Can Crash Victims Sue for Deep Cuts and Lacerations?

Deep cuts and lacerations from car crashes can leave victims with lasting physical and emotional scars. Without treatment, these injuries could become infected. Even when treated immediately, these wounds take time to heal, and the treatment can be costly.

This article discusses lacerations and other open wounds sustained in a car accident, including when crash victims may be eligible to recover compensation for their medical costs and other losses.

Suffering from a deep cut, laceration or other injuries after a car accident? At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, our experienced car crash lawyers in Fort Worth are prepared to discuss your situation and help you understand your potential legal options.

Request a free consultation. Call today: (817) 920-9000

How to Identify Deep Cuts and Laceration

Deep cuts and lacerations can happen in a variety of car accidents, and they can be quite serious as many dangers could lead to the creation of an injury:

• Broken glass from shattered windows
• Debris from the accident
• Airbag deployment
• Contact with sharp objects inside the vehicle

These injuries can have significant consequences, including:

• Heavy blood loss requiring immediate medical care
• The risk of infection, especially if the wound is deep
• Scarring or disfigurement that might impact how someone feels about their appearance
• Emotional distress, which can linger long after the physical wounds heal

Can I Seek Compensation for Deep Cuts and Other Open Wounds After a Crash?

Texas works on a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if another party’s negligence caused your accident and is 51 percent or more at fault, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit for your cuts, lacerations and any other injuries caused by the crash.

What If I Am Partially At Fault?

If you are partially responsible the crash, your percentage of fault would be deducted from any compensation you are awarded. If you are 50 percent or more at fault, you will not be able to recover compensation for your damages

Proving Negligence for a Car Crash Claim in Fort Worth

As the injured victim, you have the burden of proving the other party’s negligence. This is something an attorney can help you with; you do not have to try to navigate the complex legal process alone. Your attorney will use four legal elements to establish negligence, including:

The Other Party Owed a Duty of Care

Duty of care is the driver’s responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws. All drivers are required to take reasonable measures to avoid causing harm to themselves or others.

The Other Party Breached That Duty

Actions that demonstrate that the other party breached the duty of care, such as by speeding, driving under the influence or distracted driving.

The Breach Directly Caused Your Injuries

Once you establish that there was a breach and that the other party violated it, you must show this breach directly led to the crash that caused your injuries.

For example, if another driver ran a red light and collided with your vehicle, resulting in deep cuts or other serious injuries, this may be evidence of negligence.

Suffered Damages as a Result

Victims will need to provide evidence of real damages, such as medical costs, they have suffered due to the accident. Documentation that may help to support your claim may include:

• Medical bills
• Employment records
• Medical records, which helps link your injuries to the crash that caused them
• Vehicle repair costs
• And more

What Type of Compensation Am I Entitled to?

Whether you reach a settlement or the jury awards you compensation in a trial, you may receive compensation for various types of damages, including:

• All reasonable and necessary medical costs
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
• Surgery to reduce scarring or to aid recovery
• Lost wages if unable to work while healing
• Pain and suffering, like anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Emotional distress

What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Lawsuit?

In Texas, crash victims typically have two years from the date they were injured. Failing to file within this time frame can result in losing your right to seek compensation. This is why acting quickly and consulting an attorney as soon as possible is encouraged.

Take the Next Steps By Contacting Our Fort Worth Car Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has experienced deep cuts or lacerations from a motor vehicle accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation.  

Injured in a Fort Worth car crash? If so, you do not have to try to navigate the legal process alone. Contact Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn today to discuss your situation and learn if you may have a case. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and well-being. There are no upfront costs if we represent you.

Experienced Lawyers. Proven Results: (817) 920-9000.