Broken Glass Injuries After Car Accident in Houston
Car accidents can be traumatic, leaving accident victims with a wide range of significant injuries. Some of the most serious injuries are those caused by broken glass. These injuries can lead to life-long health complications, scarring, and disfigurement. Recovering from these injuries often takes significant time, resulting in costly medical bills.
How can you pursue the money you need to cover your financial losses? The Houston car accident attorneys at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs can help. We understand how broken glass injuries can impact a person’s life. With 100 years of combined legal experience, we know how to advocate for accident victims and seek the compensation they deserve.
To learn more about how we can help you seek the money you deserve for injuries caused by broken glass, contact a Houston car accident lawyer at our office today to set up a free consultation.
Types of Injuries Caused by Broken Glass in Car Accidents
Although the windows and windshields in cars can be coated with materials to keep them from chipping and cracking, the violent nature of a car accident can cause windows to shatter. Chunks of glass turn into dangerous shrapnel that can cut and maim an accident victim, leaving traumatic wounds and scars. Some of the most common injuries caused by broken glass in car accidents include:
- Penetrating skull wounds
- Penetrating neck wounds
- Amputations
- Lacerations
- Eye injuries
- Severe bleeding
- Puncture wounds
- Nerve and muscle damage
- Severe shock
Broken glass cuts are not always superficial. Lacerations can cut deep into skin, nerves, and muscles, leaving scars and life-long tissue damage. Severe broken glass wounds can also trigger mental health concerns such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Houston car accident victims should explore solutions available for medical treatment and financial compensation.
Who Is Liable for Injuries Caused by Broken Glass in a Car Crash?
Texas subscribes to a traditional fault-based car insurance model. That means when you are injured in a car accident caused by a careless driver, you turn to the at-fault driver’s insurance company for compensation for your glass injuries. However, other parties could be liable for injuries from a car crash, and multiple parties could share liability. Some of the people or entities that could be at fault for motor vehicle accidents include:
- The driver’s employer, if the driver was performing work duties at the time of the car crash
- A pedestrian or cyclist who broke traffic rules, such as by obstructing the driver’s path, causing the driver to swerve
- Another driver who rear-ended the driver that hit you, causing a chain reaction
- The designer, manufacturer, or retailer of a defective mechanical car part
- A negligent mechanic who failed to fix a faulty part
- A state or local entity responsible for maintaining the roads if potholes, debris, or other poor road conditions caused the crash
A Houston personal injury lawyer can investigate the incident and determine where the fault lies.
Types of Compensation Available for Broken Glass Injuries After a Car Accident
The overall value of your claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and the cause of the crash. However, in many situations, accident victims can seek compensation for the following with the help of a Houston car accident attorney:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
Often, insurance companies want to settle a broken glass injury claim quickly to save time and money. However, a quick and easy settlement may not cover the total value of medical expenses and other financial losses. Before accepting a settlement offer from an insurer, discuss your situation with our knowledgeable Houston car accident lawyers. We can review your claim and calculate the fair value of your losses before negotiating for the maximum compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Serious Car Accident with Broken Glass?
Your actions after a car accident can significantly impact your safety and the viability of your Houston car accident claim. To protect yourself and strengthen your claim, consider taking these steps after an accident:
- Contact the authorities to report the accident and summon emergency medical services
- Seek medical attention immediately, if not at the hospital, then from your healthcare provider
- Exchange information with the other driver(s) and witnesses who saw the crash
- Document the scene by taking pictures of vehicle damage, road debris, skid marks on the road, and property damage caused by the crash
- Avoid apologizing or making statements admitting fault
- Contact Houston car accident attorneys who can advise you on the next steps
- Avoid stating the insurance company until after you consult with an attorney
- Stick to your doctor’s treatment plan and keep all follow-up appointments
- Keep records of all your expenses related to the accident
- Avoid posting anything on social media
Broken glass injuries can be significant, even if you don’t have symptoms immediately after a crash. Even tiny shards of glass can penetrate the skin and eyes, causing devastating damage. Seek medical attention for your injuries as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you suffered injuries.
Deadline to File a Car Accident Claim
Should you choose to file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation, you must do so before the statutory deadline. In Texas, plaintiffs have only two years from the accident date to file suit against at-fault parties. If you miss this deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, regardless of the strength of your claim. If so, you will lose your chance to pursue compensation in civil court. Thus, hiring an experienced Houston car accident attorney is crucial to protecting your legal rights.
While this deadline is not binding on insurance claims, the threat of a lawsuit can motivate insurers to negotiate a fair settlement to avoid the time and cost of a trial.
Contact Our Houston Car Accident Lawyers for Help
Broken glass car accident injuries can result in lifelong impairment and costly medical bills. How can you recover the money you need for your financial losses? The answer is with the help of a nationally recognized and dedicated law firm. At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, our Houston car accident attorneys provide personalized service to clients, helping them pursue maximum compensation for their injuries. We have advocated for the rights of accident victims for over three decades, and we can do the same for you.
Contact our office today for a free consultation with one of our Houston car accident lawyers.