture. Organ rupture, internal bleeding, and lung collapse are serious internal injuries that can result from the trauma of a car accident.
Types of Auto Accidents and Related Injuries
There are many types of injuries that can occur in an auto accident. It is often the case that the more serious the car accident, the more serious the injuries. The type of injury that you might sustain is dependent on factors like:
- seatbelt use,
- position within a vehicle,
- point of impact, and;
- vehicle speed can all contribute to injuries when cars crash.
Additionally, certain types of injuries are more likely to be associated with types of accidents. For example, in front-end collisions, persons in the front seats are likely to hit the steering wheel and dashboard. This type of accident commonly results in injuries to the head, neck, chest, and abdomen.
In rear end collisions, neck and back injuries are common.
Side impact or “t-bone” accidents can result in crushing injuries, including bone fractures and internal organ damage.
Your Likelihood of Being Injured in a Car Accident
The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) reported there were 250,335 persons injured in motor vehicle collisions in 2023. With nearly 18,000,000 licensed drivers on its roads, that gives any one driver in Texas about a 1.5% chance of being involved in an accident resulting in injury.
Those odds may not sound like much, but the Lone Star State’s 2023 crash statistics appear a bit more sobering when considered as follows:
- 0 deathless days
- 1 crash per minute
- 1 person injured every 2 minutes
- 1 person killed every 2 hours
Legal Options for Car Accident Injuries
In Texas, if the accident was caused by someone else, you may have the right to be compensated for your injuries, medical bills and other damages. You will likely need to deal with insurance company representatives. You need to be prepared to understand the claims process to be successful with your claim. It is critical you understand the statute of limitations for car accidents in Texas.
The Dallas car accident injury lawyers at Wolf Law, PLLC, routinely assist people who have been injured in car accidents. We can help you navigate the the legal process so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Learn your rights and get your questions answered during a free consultation with Wolf Law, PLLC. Contact us Today.