Experiencing a car accident in Texas is not only physically and emotionally traumatic, but it also brings a wave of unforeseen financial challenges. From medical treatment to vehicle damage, many people suffer from significant hardship after these dangerous—and often preventable—incidents.
In Texas, where roads are busy and accidents frequent, the aftermath often spirals into a complex web of costs and losses. However, victims may be entitled to financial compensation to help recover from the aftermath and hold the at-fault motorist accountable.
Motor Vehicle Crashes Cost Texans Billions of Dollars Per Year
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) paints a stark picture of the financial toll of motor vehicle accidents in Texas. In 2018, the cost of traffic deaths alone amounted to a staggering $5.70 billion. This figure breaks down into:
- $4.05 billion for motor vehicle occupants
- $658 million for motorcyclists
- $884 million for pedestrians
- $66 million for bicyclists
These numbers, however, only account for fatalities. Non-fatal accidents contribute similarly high costs, reaching into the billions, underscoring the profound economic impact of road accidents.
The Damages Involved in a Car Accident
The financial implications of a car accident are multifaceted and often extend far beyond the initial collision. Many victims suffer a range of damages, such as the following:
- Past and Future Medical Expenses: Medical treatment following an accident can be extensive and costly. This includes emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medication, and long-term therapy. Future medical expenses are also a significant concern, especially if ongoing care or rehabilitation is needed.
- Vehicle and Property Damage: Accidents usually result in vehicle damage, which can range from minor repairs to total loss. Property damage may also extend to personal belongings inside the vehicle, or any other property damaged near the crash site, such as a home.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings: Many accident victims are unable to work temporarily or permanently, leading to lost wages. If the injury affects a person’s ability to work in the future, the loss of future earnings becomes a substantial financial burden.
- Disability Accommodations: Serious injuries may require modifications to a home or vehicle to accommodate disabilities, incurring additional expenses. Additionally, victims may require long-term therapy or rehabilitation, live-in caregivers, and other services to support their daily lives and cope with the disability.
- Pain and Suffering: Beyond the tangible costs, accidents inflict emotional and physical pain and suffering, which, while harder to quantify, are significant damages in their own right. Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, and other forms of pain and suffering can greatly impact a victim’s quality of life.
Seeking Compensation After a Texas Motor Vehicle Accident
After a car accident, the journey to recovery not only involves healing from your injuries, but also navigating the financial aftermath. If you were injured while driving in Texas, you have the right to recover a settlement that can help pay for the damages that you have suffered.
Texas operates under a fault insurance system, meaning that those injured due to another driver’s negligence have the right to seek compensation. This can be pursued through insurance claims or, if necessary, lawsuits. However, these processes can be complex and demanding, especially when recovering from injuries.
A Texas personal injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you secure the compensation that you deserve. After your collision, schedule a legal consultation to learn more about your options and take your first steps toward justice.
