Experiencing a car accident is traumatic, even when a fortunate motorist escapes without injury, but a car accident that ends in frightening, painful injuries is an unwelcome experience no one ever forgets. Every year, between 20 and 50 million Americans suffer non-fatal injuries in car accidents, a significant portion of which result in disability. Even relatively minor, completely recoverable injuries can quickly cause financial hardship with a single emergency room bill, vehicle damage, and missed work days. More serious injuries can be life-altering and interfere with the ability to provide for a family and accomplish daily tasks. For these reasons, recovering compensation after a car accident with injuries in Austin is critical for most injury victims and their families.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in Texas Car Accident Claims?
Injury severity in car accidents depends on the type of accident, the speed at which the cars were traveling when the accident occurred, and whether or not the vehicle occupants were properly restrained. Common car accident injuries in Texas include the following:
- Soft-tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, torn ligaments, and whiplash which can occur even in low-speed accidents with minor damage to a vehicle
- Back injuries including fractured lumbar or thoracic vertebrae, herniated discs, and spondylolisthesis (displaced vertebrae)
- Neck injuries including whiplash and fractures
- Fractures of the limbs, ribs, hips, pelvis, and clavicle
- Head injuries/traumatic brain injuries ranging from mild concussions to severe brain injuries with long-term impairment
- Internal organ injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
- Abrasions
- Contusions
- Facial and dental trauma
- Burns
After a car accident, it’s critical to seek medical care immediately after the accident, either through EMS transportation to a hospital or by arranging transportation from the scene if your injuries aren’t life-threatening. Car accident victims should always request a complete medical examination as well as treatment for emergency injuries and report every symptom, even if it seems minor. Some types of car accident injuries such as whiplash and traumatic brain injuries have delayed symptom onset. Speak to an Austin injury lawyer to learn more.
Recovering Compensation After Car Accident Injuries in Texas
Like most states, Texas is a fault-based car accident insurance state that requires injury victims to file compensation claims against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. A successful claim requires compelling evidence of liability to recover full compensation for damages such as property damage to a vehicle, medical expenses, future medical costs related to injury care, income loss, diminished future earning capacity for a disability, and compensation for pain and suffering. In some cases, other damages apply, such as compensation for disfigurement, traumatic limb loss, the loss of one of the senses, or diminished quality of life.
How Can a Texas Car Accident Attorney Help?
Car accident claims in Texas are rarely simple, and recovering the maximum compensation available requires meticulous attention to detail, a thorough investigation, and ample evidence of an at-fault driver’s negligence. Insurance companies often protect their profits at the injury victim’s expense. Call the Austin car accident attorneys at Shaw Cowart LLP for a free case consultation so we can begin a strong strategy to ensure you begin your financial recovery while you focus on your physical recovery