A car crash subjects the body to forces it was never designed to withstand. In the span of a few seconds, sudden deceleration, impact, and the violent motion of being thrown against a seatbelt, airbag, or vehicle interior can cause severe damage. If you suffered any of the following injuries in a Texas car accident, you have the right to pursue financial compensation.
Head and Brain Injuries
When a vehicle is in a violent collision, the head continues moving until something stops it: the steering wheel, a window, or an airbag, for example. Even when the head never contacts anything inside the vehicle, the sudden stop can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull. That impact can lead to a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Watch for headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory lapses, or mood changes in the days following a crash. These symptoms signal the need for a medical evaluation, even if the initial injury seemed minor.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Damage
Whiplash occurs when a collision snaps the neck forward and backward faster than the surrounding muscles and ligaments can absorb the motion. This rapid, whip-like movement strains or tears soft tissue in the neck and upper back, producing pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
The same forces, combined with the pressure of a seatbelt locking into place or an airbag deploying, also cause bruising, sprains, and strains across the chest and shoulders. Left untreated, soft tissue injuries can develop into chronic pain, so early treatment is the best way to limit long-term effects.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A car accident can compress, twist, or jolt the spine well beyond its normal range of motion. When that force damages the vertebrae, discs, or the spinal cord itself, it can result in partial or complete loss of function below the point of injury.
Spinal cord injuries frequently require extended medical care, physical rehabilitation, and permanent changes to daily life. Even without nerve damage, the impact can herniate a disc or fracture a vertebra, producing pain that persists for months.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The direct impact of a crash, combined with the body colliding with the steering wheel, dashboard, or door, generates enough force to break bones throughout the body. Some bones bear more of this force than others:
- Wrists, hands, and forearms
- Collarbones and ribs
- Legs, knees, and ankles
- Pelvic bones
Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma from the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatbelt can compress the abdomen or chest hard enough to damage your internal organs. The liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs are particularly vulnerable during a collision. This type of damage can become life-threatening within a short window of time, so it is important to seek medical care.
Emotional Trauma and PTSD
Psychological injuries can affect daily life just as severely as physical trauma after a crash. The following signs often develop in the weeks after a collision:
- Difficulty driving or riding in a vehicle
- Sleep disturbances or nightmares
- Heightened anxiety in traffic situations
- Avoidance of places connected to the crash
Injured in a Texas Crash? Let’s Discuss Your Recovery Options
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car crash, a skilled McAllen car accident lawyer can walk you through your medical and legal options and lay out a clear path forward. We hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue the compensation you need to rebuild. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward your recovery.
