Common Car Accident Injuries

More than 2 million Americans are injured in crashes every year, and the average American driver is involved in three to four vehicle crashes within their lifetime. The odds suggest the chances are good that you will be involved in at least one vehicle crash, and you will also know someone who lost their life in a road accident.

Several vehicle accidents occur every day in Houston. Most are small fender-benders. But many cause severe injury and death. Almost all are caused by human error, which often has disastrous consequences.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident because of a driver’s mistake, you can take legal action to be fairly compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law can help you seek compensation, so call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential case review.

Why choose our car accident lawyers to represent you?

At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we have decades of experience helping injured car accident victims seek compensation from the person responsible for their accident. Judge Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Our skills and experience have played a key role in helping us secure over $1 billion in gross recoveries since 1985.

We understand how devastating an accident injury can be and its impact on your finances, so we do all we can to help you get maximum compensation. Our initial consultations are free, and we work on a contingency fee basis, so please contact us now if you want a law firm with experience and a good understanding of the Texas legal system.

Our attorneys are compassionate to what our clients have been through and aggressively pursue compensation. 

Texas motor vehicle accident statistics

Motor vehicle accidents are not uncommon in Texas, and based on reportable crashes in 2022:

• One person died every 1 hour and 57 minutes.
• One person was injured every 2 minutes and 9 seconds.
• One reportable crash occurred every 57 seconds.

Also, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reported that in 2022:

• There were a total of 555,229 total crashes.
• 244,092 persons sustained injuries in motor vehicle traffic crashes.
• There were 15,299 suspected severe injury crashes, with 18,880 people sustaining a severe injury.
• There were 66,405 suspected minor crashes, with 91,032 suspected minor injuries.

These accidents occur for several reasons; many could have been prevented if road users obeyed traffic rules and prioritized safety when behind the wheel.

Why do vehicle crashes occur?

Nearly all vehicle accidents are the result of mistakes. In many cases, one single crash can be caused by several factors. For example, suppose a drunk driver is texting while driving and causes a severe vehicle crash. In that case, the crash can be viewed as both an impaired driving accident and a distracted driving accident.

These are some of the most common causes of vehicle crashes:

• Drunk driving
• Distracted, drowsy, or fatigued driving
• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Improper lane shifting or failure to signal lane changes
• Ignoring traffic signs or signals
• Following other vehicles too closely
• Failing to drive appropriately in inclement weather
• Defective vehicle parts.

In 2022, 95,765 accidents were caused by distracted drivers, with 2,352 suspected serious crashes and 2,825 suspected severe injuries. That same year, 24,589 crashes were caused by drivers under the influence, with 1,772 suspected serious DUI crashes and 2,513 serious injuries.

Our attorneys can help you regain some semblance of the life you had before the accident. So, don’t be afraid to take legal action. 

Common car accident injuries in automobile accidents

Vehicle crash-related injuries can range from minor bumps and bruises to disabilities and death. Here are some of the most severe injuries a crash victim may suffer in a vehicle accident:

Multiple bone fractures

Accident victims often suffer bone fractures at the wrist, arm, ankle, rib, or hip. Most fractures take six to eight weeks to heal, but the duration varies from one person to the next, depending on the bone: a hand or wrist fracture can heal in four to six weeks, while a tibia fracture could take 20 weeks or more.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

Traumatic brain injuries occur when there is a severe blow to the head in an accident or a penetrating injury. Vehicle crashes are the third-leading cause of TBI-related deaths, according to the CDC and have long-lasting impacts on the victims.

Spinal cord injuries

A person’s essential bodily functions can become permanently disabled or even paralyzed from one severe blow to the spinal column. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center says vehicle accidents cause around 30% of all spinal cord injuries.

Loss of limbs or amputations

This painful, traumatic injury often leads to expensive medical and rehabilitation treatment and diminished work capacity.

Burns

Burns are the most painful injury a person can suffer, and burns are extremely expensive. The more severe the burn, the more significant the amount a person can receive as compensation.

Internal organ damage

Often difficult to detect immediately after a crash, internal injuries can lead to a complete shutdown of vital bodily functions and sometimes turn fatal. Therefore, even if you feel fine after an accident, ensure you get a full medical check-up.

Wrongful death

When a negligent driver kills a beloved family member, the survivors are emotionally crippled and are significantly impacted if they relied on the deceased’s income. They experience incredible emotional pain and suffering – not to mention the economic fallout of medical bills and end-of-life costs.

Injured bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians suffer most when hit by a motor vehicle

Pedestrians and cyclists are not immune to accidents. Instead, they are most likely to suffer severe injuries as they lack the protection that cars afford drivers and passengers. The statistics for pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorcyclist injuries are also not encouraging.

• According to the National Safety Council, 1,230 bicyclists were killed in motor-vehicle traffic crashes in 2021. In 2022, 2,349 bicyclists were involved in an accident in Texas, with 92 deaths and 333 injuries.
• Pedestrian deaths account for one in five of all roadway deaths in Texas.  In 2022, there were 5,764 traffic crashes involving pedestrians, with 830 deaths and 1,526 severe injuries.
• According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports, 562 motorcycle riders lost their lives in 2022, and 2,422 suffered severe injuries.

If you find yourself in an accident as a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist, ensure you contact our personal injury lawyers to learn of your rights and legal options.

How do accident injuries impact victims?

Injuries are not just painful and traumatic; they also genuinely impact a family’s financial situation. Thankfully, Texas is an at-fault accident state, meaning you can file for compensation against the person who caused the accident. You can do this by filing a claim or a lawsuit with their insurance company. Whatever option you choose, we can help you maximize your compensation and get a favorable outcome.

Were you injured in an accident? Book a free consultation with us now!

Accident injuries can alter the course of your life and keep you from enjoying the activities you used to. Therefore, you should exercise your right to financial compensation if a negligent driver caused your accident. Our Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law team is always available to offer legal guidance and help you seek compensation. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free case review.