Common Car Accident Injuries in Texas

An estimated $18 billion in lifetime medical expenses and $33 billion in lost wages are attributable to frequent automobile accident injuries in the United States.

If you've ever been in a vehicle accident, you understand how unsettling and terrifying it can be. But, you may not realize that vehicle accidents may result in a variety of physical and mental ailments.

Victims may be left to deal with the physical, financial, and emotional repercussions after a severe car accident. Worse, hundreds of thousands of Texans suffer injuries in motor vehicle accidents each year. Every 61 seconds, according to the Texas Department of Transportation, an accident occurs somewhere in the state.

What is the Most Common Type of Crash Injury?

With abrupt movement, hits, debris, and more, injuries from automobile accidents may vary from small scratches and bruises to major and life-threatening disorders. Our personal injury attorneys have decades of experience in this area and can tell you that collisions impact each individual differently.

It probably goes without saying, of course, that whiplash is the most frequent injury sustained in automobile accidents. In contrast, strains, sprains, tissue damage, and bruising account for half of the injuries presented to the ER, but fractured bones account for less than 5% of injuries yet account for half of the hospitalizations.

Furthermore, an automobile accident may cause broken bones and significant soft tissue injury. Often, facial injuries pose extra dangers to the eyes and brain. Neck, hand, and foot joints are all susceptible to injury, and even a seemingly minor collision (or a collision with no visible damage) may result in a traumatic brain injury and paralysis.

In addition, hot vehicle parts or components and any high-temperature liquids in the vehicle might cause disfigurement in the event of a catastrophic crash.

Bruising and Other Minor Injuries After a Car Crash

Bruises are often minor and heal within a week or two. For instance, a seat belt may cause bruising in a vehicle accident but ultimately protects you from more severe injuries.

Most bruises are innocuous, but if you get one in a car accident, you should keep an eye on it, as it might be an indication of something more serious. As an example, some bruises may be far more severe and pierce the bone.

A bruise can also indicate internal bleeding. If the bruise becomes a hematoma or contusion, it may indicate a more serious underlying injury.

Major indicators that a bruise may be covering up a more serious injury include:

• Lack of mobility, numbness, weakness, or pins and needles
• Increased inflammation or discomfort
• Sickness and vomiting
• Headaches and vision difficulties
• Not improving in a week or appearing to become worse
• Blood detected in the urine
• Rapid heartbeat, fever, or impaired eyesight
• Lack of mobility, especially in the legs
• Any head injuries or abdominal injuries

Broken Bones & Disfiguring Injuries in a Car Accident

Burns and facial injuries may leave disfiguring scars that alter a person's normal appearance. They may need reconstructive and plastic surgery and never completely vanish. If the victim of a car accident is in a customer- or audience-facing job, facial disfigurement may hinder their future employment prospects.

Scars may create further long-term issues, such as stress or depression, and anxiety.

Some scars constrict as they heal, reducing mobility in the afflicted region. A scar may develop into a keloid or an elevated overgrowth of skin. Moreover, scars may quickly get infected or inflamed throughout the healing process, necessitating extra medical care.

Meanwhile, bone breaks and fractures caused by a significant impact, such as a vehicle accident, are not often readily apparent at the time of the incident.

Chest injuries and fractured ribs are also typical seat belt-related injuries. Despite the fact that seat belts save lives and prevent more severe injuries, they can still cause breaks and fractures, including but not limited to the following:

• Displaced Fracture: the bone fractures into many fragments and displaces.
• Non-Displaced Fracture: the bone fractures but remains in its original position.
• Closed Fracture: the bone is shattered below the unbroken skin.
• Open Fracture: the bone breaks through and leaves the skin.
• Partial Fracture: a break that does not completely penetrate the bone, also known as a hairline or stress fracture.

Tragically, accidents involving automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians continue to result in a high incidence of bone fractures in spite of an overall improvement in automobile safety.

Brain Injuries and Concussions After an Auto Accident

Arguably the most serious type of accident related-injury, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), can be common after a vehicle crash. Most traumatic brain injuries are caused by serious falls, gunfire, and motor vehicle accidents. What's more, TBIs are notoriously difficult to detect and diagnose. Slight memory, brain, and bodily functioning issues may indicate more severe brain damage, for example.

TBIs are a kind of head injury that include head bumps/blows and penetrating injuries, with concussions being the mildest form of brain damage. Very severe cases might result in death or permanent complications.

Each year, TBIs result in around 2.8 million emergency department visits and hospitalizations and 50,000 fatalities. Of course, with a concussion, the rapid action of the brain ceases abruptly. It causes the brain to move erratically inside the skull, causing it to twist or stretch out of shape. This often causes chemical disruptions or alterations in the brain, resulting in further issues.

Every concussion has the potential to be life-threatening and severe. Unlike a broken bone, brain damage cannot be immediately seen.

Keep in mind that suffering a succession of injuries and concussions or ignoring a TBI may progressively exacerbate brain damage. Needless to say, it's essential to observe and monitor any changes in your capacity for learning, focus, memory, and problem-solving. Brain injuries may induce changes in mobility, sensation, personality, and cognitive function over the long term.

Call the Rasansky Law Firm in Dallas

Throughout the Lone Star State, automobile accidents touch tens of thousands of families. Although a good portion of Texas car crashes only result in minor injuries, other victims are permanently disabled and in excruciating pain for weeks, months, or even years at a time.

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a catastrophic vehicle collision, you must immediately contact a Dallas car accident attorney. You may find that you qualify for fair, full compensation to offset impending medical bills and other financial obligations.

The Rasansky Law Firm's automobile accident lawyers have more than three decades of experience in assisting victims of accidents caused by careless and reckless drivers to move forward with their lives. Our team of educated and well-respected lawyers serves our clients with knowledgeable and trustworthy legal counsel. We are ready to analyze your accident's details and surrounding circumstances to assess your legal alternatives effectively.

If you have been injured in an automobile accident in Texas and have concerns about your legal options, please call (214) 651-6100 for a free examination of your case. Our Dallas car accident lawyers are ready to help you and yours today.