Types of Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

A car accident may cause various types of injuries, from relatively minor neck pain and abrasions all the way to life-threatening head trauma or internal injuries. The type and severity of injuries sustained will vary depending on the specific circumstances of the collision. Not only will the force and location of impact have an influence on the injuries that a victim experiences, but the crashworthiness of the vehicle will also make a difference. Let's take a look at these two key issues:

The impact itself - in a multi-vehicle collision, the speed that each vehicle is traveling will have a direct influence on the force of impact. In a head-on collision, for example, the force of impact will be far greater than in a rear-end or t-bone collision because it will equal the combined total of the vehicles' speeds. If two cars are each traveling at 35 miles per hour and collide head-on, the force of impact would be equal to that of a single vehicle hitting a fixed object at 70 miles per hour. The location of impact on each vehicle will also be a determining factor in the type and severity of injury that a victim sustains. In a t-bone collision, for example, the occupant on the side of the vehicle that is struck will be more likely to be injured. The relative size and weight of each vehicle in a collision will also often correlate with the injuries that the occupants sustain (the occupants of the smaller, lighter vehicle are more likely to be injured).

The "crashworthiness" of a vehicle - the overall ability of a vehicle to protect occupants from injury in a collision may be considered the "crashworthiness" of the vehicle. Seatbelts, airbags and other safety features can help protect a driver or passenger from serious injury. The ability of a vehicle to withstand crushing, particularly in a rollover accident, is also important.

If you were injured in any type of auto accident, the most important thing you can do to help ensure that you have the ability to recover maximum compensation is to work with an attorney who can protect your legal rights and properly present your case. To find out more about what your claim may be worth and how a legal professional can help you, contact the Doan Law Firm. We offer skilled representation to car accident victims throughout the Houston area.