Car accidents can cause drivers and passengers to experience a wide-range of injuries. Depending on the severity of the accident, the injuries can be life-altering and require expensive medical treatments.
Common injuries
In a head-on collision, the vehicle’s occupants can suffer from traumatic brain injuries. These include concussions, brain damage, skull fractures and contusions. Also, the force of a head-on or rear-end collision can cause severe neck and spinal injuries. Whiplash is a common injury that occurs when the neck is strained or sprained. Spinal injuries can include herniated discs, fractures and paralysis.
The driver and passengers can also suffer chest and abdominal injuries. These include broken ribs, organ damage and internal damage. They can also experience injuries to their arms, legs, hands and feet as well as facial injuries. Facial injuries can include cuts, bruises and dental injuries.
While it is important to seek medical care right after an accident, some injuries may not be immediately visible. Serious accidents can cause drivers and passengers to suffer from psychological impact. They may experience post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression.
Pursuing damages
In Texas, the vehicle’s occupants may be eligible for several types of damages. The most common damages are for medical expenses and lost wages. Medical expenses include bills incurred because of the accident. Also, if the injured parties lost time from work or had to limit their work in order to heal, they may be able to pursue damages for lost wages.
They may also be eligible for damages to compensate them for pain and suffering, as well as for vehicle repairs or replacement costs.
The amount they may be able to collect depends on the circumstances of the accident, but there is help available for accident victims.