In 2021, there were nearly 20,000 people who were seriously injured as the result of a car crash on Texas roadways, according to a report by the Department of Transportation. Per the language in the reporting, this only refers to injuries that were incapacitating and doesn’t take into account the countless minor injuries that occur every day.
When accidents like this happen, you need to take care of yourself physically and make sure you get the compensation you deserve from the at-fault party. To learn about some of the more common car accident injuries as well as the causes of car accident injuries, give me a call, K.E. Bradley Attorney & Counselor at Law, and speak with a personal injury attorney. With offices in Missouri City and El Paso, Texas, I’m able to help those in Sugar Land, Katy, Friendswood, Pearland, and Fresno.
Factors That Cause Injuries
Not all car crashes are the same, and depending on the nature of the accident you’ve been involved in, there are different factors that can cause injuries:
- Impact: How the impact will cause injuries can depend on what side of the car is hit (front, back, left, or right). For example, a rear-end accident is likely to cause injuries like whiplash, while a hit on the right side of the car is more likely to injure the passenger rather than the driver.
- Seat belts: Drivers and passengers who wear seat belts are far more likely to survive a car accident and walk away with less serious injuries. That said, even though the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, there are some injuries that are actually caused by seat belts, like abdominal injuries or bruising.
- Broken glass: It’s very common for glass to break upon impact, and this can cause cuts and lacerations to anyone in the vehicle.
- Airbags: Lastly, although airbags are proven to save lives and reduce serious injury, they can also cause facial injuries, including bruising and fractures in the small bones of the face.
Common Injuries
It’s important to understand the kinds of injuries commonly caused by a car accident so you know what to look for should this happen to you or someone you love:
- Soft tissue injuries: These injuries can occur when the body makes a sudden impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or side of the car, or when the body is jolted suddenly. They can also be caused by loose objects that become projectiles upon impact. Common examples include whiplash, back sprains, or any damage to the body’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
- Cuts and scrapes: These can be caused by objects in the car, broken glass, as well as airbags.
- Head and chest injuries: When the body is suddenly jerked in one direction, it can cause head, neck, brain, and spinal injuries. This could include broken ribs, bruising, concussions, or even brain damage.
- Arm and leg injuries: Many side-impact crashes can cause injuries to the arms and legs that can include scrapes, bruises, and broken bones.
Should You Be Seen by a Doctor?
In almost all cases when an accident victim asks, “Should I seek medical attention after an accident?”, the answer is undoubtedly, yes. This is true even if you think you haven’t been injured or that your injuries are only minor. Some injuries take time to exhibit symptoms and can take days or even weeks to show up. Only a trained medical professional can evaluate your needs and recommend a course of treatment. Any time you see a medical provider, be sure to keep a copy of the medical records including your bills, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.
The Time to Act Is Now
To speak with an experienced car accident attorney in and around the Missouri City, Texas, region, contact my office at K.E. Bradley Attorney & Counselor at Law.
