What Injuries Occur in 30 MPH Fort Worth Texas Crashes?

Insurance companies are often skeptical about paying victims for injuries stemming from a low-speed crash. However, evidence shows that even a 25 mph to 30 mph crash can cause victims to suffer severe injuries.

Our Fort Worth car accident lawyers discuss low-speed crashes in Texas and how serious or even fatal injuries may occur. We also talk about insurance companies and why they may push back on these claims.

Were you injured in a low-speed crash caused by another driver’s negligence? If so, find out how we may be able to help. We have a history of getting favorable outcomes for our clients, and we are prepared to work tirelessly to recover the full compensation you deserve. Find out if you may have a case today at no cost or risk to you.

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Can Injuries From a 30 MPH Fort Worth Crash Be Serious?

A 30 mph car crash can cause surprisingly serious injuries. Despite being considered “low-speed,” these collisions generate significant force on your body. Common injuries include whiplash, concussions and minor to severe back problems. Knee and ankle injuries can occur if the driver or passenger hits the dashboard. Seat belts, if improperly worn, can cause internal injuries to the chest or abdominal area.

Some of the severe potential injuries include:

• Whiplash and neck strain
• Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Herniated discs and spinal injuries
• Bruised or fractured ribs
• Knee and ankle injuries
• Internal organ damage

Injury severity often depends on factors like vehicle type, seat position and whether you were bracing yourself for the impact.

Can You Die From Injuries in a 30 MPH Crash?

Fatalities are much less common in 30 mph crashes compared to high-speed collisions. However, it is possible to die from injuries sustained in these accidents. Research shows that the risk of a fatal injury increases significantly at speeds above 20 mph.

How Likely Are Pedestrians To Die in a Crash at 30 MPH?

According to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, pedestrians, on average, have a 10 percent risk of sustaining fatal injuries at an impact speed of 23 mph. That risk increases to 25 percent at 32 mph, and 50 percent at 42 mph. For vehicle occupants, the risk is lower but still present.

Factors that can increase the risk of fatal injuries in a 30 mph crash include:

• Age and overall health of the victim
• Location of impact on the vehicle
• Use of safety features like seat belts and airbags
• Type and size of vehicles involved
• Presence of complications like internal bleeding

Is a 30 MPH Crash the Same as Falling From a Three-Story Building?

There is some truth based in this statement, however, it is not an apples-to-apples comparison. Physical calculations show that the impact of a 30 mph crash is roughly comparable to a fall from about 30 feet, which is about three stories. Other studies show that a passenger involved in a crash at 30 mph who weighs 150 pounds and is not wearing a seat belt, exerts a calculated force of over two tons. That equates to 4,500 pounds of force crashing into another object; enough to kill someone.

Falling from a building is not the same as getting injured in a car crash. The fact is, however, that both of these incidents involve powerful forces that can cause significant physical harm.

What Fatal Injuries Are Most Common in 30 MPH crashes?

While fatalities at 30 mph are not as frequent as in higher-speed crashes, they can and do occur. The risk is especially high when safety measures like airbags or seat belts are either disabled or not used as intended.

The most common potentially life-threatening injuries in these crashes may include:

Head Injuries

Head injuries, including skull fractures, severe concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be fatal. Passengers or drivers may skip seeking any medical treatment because they do not even initially realize something is wrong. When they do, it can be too late.

Severe Internal Organ Damage

People who do not wear their seat belts as intended increase their risk of sustaining severe internal organ injuries.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Severe or fatal spinal cord injuries may be more likely if a passenger or driver gets ejected from a vehicle because they were not wearing a seat belt. Victims suffer paralysis, followed by other life-threatening complications

Chest Trauma

Serious or fatal chest trauma could include aortic ruptures, cardiac trauma or punctured lungs.

Steps To Take to Protect Your Claim

After being injured in a 25 mph to 30 mph crash caused by another driver’s negligence, you need to take steps to protect your claim. Failing to do so could cost you thousands in compensation. These steps start at the crash scene:

• Call 9-1-1: This step may seem a no-brainer, but in low-speed crashes, people may often want to avoid the hassle. The problem is, you do not know yet if you sustained internal injuries. You need a medical exam to determine that.
• Notify Your Insurer: You will have to notify your insurance company to get a claim started. However, you should know that insurers are often skeptical about victims who say they were injured in a crash at 25 mph to 30 mph.
• Seek Legal Help: After calling 9-1-1, it is often a good idea to call for legal help next. If an experienced attorney believes you may have a case, he or she can take steps to protect your claim from day one. An attorney can, for example, speak to the insurance company on your behalf and negotiate for the full and fair settlement of your damages.
• Photograph the Crash Scene: Only do this if it is safe to do so. If taking photos could put you in harm’s way, leave it to crash scene investigators to do later. Take photos of the inside of your car and anything you can capture from your vehicle, including visible injuries.
• Document Your Symptoms: Start doing this from day one. Be concise, honest and detailed. Be sure to include your pain levels and how the injuries are affecting your everyday life.

Remember, “low-speed” does not always mean low impact. Always seek immediate medical care after a crash. Your health should be your top priority.

Call Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP for Legal Help After a Low-Speed Car Crash

Not sure if you have a case? You can find out at no cost to you. Call our law offices today to set up a free call, video conference or in-person visit with a qualified attorney at our firm.

We are dedicated to helping injured crash victims secure the compensation they need to help them move forward with their lives. We charge no upfront costs or fees to get started or throughout the legal process. We only get paid if you do.

Securing justice in Fort Worth. (817) 920-9000