Common Car Accident Injuries in Texas

Car accident injuries may range from minor bruising to fatal internal and external trauma. The types of injuries received by a car accident victim depend on crash factors, including but not limited to:

Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists do not have the same protections as passengers in vehicles. They often suffer more significant bodily damage than those traveling in cars.

No two car accidents are alike, and every car accident victim’s injuries and journey to recovery are unique. The following are frequently cited car accident injuries.  To learn more about your car accident injury or discuss your Dallas car accident, speak with an experienced attorney at Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers.

Commonly cited car accident injuries include:

BRUISING AND LACERATIONS

Bruises and cuts are rarely severe and generally heal within weeks. However, some can penetrate to the bone. Bruises that linger and accompany nausea, headaches, ongoing pain, vision problems, or blood in the urine need immediate medical attention.

INTERNAL BLEEDING

Abdominal or head bruising may be a sign of internal bleeding. Blunt trauma to these areas can cause an organ to rupture and bleed. Internal bleeding can be deadly if not addressed.

SCARRING AND DISFIGUREMENT

Severe cuts and burns can cause scarring and disfigurement, requiring plastic surgery or even amputation. Emotional and mental pain and suffering can accompany the physical pain and suffering of disfigurement.

BROKEN BONES AND FRACTURES

Broken bones and fractures can include broken ribs, and bones can penetrate vital organs. Shattered bones may be difficult or impossible to set and adequately heal, resulting in lifelong pain.

FACIAL INJURIES

Car accidents regularly leave victims with facial injuries from glass, other debris, and contact with airbags. Broken facial bones, cuts, bruises, eye injuries, burns, tooth loss, and facial deformities are common. All of these can require plastic surgery and cosmetic reconstruction.

NECK INJURIES

The rapid back-and-forth motion or snapping of the neck in a car accident may cause whiplash and other neck injuries. Whiplash can cause lifelong pain or heal within months.

WHIPLASH

Whiplash is the most common car accident injury and is typically the result of rear-end collisions. The signs of whiplash include neck stiffness and pain, neck loss of motion, headache, dizziness, tinnitus, and worsening pain with neck movement.

LOSS OF LIMB

Car accidents may cause a limb to sever from the body or need to be removed due to irreversible damage. An accident victim may need a prosthesis and home and vehicle modifications for daily activities.

WRIST AND HAND INJURIES

Wrist and hand injuries are often the result of a protective reflex to cover the face. The wrist and hands may be cut, bruised, burned, or broken.

FOOT AND LEG INJURIES

Feet and legs are ahead of the body when driving a car and can suffer the full force of a crash. Toes may be amputated, and foot bones may be crushed or broken. Leg breaks, cuts, and bruises are typical crash injuries.

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY OR TBI

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) may result from any blow or trauma to the head, including shaking. TBI may take weeks to appear and must be diagnosed by a medical professional. A delay in diagnosis could cause TBI to worsen.

CONCUSSION

Car accident victims should be monitored for concussions, as repeat concussions can damage the brain permanently. As with TBI, signs of concussion are difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, mood swings, depression, and memory problems.

BURNS

Hot fluids and debris may cause mild, moderate, or severe burns to car accident victims. Severe burns are life-threatening and can be fatal. Severe burns require extended hospital stays, isolation, and intense reconstructive and plastic surgery.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL DISTRESS

Serious car accidents may leave victims with mental and emotional distress and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Signs of PTSD are nightmares, accident flashbacks, depression, and anxiety. It is typical to need counseling or therapy after a serious car accident.

BACK INJURIES

Back injuries can partially or permanently disable a car accident victim. Back injuries may present as back strain, sprain, a slipped or herniated disc, a ruptured disc, a pinched nerve, or nerve damage.

SPINAL CORD INJURIES AND PARALYSIS

Spinal cord injuries may cause temporary or permanent paralysis. Paralysis occurs below the point of the spinal cord injury and may include body systems and the arms and legs. Paralysis from car accidents most often includes quadriplegia, the inability to move from the neck down, and paraplegia, the inability to move from the waist down.

If someone else’s negligence caused you to suffer any of the above injuries, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related losses. A car accident attorney at Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers can explain the personal injury claims process and tell you if you qualify to file a claim.

Every car accident case will differ from the next though there are many similarities between the types of injuries that victims suffer. If not treated promptly, the injuries can have a substantial impact on one’s health for quite some time. In fact, some of the symptoms may not even surface until many years later.

In car accidents involving no or minor injuries, some individuals may hesitate to hire an attorney to assist them. The fact of is, though, that having an attorney early on can ensure you are making the right decisions and prevent any mistakes.

As an example, in Texas, the statute of limitations for filing an injury claim is two years, and you must file within that time period. A lawyer can ensure that all of the necessary paperwork has been filled out appropriately and filed by the deadline.

At Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers, we have handled auto accident cases involving a wide number of injuries, and we are prepared to help you get the best possible results for your personal injury case.

Call at (469) 689-0200 to schedule your no-obligation consultation with an experienced Dallas personal injury attorney at Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers today.

You should see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you feel fine or only have minor discomfort. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not show immediate symptoms but can become serious if left untreated. A prompt medical evaluation ensures that any injuries are diagnosed and treated early, which can prevent complications. Additionally, having a medical record from soon after the accident can be crucial if you need to file a personal injury claim.

If you can't afford medical treatment after a car accident, there are several options available to you. Many healthcare providers may offer treatment on a lien basis, meaning they will provide care upfront and receive payment from your settlement or court award later. Additionally, your auto insurance or health insurance may cover some of your medical costs. It's essential to discuss your situation with a personal injury attorney, who can help you navigate these options and ensure you receive the necessary treatment without financial burden.

To prove that your injuries were caused by the car accident, you'll need to provide thorough documentation. This includes medical records detailing your injuries, treatments, and any diagnoses from healthcare providers. It's also helpful to have a medical expert who can testify that your injuries are consistent with the nature of the accident. Additionally, photographs of the accident scene, damage to the vehicles, and witness statements can support your claim.

The recovery time for car accident injuries varies depending on the severity of the injury and the individual’s health. Minor injuries like bruises or mild whiplash may heal within a few weeks, while more severe injuries such as fractures, concussions, or soft tissue damage could take several months to fully recover. In cases involving traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, recovery may take years, and some individuals may experience permanent disability. Following your doctor's treatment plan and attending all follow-up appointments is essential for a full and timely recovery.