Posted & Reviewed by C.J. Baker - Oct 14th 2024
Road safety should be a crucial concern for every driver. Despite advances in vehicle safety, car accidents still happen every day, and many of these accidents result in devastating injuries. Bad car accident injuries can sometimes be avoided or reduced by focusing on better road safety practices. Some of the worst car accident injuries we have seeninvolve the spinal cord, brain, bones, and internal organs.
In this blog post, we examine some of the worst car crash injuries and offer some practical advice on how to avoid them. Our goal at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP is to inform and encourage safer driving habits. Familiarizing yourself with how to avoid injury is the first step toward prevention.
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Traumatic Brain Injuries, or TBIs, are among the most severe injuries we see in car accidents. When your head is tossed around inside the skull during a collision, it can result in brain damage. TBIs can vary from mild concussions to permanent brain damage. Symptoms range from headaches to significant cognitive issues, including coma. Additionally, accident victims who have suffered a previous head injury are at a greater risk for a more severe one.
Seeking medical treatment following any head injury is crucial. Your prognosis might improve with timely medical intervention. It’s common for doctors to mandate head injury victims avoid stressors, including television and the phone, while recovering from a concussion or other more severe brain injury.
Spinal cord injuries in car accidents are often catastrophic and life-changing. These injuries occur when a forceful impact causes damage to the spinal cord. Because the spinal cord is delicate, the impact doesn’t have to be that great to cause a severe injury. The effects of a spinal cord injury range from a temporary loss of mobility to permanent paralysis.
Injury severity also depends on the injury’s location along the spinal cord. For example, a spinal cord injury in the neck is typically more severe than one in the lower spine. That’s because paralysis occurs below the injury site. Someone with a cervical spinal cord injury may not be able to eat or move any extremities, whereas someone with a lumbar spinal cord injury might have full use of their arms and upper body, just not their legs.
Internal organ damage is a less recognized but still very dangerous outcome of car accidents. These injuries can be life-threatening because they affect the liver, kidneys, spleen, and other vital organs. Blunt force trauma or penetration injuries often cause internal organ damage.
Seatbelt usage is vital in reducing the risk of internal injuries. They prevent the body from being thrown against hard surfaces or objects inside the car. Children must use the correct safety seat for their age and size. Some people argue that seatbelts and airbags can cause internal injuries. While there are some situations where the impact can lead to seatbelt and airbag injuries, the alternative is far worse.
Fractures and broken bones are common in car accidents. You might think a fractured or broken bone is a non-serious injury. While many simple breaks heal with minimal intervention, there’s also a risk of severe injuries that require complex surgeries and result in life-long pain for victims. Bones in the legs, arms, and pelvis are among the most commonly affected areas.
Facial injuries in car accidents can be particularly traumatic, and not only because they affect your physical appearance. They can also impact your vision, speech, and ability to smell or eat independently. Minor facial injuries include cuts and bruises. In contrast, severe ones might involve eye injuries or facial fractures.
You might think airbags cause facial injuries, but they can help prevent them. The airbag provides a cushion and can prevent you from striking the dashboard, steering wheel, or other hard surface. The key is sitting safely from the airbag to avoid deployment injuries.
Neck injuries, particularly whiplash, are some of the most frequent injuries sustained in car accidents. Whiplash occurs when the neck is abruptly thrown forward and backward due to a collision, straining the muscles and ligaments. In severe cases, it can lead to herniated discs or chronic pain. These injuries are especially common in rear-end collisions, which are frequent in congested traffic areas like Houston’s I-45 or US-59. Symptoms may include neck stiffness, headaches, and reduced neck mobility.
To reduce the risk of neck injuries, always adjust your headrest properly so it supports your head, wear your seatbelt, and avoid tailgating, which can lead to rear-end accidents. Prompt medical attention after a crash is also critical, as some neck injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
Many car accident victims experience psychological trauma, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD can develop after witnessing or being involved in a traumatic event, like a serious car accident. Symptoms may include flashbacks, anxiety, nightmares, and avoidance of driving or riding in cars. PTSD is especially common in severe or life-threatening accidents.
While PTSD can be hard to prevent, early intervention, such as therapy, can help manage symptoms. Practicing defensive driving and maintaining caution in high-risk areas, such as Houston’s high-traffic highways, can help reduce the chances of being involved in a traumatic crash.
Amputations are one of the most severe and life-changing injuries resulting from car accidents. These injuries typically occur in high-impact collisions, where limbs may be crushed or severed by the force of the crash. Roads like Houston’s I-10, known for high-speed traffic, often see more serious accidents that can result in such catastrophic injuries.
Victims face long-term rehabilitation and physical adjustments, and may need prosthetics. To minimize the risk of serious accidents that could lead to amputations, always use seatbelts, avoid excessive speeding, and stay alert, especially on highways where high-speed collisions are more likely.
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Texas is notorious for some of the deadliest car accidents in the country, many of which occur on its expansive and heavily trafficked highways. Over the past several years, a number of multi-vehicle pileups and severe crashes have led to tragic outcomes, including widespread injuries and loss of life.
Please read Most Dangerous Highways in the U.S.
The 2024 Austin Airport pileup, one of the most significant accidents in recent Texas history, involved over 50 vehicles near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Due to dense fog, visibility was severely reduced, causing drivers to slam into stopped vehicles before they could react. This pileup resulted in over 20 serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation, fog-related accidents account for around 15% of weather-related crashes statewide.
This catastrophic event underscores the importance of adjusting driving behavior during low-visibility conditions. Drivers should slow down, maintain a greater following distance, and use their headlights in foggy or rainy conditions. Houston drivers must also be vigilant, as the city’s Gulf Coast weather patterns frequently cause rapid changes in visibility.
In 2023, a deadly head-on collision occurred on a rural road near Cleburne, Texas. Two vehicles, both speeding, collided at full force. The crash led to five fatalities and left survivors with traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and severe internal bleeding. Head-on collisions are particularly deadly, accounting for approximately 10% of fatal accidents nationwide. The impact force in such crashes is often catastrophic due to the combined speed of both vehicles.
The Cleburne crash highlights the dangers of speeding and the relevance of staying alert on rural roads, where head-on collisions are more likely. Houston drivers traveling on less populated roads around the city should always obey speed limits and avoid distractions, such as mobile phone use, to prevent such life-threatening accidents.
In 2022, a significant pileup occurred on I-20 East in Dallas, involving over 30 vehicles. Heavy rain, combined with speeding, caused drivers to lose control, leading to a series of rear-end crashes. The victims suffered from a range of injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. According to the CDC, multi-vehicle pileups are more likely to result in severe injuries due to the compounding impacts from multiple vehicles (OSHA).
The Dallas pileup underscores the urgency of slowing down during rain and maintaining proper following distances. Oil residue on Texas roads, especially after dry spells, can become slick during rain, significantly increasing the likelihood of losing control of a vehicle. Houston drivers must be especially cautious on highways like the 610 Loop, where congestion meets unpredictable weather conditions.
The winter storms of February 2022 led to several multi-vehicle pileups across Texas highways, with the most severe occurring on I-35 and I-20, where more than 100 vehicles collided during a single icy storm. These accidents resulted in numerous fatalities and left many drivers trapped in their vehicles for hours. The victims of these pileups experienced serious injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and internal bleeding. According to the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the 2022 winter storm caused widespread disruption across the state, leading to road closures, power outages, and dangerous driving conditions that contributed to multiple fatal accidents.
These accidents demonstrate the dangers of icy roads, which are uncommon in Texas but particularly hazardous when they do occur. Drivers in Houston, although not accustomed to icy conditions, should prepare for winter weather by reducing speed, increasing following distance, and using caution when driving on bridges and overpasses, which freeze more quickly.
One of the deadliest accidents in recent Texas history, the 2021 I-35 Fort Worth pileup, involved over 130 vehicles. The pileup occurred after a thin layer of ice formed on the roadway, causing cars to slide uncontrollably. The crash led to six fatalities and left dozens injured, including victims with traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. The accident stretched over a mile and took emergency responders hours to clear.
Fort Worth’s icy roads contributed to the pileup, highlighting the importance of caution during winter weather conditions. Drivers in Houston should heed these warnings even though icy weather is less common in the area.
In 2017, a tragic accident involving a church bus occurred in West Texas, claiming the lives of 13 people. The bus was struck head-on by a pickup truck whose driver had been impaired by prescription medications. Many victims died on the scene, while survivors sustained life-threatening injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and severe internal bleeding. Impaired driving continues to be a leading cause of fatal crashes in Texas, accounting for nearly 25% of all traffic fatalities statewide.
The West Texas Church Bus Crash serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. In Houston, where nightlife is vibrant and impaired driving incidents are high, drivers must make responsible choices, such as using rideshare services or designated drivers, to avoid tragic accidents like this one.
Texas consistently ranks as one of the states with the highest number of car accidents, many of which result in severe injuries or fatalities. While there are many factors at play, several key causes contribute to the frequency and severity of car crashes across the state.
Speeding remains one of the leading causes of car accidents in Texas, especially on highways like I-10 and I-45, where drivers often exceed speed limits. Higher speeds increase the force of impact in the event of a crash, leading to more severe injuries. In high-speed crashes, victims are more likely to suffer from traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries, and amputations.
Speeding not only reduces the time drivers have to react to hazards but also increases the stopping distance required to avoid collisions. Slowing down can save lives, especially in areas with heavy traffic or during inclement weather.
Distracted driving has become a growing problem across the state. Whether it’s texting, using a GPS, or even eating while driving, any activity that takes your focus off the road significantly increases the risk of an accident. In Houston, where traffic is heavy and unpredictable, distracted driving is particularly dangerous.
Distracted driving is a key factor in rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and accidents at intersections, all of which can result in severe injuries. To avoid distracted driving, it’s critical to remain fully focused on the road, avoid using a phone while driving, and keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Texas weather can be unpredictable, ranging from extreme heat to icy storms, and both can make driving hazardous. In 2022, the winter storms that swept across Texas led to multiple pileups, causing widespread injury and loss of life. Drivers unaccustomed to ice or rain-slicked roads often fail to adjust their speed, leading to dangerous situations.
Rain, fog, and ice can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Drivers should take extra precautions during adverse weather, including reducing speed, increasing following distance, and turning on headlights to improve visibility.
Driver fatigue is another major contributor to accidents in Texas, especially in industries like oil and gas, where long hours and physically demanding work are common. Oil and gas extraction workers often work extended shifts that lead to fatigue, which can impair reaction times and decision-making abilities.
Fatigued drivers are more likely to make errors, fall asleep at the wheel, or fail to notice hazards in time to avoid a crash. To combat fatigue, it’s essential to take regular breaks during long trips and to avoid driving if you feel tired. Oil and gas workers, in particular, should ensure they are well-rested before getting behind the wheel.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a significant cause of fatal car accidents in Texas. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and reduced coordination, making it difficult to avoid accidents. The consequences of impaired driving can be devastating, as seen in the West Texas Church Bus crash in 2017, where a driver under the influence of medications caused a collision that took multiple lives.
Texans should always designate a sober driver or use rideshare services if they plan to consume alcohol or any substances that impair their ability to drive safely.
Avoiding car accident injuries requires a combination of vigilance, responsible driving, and adherence to safety procedures. While controlling all factors on the road is impossible, taking proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk of bad car accident injuries.
Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce the risk of severe injuries in a collision. For children, using age-appropriate safety seats and ensuring they are adequately secured is crucial for their protection. Avoid the urge to skip the seatbelt because you’re going somewhere close to home or riding in the backseat of an Uber or taxi.
Defensive driving involves being aware of potential hazards and preparing to react safely. That also means keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, being aware of your surroundings, and anticipating other drivers’ actions. Obeying traffic laws, including speed limits and traffic signals, is fundamental to defensive driving.
Distractions are a leading cause of accidents. Avoid using your phone, eating, or any other activity that takes your focus away from driving. Checking the GPS or turning to speak to someone in the vehicle can result in tragedy. Your full attention should always be on the road.
Regular vehicle maintenance is also crucial in preventing accidents and injuries. Get your brakes, tires, lights, and other critical components routinely inspected. Ensuring that safety features like airbags and seatbelts are functional is also crucial.
Adopting these practices can better protect yourself and your vehicle occupants. At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we understand the profound impact that injury car accidents can have on you and your entire family. That’s why we are committed to helping promote safer driving habits and preventative measures.
You will never be treated as just another case file when you hire Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP. We have years of experience representing victims of catastrophic car accidents and understand the physical, emotional, and mental toll these injuries take. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through the legal process alone. Let us be your advocate and help you fight for the compensation you’re owed. We know what it takes to build a successful case and are prepared to go to trial if that’s in your best interests. We have extensive trial experience and aren’t afraid to litigate a case. Please get in touch with our office today to schedule an initial no-obligation consultation.
C.J. Baker represents victims with serious injuries and he won’t let any corporation or insurance company stop his clients from getting complete justice. He has won millions of dollars for victims of 18-wheeler crashes, oilfield equipment failures, offshore platform explosions, and defective medical devices. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of lawyers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Our lawyers have more than 20 years of legal experience as personal injury attorneys.
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