Common Rear-End Car Accident Injuries in Beaumont, TX

Every year, over 250,000 persons experience motor vehicle accident injuries in the state of Texas. No less than 254,853 went through this dreadful experience in 2017. Jefferson County saw its share of injury-causing car accidents as well: 7,205. Its county seat, Beaumont, was the location of more than half: 4,159. It is not uncommon to witness a rear-end car accident in Beaumont, TX. They occur all the time at crossroads, downtown, and even on the outskirts. They vary in severity, and they have numerous causes.

According to the reports of the Texas Department of Transportation, the most common causes are:

• Following too closely
• Backing and turning without safety
• Failure to yield right of way
• Distracted driving
• Unsafe lane changes
• Vehicle brake issues
• Disregard of traffic signals and markings
• Impaired Driving
• Speeding

Unfortunately, no matter their cause, most rear-end car accidents result in injuries. Depending on the type of injuries and their severity, their victims incur significant losses. They have to cover costly treatments and other medical expenses. They need time off work and they lose income. Some even remain disabled and see their earning capacity diminish or they lose it altogether.

The law gives victims the right to recover these losses. However, in order to actually succeed they will need the help of a Beaumont car accident lawyer. The procedures are quite complex and lengthy. Moreover, the law sets out strict deadlines for taking legal action. Rear-end car accident victims have 2 years to claim compensation for injuries and property damage.

This can be quite troublesome considering that some injuries take time to treat. The effects of others can span over several years. Injuries severely influence the compensation claim process. On one hand, they can prevent the claimant from taking action in time. On the other hand, the related losses can be difficult to estimate. The best way to understand the implications is to review the most common types of injuries.

Common Rear-End Car Accident Injuries and Why Sufferers Should Consult a Beaumont Car Accident Lawyer

1. Whiplash Injuries

Also named neck sprains, these injuries are among the most frequent. The impact force induces a sudden forward or backward head jerk. The movement is so sudden and powerful that it stretches or tears neck tendons and muscles.

Whiplash injuries bring about neck pain and stiffness, difficulty moving the head, and headaches. Their diagnosis often involves physical examinations, x-rays, CT scans, and other tests. These are all expensive.

Treatment for whiplash injuries can include ice patches, pain management, neck braces, and massage. It may last for weeks. However, sufferers can get in touch with a car accident lawyer earlier. The latter can help them gather the necessary evidence and even estimate future costs, if necessary.

2. Back Injuries

Many rear-end car accident victims experience back pain. Sometimes, it is a consequence of whiplash injuries. Other times, it is a sign of more serious back injuries. Anyone experiencing back pain should seek medical attention. Left untreated, back injuries can worsen.

Diagnosing them usually takes x-rays, CT scans, MRI, myelograms, and other physical tests. Depending on the symptoms, these may focus on the entire back or on specific regions. According to the region they affect, back injuries are classified as:

• Cervical or upper back injuries
• Thoracic or middle back injuries
• Lumbar or lower back injuries

They can affect the spinal cord and adjacent muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments. Spinal cord injuries are the most dangerous and costly to treat. They will be discussed separately. Back muscle, nerve, tendon and ligament injuries need attention as well.

They can impact the patient’s ability to move and, therefore, work. Besides pain and suffering and earnings-related losses, back injuries bring about huge treatment costs. Treating them requires medication, therapy, massage, and more. An experienced Beaumont car accident lawyer can recover all these losses for their client.

3. Airbag Injuries

Even the slightest rear-end car accident is strong enough to cause airbag deployment. After months or years of resting in their compartment, they are full of chemicals and dust. The deployment speed is considerable. Airbag injuries are a reality waiting to happen. They can involve:

• Abrasions and burns
• Lungs and airways irritation and asthma attacks
• Eye injuries or irritations, and more.

If the airbags function normally, the severity of the injuries will reflect that of the accident. However, minor accidents can result in severe airbag injuries as well when airbags malfunction. The party at fault for the rear-end car accident should compensate for airbag injuries as well. In case of airbag malfunctions, it helps to consult a car accident lawyer. They may recommend action against whoever manufactured, replaced, or inspected the airbags.

 4. Spinal Cord Injuries

These injuries affect the spinal cord tissue. They may also involve damage to the vertebrae, discs or ligaments.  The nerves facilitating communication between the brain and various body parts suffer, too.

Some spinal cord injuries lead to temporary or permanent paralysis and disability. Given the huge stakes, accurate diagnosis and treatment are of the utmost importance. The costs involved are huge. They account for:

• X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and medical examinations from various specialists
• Surgical and post-surgical treatments
• Neuro-stimulant and pain management medication
• Recovery treatment (electro-stimulation, physical therapy, massage sessions)
• Medical equipment (corset, wheelchair, walking frame, crutches, special shoes)

Frequently, after a rear-end car accident, spinal cord injuries can take years to heal. The victims may never fully recover. They deserve rightful compensation for their losses. The help of a car accident lawyer can be invaluable during the compensation claim process.

5. Head and Brain Injuries

Head injuries are a frequent consequence of car accidents in Beaumont, TX. The impact force throws drivers and passengers against the dashboards, windshields, side windows, or front seats. Their head injuries can range in severity and may involve any of the following:

• Concussions – brain injuries occurring when the brain hits the skull’s walls
• Skull fractures – skull fissures or ruptures
• Hematomas – blood clotting or accumulating outside the blood vessels
• Hemorrhages – uncontrolled bleedings around or in the brain
• Edemas – swellings of the brain or of the tissue surrounding it
• Diffuse axonal injuries – brain injuries involving damage to the brain cells but no bleeding

Diagnosing head injuries usually requires neurological exams and MRI and CT scans. Simple bruises or bumps may actually hide brain injuries. Emergency medical attention is, therefore, necessary. Brain injuries often have permanent consequences and long-term financial repercussions. An experienced car accident attorney should negotiate their compensation.

6. Facial Disfigurement

It is not uncommon for a rear-end car accident in Beaumont, TX, to result in facial disfigurement. Windshields break during impact and the shattered glass easily cuts through skin and flesh. The chemicals and dust covering airbags can aggravate the wounds. The airbags themselves may cause deep bruises and burns themselves.

It is difficult to put a price on facial disfigurement. Treatment costs are huge, considering that they usually involve reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. The wounds can take months, even years to heal. Victims experience incommensurable mental and physical pain and suffering.  For more information on pain and suffering damages click here.

Obtaining compensation for expenses and pain related to facial disfigurement is not easy. It takes time, following procedures, and providing substantial evidence. The process is better left to an experienced car accident lawyer.

7.  Wrist and Arm Injuries

In a rear-end car accident, the impact force will eventually push drivers and passengers forward. They will instinctually use their arms to lessen the impact. However, since the arms also need to support their body weight, injuries are frequent. They range from cuts and bruises to fractures, and they can be painful and costly to treat.

Most people rely on their hands to earn their living. As a result, their injuries may cause them to lose months of income. In some severe cases, accident victims permanently lose their earning capacity.

Treating wrist and arm injuries is neither easy nor cheap. It can take x-rays, surgery, medical devices, medication, and rehabilitation therapy. The treatment may last for months, and bring about huge pain and suffering. To compensate for these, it helps to benefit from the help of a Beaumont car accident attorney.

8. Seat Belt Injuries

The main purpose of seat belts is to protect drivers and passengers. In some rear-end car accidents, they, too, end up causing injuries. Sometimes, the accidents are so serious that seat belt injuries are a small price to pay. However, there are also cases when the seat belt malfunctions. Common seat belt injuries include:

• Bruising
• Whiplash
• Chest injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Abdominal injuries

Undetected, some seat belt injuries can worsen and even threaten the sufferer’s life. To diminish risks, a medical examination immediately after the accident helps. Treatment costs and eventual pain and suffering should be subject to compensation. This is easier to obtain with the help of a car accident lawyer.

Contact a Brent Coon & Associates Car Accident Attorney in Beaumont, TX, Now!

At Brent Coon & Associates, we certainly know how costly treating rear-end car accident injuries is. We also understand your pain and suffering, and we would like to help. To benefit from our assistance, call (409) 242-5527 or fill in the contact form! It is the easiest way to assess what we can do for you.