Car accidents can be traumatic and life-altering, with injuries often requiring medical attention and long-term rehabilitation. If you’ve been involved in a car crash, you may be dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial damages.
We understand how overwhelming and stressful this situation can be for victims. Our experienced car collision lawyers understand Texas law and can help you navigate the legal process to obtain the compensation you deserve.
At PM Law Firm, we have a proven track record of successfully handling car collision cases. We work closely with our clients to understand their unique circumstances and develop a personalized legal strategy. Our goal is to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially from a car accident.
Types of Car Accident Injuries
Several types of injuries can result from a car accident, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more severe injuries that can have long-term effects.
Head and Neck Injuries
Head and neck injuries are the most common injuries in car crashes. They range from minor concussions to severe and life-altering traumatic brain injuries. The following are some of the most common types of head and neck injuries:
Concussion
A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury. It can happen when the brain is jolted or shaken inside the skull. This type of injury is common in car collisions, especially in cases where the head hits the dashboard or windshield. Headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and sensitivity to light or noise are all concussion symptoms. In most cases, the symptoms of a concussion will resolve on their own over time. However, you will want to seek medical attention to monitor your condition to prevent potential trauma complications.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a type of neck injury when the head is suddenly jerked forward and backward, causing strain to the neck muscles and ligaments. Many people experience this type of injury in rear-end collisions. Some symptoms, including neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness, may not appear for a few days. Usually, whiplash will subside on its own. However, a victim may need physical therapy or surgery to resolve their issues.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious and potentially life-altering injury that can occur in car crashes. TBI occurs when the brain is subjected to a significant impact or force, damaging the brain tissue. Symptoms of TBI often range from headaches and dizziness to memory loss and mood changes. The treatment for TBI can often include hospitalization, medication, surgery, and ongoing rehabilitation to manage the long-term effects of the injury.
Skull Fracture
When the bone of the skull is cracked or broken, that is known as a skull fracture. Generally, this type of injury can occur in high-impact car collisions. It can damage the brain tissue, leading to potential long-term complications. Symptoms of a skull fracture can include severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and seizures. Treatment for a skull fracture may include hospitalization, surgery to repair the fracture, and medication to manage pain and swelling. In some cases, ongoing rehabilitation may be necessary to address the long-term effects of the injury, such as cognitive or motor impairments. If you suspect you have sustained a skull fracture in a car crash, always seek medical help. This type of injury can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Chest and Back Injuries
These injuries are common in car collisions, ranging from minor bruises and contusions to life-threatening injuries. Back and chest injuries can affect the chest, back, ribs, and internal organs, causing pain, discomfort, and potentially long-term complications. Some of the most common types of chest and back injuries sustained in car crashes include:
Broken Ribs
Broken ribs are a common type of chest injury in car crashes. The force of impact can cause the ribs to crack or break, leading to pain and discomfort in the chest area. Symptoms of broken ribs can include pain when breathing, coughing, or moving. Along with that, individuals may also have swelling and tenderness in the affected area. Treatment for broken ribs may include pain management and rest. In some cases, surgery is needed to repair broken bones.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can occur in car crashes when the spine is subjected to a significant impact or force. This type of injury can lead to long-term complications, including paralysis or loss of limb sensation. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury can include back pain, loss of sensation or movement in the limbs, difficulty breathing, and loss of bladder or bowel control. Treatment for spinal cord injuries may include surgery, medication, and ongoing rehabilitation to manage the long-term effects of the injury.
Internal Organ Damage
Car crashes can also cause damage to internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, and spleen. These types of injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing are possible signs of internal organ damage. Treatment options include surgery to repair the damaged organ, medication for pain and inflammation, and ongoing medical monitoring.
Contusions and Bruises
Following a car crash, these injuries can occur in the chest and back area. Often, the individual will experience pain and may notice swelling and discoloration of the skin. Treatment for contusions and bruises may include pain management and rest. Applying ice to the injured area can reduce swelling and inflammation.
Arm and Leg Injuries
Car crashes can cause various arm and leg injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe fractures and amputations. A few common types of arm and leg injuries sustained in car crashes include:
Broken Bones
Various arm and leg injuries can happen during a car collision. Broken bones are often the most common type of arm and leg injuries that stem from these instances. The force of impact can cause bones to crack or break. That can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected limb. Treatment for broken bones may include immobilization of the limb with a cast or splint, pain management, and surgery to repair the fracture.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains can also occur in the arms and legs following a car crash. This injury can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected limb. Treatment for sprains and strains may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the injured limb. Pain management and physical therapy can also aid in the healing process.
Amputation
In severe car crashes, the impact force can cause limbs to be severed or amputated. This type of injury is life-changing and can lead to long-term complications, including difficulty performing daily tasks and mobility issues.
Dislocated Joints
After a collision, people may experience issues with dislocated joints in the arms and legs. With this type of injury, an individual may have pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected joint. Treatment for dislocated joints includes physical therapy and pain management.
Emotional Injuries
Along with physical injuries, victims can also experience emotional trauma from the incident. These injuries can significantly impact a person’s mental health and overall well-being. Some types of emotional injuries include:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop following a traumatic event like a car collision. Victims may experience flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance of situations that remind them of traumatic events. Often, treatment for PTSD includes therapy, medication, and other forms of support to help the person cope with their symptoms.
Anxiety
Anxiety can also develop following a car crash, especially if the person was injured or experienced a near-death experience. A person may experience excessive worry, panic attacks, and physical symptoms, such as sweating and shaking. Treatment for anxiety may include therapy, medication, and stress-reducing techniques that involve breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation.
Depression
Depression can also occur following a car collision, especially if the person is dealing with chronic pain, disability, or loss of mobility. The signs of depression can vary from person to person, but they generally include sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. Some people have found that therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes can help lessen the effects of depression.
Adjustment Disorder
Following a significant life event, such as a car crash, some individuals may experience an adjustment disorder. Signs of this disorder can include anxiety, depression, and difficulty coping with daily tasks and responsibilities. Treatment for adjustment disorder may consist of therapy and medication. However, support from family and friends is also needed to help the individual adjust to their daily life.
When You Should Seek Legal Advice
After a car crash, especially with significant injuries or property damage, you will want to talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer about your situation. Here are the right times to contact an attorney about your case.
There Are Injuries
Contact a lawyer immediately if you or someone else was injured in the crash. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
The Accident Was the Result of Someone Else’s Negligence or Mistake
If the crash was caused by someone else’s negligence, such as texting while driving, driving under the influence, or speeding, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and property damage. A lawyer can help you gather evidence and build a strong case against the at-fault driver.
The Insurance Company Is Offering a Low Settlement
If the insurance company offers a low settlement, you will want to contact a lawyer before accepting the offer. An experienced lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance company, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
You Have Mounting Medical Bills
If you’re having difficulty paying your medical bills, that is another reason to contact a lawyer. An attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance company or file a lawsuit to ensure your medical bills are paid.
An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
How to Help Your Settlement Case
If you’ve been involved in a car crash and want to increase your chances of a successful settlement of your case, here are some steps you can take:
Gather Evidence
Collecting as much evidence as possible can help you build a strong case. You may want to take photos of the crash scene, get contact information from witnesses, and obtain a copy of the police report.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel any pain or discomfort immediately after the crash, always get medical attention as soon as possible. Delaying medical treatment can harm both your health and your case.
Keep Track of Expenses
You will want to track all expenses related to the crash, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Your attorney can calculate your total damages and negotiate a fair settlement with that information.
Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters may try to get you to settle quickly and for less than you deserve. You should never talk to them without a lawyer present. A personal injury lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance company and ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Be Patient
Car crash cases can take time to settle. You will want to be patient and not settle for less than you deserve. With help from a personal injury lawyer, you can understand the timeline for your case.
Reach Out to PM Law Firm Today
Car accidents can result in various types of injuries, including physical, emotional, and financial damage. If you or someone you know has been involved in a car collision, seeking prompt medical attention and legal advice is crucial in managing the aftermath and ensuring you receive fair compensation for your damages.
We are a reputable law firm in Texas with experienced attorneys who specialize in handling car accident cases. We can help you navigate the legal process. By determining liability in your case, we can fight for the compensation you deserve as a victim. Contact our car accident attorneys at PM Law Firm to discuss your legal options.