Common Injuries in Car Wrecks and How They Affect Your Claim
It is a sad fact that people get into car accidents. Every year in the US, there are millions of car crashes, and Texas is always among those states which have the highest number of reported accidents. This is why cities like Dallas, which have very busy roads full of cars moving at high speeds, experience many accidents. The aftermath for most victims includes not only damage to their vehicles but also physical harm that could be permanent.
One important thing you should consider when you have had an accident is understanding how such kind of injuries will affect your personal injury claim. The nature and extent of the injuries you suffer will play a significant role in determining the amount of damages that may be awarded to you. These include hospital expenses, money one would have earned but did not because they were sick or injured as well as pain and suffering which form part of the claim; therefore it is important to be prepared for anything like that. This blog discusses typical injuries people get from car accidents, how they impact on your claim and some simple things you can do for a reasonable compensation offer.
1. Types of Common Injuries in Car Wrecks
Soft Tissue Injuries
Car accidents mostly result to soft tissue injuries which affect the muscles, ligaments and tendons. One example of such injuries is whiplash which is a neck injury that occurs when the neck is forced to move abnormally due to an abrupt acceleration or deceleration in a motor vehicle. It is characterized by symptoms such as pain, headaches as well as stiffness that may last for days on end or even months. Treatment involves rest and physiotherapy with the possibility of requiring extended therapy in serious cases.
On top of that, one can easily suffer sprains and strains, particularly at the back or shoulders. Although they appear harmless at first, these injuries could deteriorate if not properly taken care of. Most of the time, insurance companies do not take these kinds of injuries seriously; therefore, it is important that they are recorded and immediate medical attention sought for them.
Head and Brain Injuries
Mild concussions and severe traumatic brain injuries are some examples of head and brain injuries. It is possible for the brain to experience a sudden movement when one is involved in a slow car crash; this may lead to problems with thought processes, memory and headaches. Some TBIs are so serious that they leave the victim with long term or permanent disabilities thereby disrupting his normal working and recreational life activities.
Although known as “mild” TBIs, concussions are still important. Symptoms such as feeling faint, being unable to think clearly or photophobia may continue and affect one’s daily routine. Therefore it is important to make the correct diagnosis and give appropriate treatment since head injuries left without attention may aggravate with time.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
The injuries on the back and spinal cord are very severe since they could cause immobility for a long period. An example of such injuries is herniated disc which occurs when the cushioning between the vertebrae is damaged leading to pain, numbness or in some incidences paralysis. Back fracture is another typical injury that might need an operation followed by a very long rehabilitation process.
In certain cases, such injuries result in constant pain and total inability, thus influencing greatly one’s living standards and financial capability. It is common for compensation claims on spinal cord damages to be very expensive because of their future effects.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The injuries on the back and spinal cord are very severe since they could cause immobility for a long period. An example of such injuries is herniated disc which occurs when the cushioning between the vertebrae is damaged leading to pain, numbness or in some incidences paralysis. Back fracture is another typical injury that might need an operation followed by a very long rehabilitation process.
In certain cases, such injuries result in constant pain and total inability, thus influencing greatly one’s living standards and financial capability. It is common for compensation claims on spinal cord damages to be very expensive because of their future effects.
Internal Injuries
Life-threatening internal injuries like organ damage or internal bleeding may not show immediately after an accident. The liver, spleen, or kidneys may be damaged by the impact of a collision such that emergency operation and a long period of healing would be necessary. Such injuries usually result in high medical costs as well as continued care, therefore complicating claims.
Emotional and Psychological Injuries
People tend to forget about the emotional suffering caused by motor vehicle accidents; however, it can incapacitate the victim just like physical wounds. Most accident victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder which is characterized by increased levels of anxiety, occurrence of flashbacks and problems with driving or riding in cars. In addition, individuals may suffer from depression and other forms of emotional distress especially when they are seriously injured or lose their lives in the accident.
2. How Injuries Influence Your Claim
Severity of Injuries
One of the key things that will determine how much you receive for compensation is how badly you were hurt. It follows then that people get more money when they sustain serious injuries which call for long-term treatment or lead to some form of incapacity. For one to determine severity, medical records and expert testimony play a very important role. If there is no enough evidence, the insurance company might pay less than what one deserves.
Long-Term Impacts
The value of a claim is significantly affected by injuries that have long-term implications like chronic pain and disabilities. Such losses should be compensated for in case one is unable to go back to their normal life because of the injury or if they require some care. Vocational experts and medical professionals play a crucial role in determining how much these effects stretch out.
Medical Expenses
Any injury claim must have medical expenses in it. These consist of the immediate care given as well as other appointments, physiotherapy and drugs. It is very important to keep track of every medical bill paid for and treatment received. The claim should also take into account future medical expenses like more surgeries or continued physiotherapy which may be needed.
Non-Economic Damages
Aside from the monetary expenses, personal injury claims heavily rely on intangible costs such as pain and suffering. Your claim will also have some emotional distress, reduced quality of life as well as loss of companionship which are all subjective but crucial. To determine the value of such damages, professionals like lawyers collaborate with learned friends in determining the same.
Comparative Negligence
In Texas, there is a modified comparative negligence law. This implies that you might get underpaid in case you are to blame for the accident as well. In the event that you are determined to be at fault to the extent of more than 50%, then you cannot claim any compensation. It is important to prove that the other party is to blame by using such evidence as accident reports and witness statements for your claim to be maximal.
3. Steps to Strengthen Your Claim
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention promptly after an accident is not only crucial for your health but also for your claim. Delaying treatment can give the insurance company a reason to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or were caused by something else. Be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations and document all treatments.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
The scene of the accident provides critical evidence for your claim. Take photos or videos of the vehicles, the scene, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from witnesses and ensure a police report is filed. These records can be invaluable in proving fault and the extent of damages.
Maintain Records
Keeping detailed records of all expenses, from medical bills to lost wages, strengthens your claim. Journaling about your recovery process and the impact of your injuries on daily life can also support claims for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Work with Legal Professionals
Hiring a personal injury attorney is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your claim. Attorneys understand how to navigate complex legal processes, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a strong case for maximum compensation.
4. Common Challenges in Injury Claims
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by offering low settlements or delaying claims. They may argue that your injuries are less severe than claimed or that you share fault for the accident. Working with an attorney can help counter these tactics and secure a fair settlement.
Proving Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages like pain and suffering are harder to quantify, making them a target for dispute. Evidence such as medical records, expert testimony, and personal journals can help demonstrate the emotional and psychological impact of your injuries.
Overcoming Liability Disputes
Disputes over who was at fault can derail your claim. Clear evidence, such as photos, witness statements, and police reports, is essential for establishing liability. In complex cases, accident reconstruction experts may be necessary.
Conclusion
Your life can be completely disrupted by car accidents, which leave you with injuries, emotional distress and financial difficulties. It is important to know what kind of injuries are common and how they will impact on your claim so that you can get the right compensation. For a just settlement or court award, all expenses including medical bills and lost income as well as non-monetary damages such as pain and suffering must form part and parcel of your recovery process analysis.
It can be a daunting task trying to go through the claiming process especially when dealing with insurance companies who are out to pay as little compensation as possible or deny liability. This is our area of specialization. We have experience in helping victims of accidents and this can be shown through our record at Byron C. Bailey & Associates, PLLC. Let us take care of the legal matters for you while you concentrate on getting better.
Do not hesitate if you, or someone dear to you, has suffered an injury in a motor vehicle accident. Call today for a free consultation so we can fight on your side to obtain what is rightfully yours. Also remember to follow us on social media platforms and subscribe for updates containing insightful information that may help you solve some problems. With your cooperation, we will make progress towards returning you back into normal living conditions.