Most Common Car Accident Injuries

A total of 89,270 people suffered a serious injury in an auto accident in Texas in 2013. That averages out to about one serious accident injury every 2¼ minutes. San Antonio auto accident attorneys help a great number of people with these types of issues every day.

There are countless ways that auto accidents can occur, and even more types of unique injuries that vehicle occupants can suffer during one of these incidents. Here are the ten most common types of car accident injuries (in no particular order).

Leg injuries – including fractures to the femurs, tibias, fibulas, or bones in the ankles and feet; torn knee cartilage; nerve damage in legs and feet
Internal and pelvic injuries – including fractures to the hips or pelvic bone; bruised or punctured kidneys, spleen, liver, or other organs
Back injuries – including herniated discs and fractured vertebrae, sprains and strains to back muscles
Spinal injuries – when the spinal cord is bruised or torn by bone fragments or ligaments; this can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, nerve damage, or paralysis
Ruptured diaphragm – when the muscle that stretches across the bottom of the rib cage is torn, resulting in respiratory problems
Chest and arm injuries – including fractured humeri, radii, or ulnae in the arm; cracked or broken ribs; fractured sternum; punctured lungs; or bruised or lacerated heart
Neck injuries – including whiplash; strained neck muscles; cervical dislocation; damaged vertebrae, discs, or ligaments in the neck area; crushed larynx or trachea; or broken neck
Face and head injuries – including lacerations, fractured jawbones and orbital sockets; a broken nose; dental damage; partial or total loss of vision or hearing
Traumatic brain injury – including concussions or bruising, swelling, or bleeding of the brain; this can cause dizziness, memory loss, or reduced motor function control
Psychological injuries – including post-traumatic stress disorder, emotional distress, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, or fear of driving or riding in vehicles

If you get hurt in an auto accident that was caused by the negligence or the recklessness of someone else, that person is legally responsible for your injuries. And if your injuries are serious, the driver’s auto insurance may not be sufficient to cover your medical expenses and related costs. That’s when you might benefit from hiring a qualified San Antonio auto accident lawyer.

The accident attorneys at the Ramos Law Office have been aiding accident and injury victims in San Antonio and Bexar County for over three decades. We are dedicated to securing the kind of settlement or judgment that you deserve. To schedule a free initial consultation and learn about your legal rights from an experienced San Antonio car accident lawyer, call us at (210) 308-8811 or fill out our free, no-obligation contact form today.

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash is the single most common injury in car accidents, particularly in rear-end collisions. The sudden back-and-forth motion of the head strains the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck. Symptoms may not appear for hours or even days after the crash, which is why it is critical to seek medical attention immediately. More severe neck injuries can involve herniated discs, pinched nerves, or cervical fractures that require surgery and long-term treatment.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Back injuries from car accidents range from muscle strains and sprains to herniated discs and spinal cord damage. The force of a collision can compress vertebrae, rupture discs, or damage the spinal cord itself. Spinal cord injuries are among the most catastrophic, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis. Even less severe back injuries can result in chronic pain that affects your ability to work and enjoy daily activities for months or years.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries occur when the head strikes the steering wheel, window, dashboard, or headrest during a collision. Concussions are the mildest form, but even a concussion can cause headaches, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes that last weeks or months. More severe brain injuries can result in permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, seizures, and the need for lifelong care. In head-on collisions and T-bone accidents, the risk of traumatic brain injury increases significantly.

Broken Bones and Internal Injuries

The violent forces involved in car accidents frequently cause broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, and facial bones. Rib fractures are particularly dangerous because they can puncture the lungs or damage other internal organs. Internal injuries such as internal bleeding, organ damage, and abdominal injuries may not show obvious external symptoms but can be life-threatening without prompt medical treatment.

Get Medical Treatment and Legal Help

If you have suffered any of these injuries in a San Antonio car accident, you need both quality medical care and experienced legal representation. The car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Ronald A. Ramos, P.C. will fight to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact us today for a free consultation.