5 Common Injuries Caused by Car Accidents in Texas

July 31, 2024
Dow Law Firm
common injuries caused by car accidents

Did you know that of the approximately 5 million car accidents that occur in the U.S. each year, about 43% result in injuries? Because no two crashes are identical, the causes of accidents and the corresponding injuries from auto collisions vary widely. This article contains a list of the most common injuries caused by car accidents.

5 Common Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

There’s a long list of possible injuries that can be caused by car accidents. The list below outlines common injuries to be aware of.  

1. Whiplash

Nearly 1/3 of car accidents are the result of a rear-end collision, so it’s logical that whiplash would top the list of the most common injuries caused by car accidents. This injury is the result of the neck suddenly being forced forward and backward, straining the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck.

Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, a restricted range of motion, and headaches. Often, whiplash can heal within a few weeks, but some accident victims may experience pain for several months.

2. Broken Bones

Due to the impact of vehicles colliding, especially at higher speeds, broken bones are also common. Broken bones can occur anywhere in the body, though the most common areas resulting from car crashes are the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.

Immobilizing the injured area is key to recovery, though some bone fractures may require surgical intervention to complete the healing process.

3. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

When the head strikes a hard object in a collision, a traumatic brain injury can occur. TBIs can range from a relatively minor concussion to severe brain damage.

Signs of a head or brain injury in a crash may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, blurred vision, cognitive impairment, and changes in mood or behavior.

4. Spinal Cord injuries

Back injuries can be caused by any number of things, including lifting a heavy object. When a spinal cord injury is the result of a car crash, however, the injury can be serious and even life-threatening. These injuries are caused by the body being forced against a structure in a vehicle, and the injury can occur anywhere from the neck area down to the lower back.

Damage to the spinal cord can result in temporary or permanent paralysis. Further, due to the number of nerves associated with the spinal column, this type of injury can lead to other issues in the body, including impaired mobility, muscle weakness, and loss of bladder or bowel function.

5. Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue is everywhere in the body, comprising of tissues around various organs in the body. Soft tissue can be characterized as the ligaments, tendons, and tissues that surround bones and joints.

Soft tissue injuries may be bruises, sprains, contusions, and muscle damage that result in swelling, bruising, or limited mobility.

What To Do After a Texas Car Accident

Any time you are involved in a crash, it is important to seek medical attention and receive auto accident injury treatment. This can help you put your car wreck injury recovery on the right track and preserve car accident injury claims.

It’s also advisable to contact an attorney as soon as possible. A Texas car accident injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights, preserve evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to seek maximum compensation.

Contact an Experienced Texas Personal Injury Attorney

You may experience vehicle collision injury effects immediately, or the full extent of your injuries might not be realized until later. Either way, having an attorney on your side can be vital to ensure your rights are protected.

To discuss car crash injury compensation, call The Dow Law Firm at (512) 240-9951 or contact us online.