Common Car Accident Injuries in Texas

Common Car Accident Injuries in Texas

Car accidents happen every day in Texas, from busy Dallas–Fort Worth highways to neighborhood streets and rural roads. Even a collision that seems minor at first can leave victims with serious injuries that affect their ability to work, care for their families, or enjoy daily life.

Medical treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery can take weeks, months, or even years. Understanding the most common car accident injuries in Texas can help victims recognize symptoms, seek proper care, and protect their legal rights. DFW Injury Lawyers help injured Texans pursue compensation when negligence causes harm, standing up to insurance companies that minimize injuries.

Reach out to a Texas car accident lawyer at DFW Injury Lawyers today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

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Key Takeaways:

• Many car accident injuries worsen over time
• Insurance companies often downplay pain and symptoms
• Early medical treatment protects both health and legal claims
• Documentation is essential for proving injury-related losses
• DFW Injury Lawyers helps Texans pursue full compensation

Head and Brain Injuries

Head and brain injuries are among the most serious outcomes of Texas car accidents. 

Even collisions at moderate speeds can cause the head to strike the steering wheel, window, or headrest, leading to trauma. In many cases, victims experience a rapid back-and-forth motion known as whiplash, which can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull.

Common head and brain injuries include:

• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Skull fractures
• Brain bleeding
• Post-concussive syndrome

Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, confusion, memory loss, fatigue, or mood changes. Some symptoms appear immediately, while others develop over hours or days. Insurance companies often argue that victims are exaggerating or that symptoms are unrelated to the crash, especially when imaging tests appear normal.

Because brain injuries are often invisible, documentation is critical. Medical evaluations, neurological exams, and specialist assessments help establish the severity and long-term effects. DFW Injury Lawyers work with experts to demonstrate how brain injuries affect thinking, behavior, and daily functioning, strengthening the victim’s claim for compensation.

Neck and Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in Texas car accidents, especially in rear-end collisions. The rapid movement of the head and neck can strain muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues. While some people recover quickly, many experience long-term pain and stiffness that interferes with work and daily activities.

Symptoms may include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Shoulder pain
• Difficulty turning the head
• Numbness or tingling in the arms

Insurance companies frequently dismiss whiplash as a “minor” injury. They may argue that victims should recover quickly or suggest that symptoms are unrelated to the crash. However, whiplash can cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, and long-term nerve damage.

Treatment may include physical therapy, chiropractic care, pain management, and stretching exercises. Early medical evaluation helps document the injury and establish a clear connection to the accident.

DFW Injury Lawyers help victims push back against insurance companies that minimize soft tissue injuries. We gather medical records, treatment plans, and expert opinions to show the real impact of whiplash and neck injuries on a victim’s life and ability to work.

Back and Spinal Injuries

The force of a car accident can place enormous strain on the back and spine. Even low-speed crashes can damage discs, nerves, and vertebrae, leading to long-lasting pain and disability.

Common back injuries include:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Nerve compression
• Muscle strains
• Fractures in the spine
• Sciatica

Back injuries often worsen over time, especially when victims try to return to normal activities too quickly. Pain may radiate into the legs or arms, making movement difficult. Some victims require surgery, injections, or long-term physical therapy.

Insurance companies often argue that back pain is related to age or preexisting conditions, not the accident. DFW Injury Lawyers works to connect the injury to the crash by reviewing medical imaging, treatment records, and doctor evaluations.

Back and spinal injuries can limit a person’s ability to lift, bend, or sit for long periods, affecting employment and quality of life. We pursue compensation that reflects both immediate and future challenges.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Car accidents frequently result in broken bones due to the force of impact, deployment of airbags, or collisions with interior vehicle surfaces. Fractures can range from simple breaks that heal with casting to complex fractures requiring surgery and hardware installation.

Common fractures include:

• Arms and wrists
• Ribs and sternum
• Legs and ankles
• Hips and pelvis
• Facial bones

Broken ribs can puncture lungs, and pelvic fractures may require extensive rehabilitation. Some fractures lead to long-term complications like arthritis, chronic pain, or limited mobility.

Insurance companies may claim that fractures will heal quickly and attempt to undervalue the injury. However, many victims face months of limited movement, inability to work, and difficulty performing daily tasks.

DFW Injury Lawyers documents medical treatment, surgical procedures, and rehabilitation needs to ensure fractures are fully accounted for in the claim. We also consider long-term consequences such as reduced earning capacity and ongoing pain.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They are extremely common in Texas car accidents but often overlooked because they do not appear on X-rays or scans. Insurance adjusters frequently dispute these injuries, calling them “minor” or questioning their legitimacy.

Soft tissue injuries include:

• Sprains and strains
• Muscle tears
• Bruising
• Tendon damage
• Ligament injuries

These injuries can cause significant pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Recovery may require physical therapy, massage, rest, and medication.

Because soft tissue injuries are harder to prove, documentation plays a major role in securing compensation. DFW Injury Lawyers help victims gather medical records, therapy notes, and expert evaluations to demonstrate how these injuries affect daily functioning and long-term recovery.

Chest and Internal Injuries

Seatbelts and airbags save lives, but they can also contribute to chest injuries during a collision. Blunt force trauma may damage ribs, lungs, or internal organs. Internal injuries are especially dangerous because symptoms may not appear immediately.

Common injuries include:

• Rib fractures
• Lung contusions
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Heart-related trauma

These injuries may require emergency treatment and hospitalization. Internal bleeding can become life-threatening without rapid diagnosis.

Insurance companies may argue that chest pain is temporary or related to stress. DFW Injury Lawyers emphasizes the seriousness of internal injuries and works to document their long-term effects, ensuring victims receive appropriate compensation.

Shoulder and Joint Injuries

Car accidents can damage joints, especially the shoulders, knees, and hips. The force of the impact may cause dislocations, tendon tears, or cartilage damage.

Shoulder injuries may include:

• Rotator cuff tears
• Dislocations
• Labrum injuries
• Bursitis

These injuries often require surgery and prolonged rehabilitation. Victims may struggle with lifting, reaching, or performing routine tasks, making it difficult to return to work—especially in physically demanding jobs.

Insurance companies may argue that joint injuries are age-related or preexisting. DFW Injury Lawyers works to show how the accident caused or worsened the condition, strengthening the claim for compensation.

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Psychological and Emotional Injuries

Car accidents affect more than just the body. Many victims experience emotional trauma that interferes with sleep, relationships, and daily life.

Common psychological effects include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Driving-related fear
• Mood changes

Mental health injuries are often ignored by insurers because they are not visible. However, the emotional impact of a crash can be just as debilitating as physical injuries.

Treatment may involve counseling, medication, and therapy. DFW Injury Lawyers document emotional injuries through mental health evaluations and testimony about changes in behavior and functioning, ensuring these effects are considered in compensation.

Seatbelt and Airbag Injuries

Seatbelts and airbags save lives in Texas car accidents, but the same force that protects occupants can also cause injuries. In high-speed crashes, airbags deploy at speeds over 100 mph, creating a powerful impact against the face, chest, and arms. 

Seatbelts can tighten rapidly, digging into the shoulder and abdomen. While these injuries are usually less severe than the harm prevented, they can still require significant medical treatment.

Common seatbelt and airbag injuries include:

• Bruising and abrasions across the chest or abdomen
• Rib fractures
• Sternum injuries
• Facial fractures
• Eye trauma
• Burns from airbag chemicals
• Hearing damage from deployment noise

Airbag burns are often caused by the chemicals and heat involved in deployment. Victims may also inhale irritants, leading to coughing or breathing problems. Eye injuries can occur when debris or chemicals contact the eyes during deployment, sometimes affecting vision.

Insurance companies frequently argue that seatbelt or airbag injuries prove the crash was minor. They may minimize pain or claim the injuries will heal quickly without long-term effects. However, rib and sternum fractures can make breathing painful, limit movement, and increase the risk of complications such as pneumonia. Facial injuries may require surgery or cause lasting scarring.

DFW Injury Lawyers works to document the full extent of seatbelt and airbag injuries, ensuring they are properly valued in a claim. Just because safety devices did their job does not mean victims should be left with the financial burden of recovery.

Hand, Wrist, and Arm Injuries

When a crash occurs, many drivers instinctively brace for impact by gripping the steering wheel tightly or extending their arms. This natural reaction increases the risk of upper extremity injuries. The steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag force can cause fractures, sprains, dislocations, or tendon damage.

Common injuries include:

• Wrist fractures
• Hand and finger fractures
• Rotator cuff tears
• Elbow dislocations
• Tendon and ligament tears
• Nerve injuries

These injuries can significantly disrupt daily life, especially for individuals whose work requires manual labor, typing, lifting, or fine motor skills. Even simple tasks such as cooking, writing, or driving may become difficult or impossible during recovery.

Treatment can involve:

• Casting or splinting
• Physical therapy
• Surgery
• Occupational therapy
• Pain management

Insurance companies often treat arm and hand injuries as minor, arguing that victims can return to work quickly. However, recovery may take months, and permanent limitations are possible. Loss of grip strength or range of motion can affect job performance, leading to reduced earning ability.

DFW Injury Lawyers ensure these injuries are properly documented through medical evaluations and therapy records. We work to demonstrate how upper extremity injuries impact work, daily functioning, and long-term quality of life.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Car accidents frequently result in visible injuries that leave permanent marks, including scars, burns, and disfigurement. These injuries can affect more than physical appearance—they may impact self-esteem, mental health, and employment opportunities, especially for individuals whose work involves public interaction.

Scarring and disfigurement can result from:

• Lacerations from broken glass or metal
• Airbag burns
• Surgical scars
• Facial fractures
• Road rash in motorcycle or pedestrian collisions

Severe scarring may require:

• Plastic or reconstructive surgery
• Skin grafts
• Laser treatment
• Long-term wound care

Insurance companies often undervalue these injuries, treating them as cosmetic rather than recognizing their emotional and psychological impact. However, disfigurement can lead to anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, and long-lasting trauma.

Texas law allows victims to pursue compensation for scarring and disfigurement, especially when injuries are visible on the face, neck, or hands. DFW Injury Lawyers work to show how these injuries affect confidence, relationships, and daily life. We pursue compensation that reflects medical needs, emotional harm, and future treatment costs.

Delayed Injury Symptoms

Some injuries do not appear immediately after a car accident. Adrenaline, shock, and swelling can mask pain and symptoms for hours or days. When symptoms finally appear, insurance companies may argue that they are unrelated to the crash.

Delayed symptoms may include:

• Headaches
• Back pain
• Numbness
• Cognitive issues
• Abdominal pain

Seeking medical attention as soon as possible protects both health and legal claims. DFW Injury Lawyers explains the importance of early evaluation and helps victims document delayed injuries to prevent insurers from denying coverage.

Long-Term Effects of Car Accident Injuries

Many car accident injuries lead to long-term complications, including:

• Chronic pain
• Limited mobility
• Reduced earning ability
• Need for ongoing medical care
• Emotional distress

Some victims are unable to return to their previous jobs or activities. These long-term consequences must be considered when calculating compensation.

DFW Injury Lawyers works with medical and financial experts to project future needs and costs, pursuing compensation that supports the victim’s long-term recovery and stability.

Give Us a Call Today

Car accident injuries can change your life physically, emotionally, and financially. You should not have to face recovery alone or accept an insurance company’s attempt to minimize your injuries. 

If you were hurt in a Texas car accident, contact a Texas personal injury lawyer at DFW Injury Lawyers today at (972) 440-2320 to learn how we can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Car Accident Injuries