A car accident can change your life in seconds.
The Texas Department of Transportation reports that 14,656 people sustained a serious injury in a car accident in 2020. These injuries may have long-term effects.
Types of car accident injuries
Many serious injuries can occur in a car crash.
Open fractures
An open or compound fracture occurs when the bone breaks the skin. Infection and blood loss are major concerns with these fractures.
Amputation
Severe fractures may lead to amputation. Traumatic amputation can also occur during an accident.
Spinal injury
Car accidents cause nearly half of spinal cord injuries. These injuries can cause many complications, including:
- Paralysis
- Incontinence
- Nerve pain or numbness
- Difficulty breathing
Traumatic brain injury
Effects of TBI can include memory loss, difficulty communicating, mood swings and behavioral changes.
Organ damage
The kidneys, liver and spleen are particularly vulnerable to car crash injuries. Shock from blood loss can also damage internal organs.
Life after a serious car accident
Injuries can affect your life long after the crash. You may be unable to work, making it difficult to afford your medical expenses. You might require ongoing treatment, physical therapy, counseling, equipment or prosthetics. You may need to renovate your home to accommodate a disability.
Pursuing a settlement
Nothing can erase the emotional trauma of such a traumatic injury, but you might be able to sue for damages to alleviate your financial burden. If you are successful, your settlement may cover not only current medical expenses but future ones as well. You might also receive compensation for lost wages and emotional distress.
Automotive accidents cause thousands of serious injuries in Texas every year. If you have experienced such an injury, it is important to know that you have rights and options.