What are 5 Hidden Injuries to Be Aware of After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, injury victims are often shaken up and confused about what just happened. Adrenaline often prevents victims from feeling immediate pain or recognizing potential injuries. When medical attention is not sought immediately, injuries can cause further damage.
Our attorneys with Hipskind & McAninch, LLC have compiled a list of 5 hidden injuries to be aware of after being involved in a car accident. If you need legal representation, contact our firm today to discuss your case details or learn more about Hipskind & McAninch, LLC’s expertise in car accident cases.
Introduction on the importance of being aware of hidden injuries after a car accident
Even if you seek medical attention right after an accident, many injuries can take days, weeks, or even months to appear. You must follow up with your doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms.
Common hidden injuries after a car accident include whiplash
Whiplash is an injury to the neck often occurring in car accidents.
Causes
The forceful, quick back-and-forth motion of the neck often causes whiplash.
Symptoms
Symptoms of whiplash can include headaches, stiffness, and neck pain.
Long-term effects
Most people fully recover from whiplash in just a few weeks, but unfortunately, some people develop chronic pain with complications.
Unseen car accident injuries that require attention include concussions
Concussions are mild brain injuries caused by taking a blow to the head.
Signs
Signs of a concussion include:
- Losing consciousness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light
- Repetitive vomiting
- Amnesia
Complications
Complications can include:
- Post-traumatic epilepsy
- Anxiety
- Behavioral changes
- Depression
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Seeking medical attention
You should seek medical attention if you develop any of the above symptoms after a car accident.
Critical injuries to watch out for after a car crash are internal injuries and traumatic brain injury
Internal injuries can be sustained during a car accident when the body experiences blunt force, penetrating trauma, or decelerating trauma. Common internal injuries after a car accident include:
- Broken ribs
- Organ damage
- Traumatic brain injury
- Internal bleeding
- Pneumothorax
Only a trained medical professional can diagnose internal injuries following a car accident.
Understanding the potential damage and why immediate medical assistance is crucial
Immediate medical assistance after a car accident is crucial. Internal injuries can be life-threatening and must be caught before it is too late.
Car accident injuries include severe spinal injuries
Hard impacts can result in damage to the victim’s spine.
Types of spinal injuries
Various spinal injuries can occur from a car accident, including:
- Thoracic or lumbar vertebrae fractures
- Back strains
- Other soft tissue injuries
- Herniated discs
- Broken bones
- And more
Common symptoms
Symptoms of spinal cord injuries after a crash include:
- Paralysis
- Incoordination
- weakness
- Tingling
- Numbness
The impact on overall well-being
Having chronic back pain from a spinal injury can affect all aspects of a person’s life. Spinal injuries can lower the quality of life and a person’s overall well-being.
Psychological trauma can occur from soft tissue injuries and worse
Even if survivors only suffer minimal injuries, such as soft tissue injuries, they still can suffer psychological trauma and emotional distress.
Highlighting the emotional and mental toll of car accidents
Some of the more common forms of psychological trauma car accident victims can face include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Some of the signs to watch out for following a car accident include recurring nightmares, issues with sleeping, fearfulness, and anguish.
Steps to take after a car accident to protect your legal rights and ensure proper compensation
After a car accident, it is important that you collect evidence at the accident scene to help prove your case. Securing legal representation immediately after a car crash can help protect your legal rights so that you can receive proper compensation.
Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions
What are delayed symptoms after a car accident?
Some of the delayed symptoms to watch for after a car accident include abdominal pain, neck pain (for possible neck injury), numbness and tingling, constant headaches (a potential sign of traumatic brain injuries), and more.
What is the most common injury in a car crash?
The most common injury seen in a car crash is whiplash. You could also endure hidden injuries. Some of the most common hidden injuries include soft tissue injury, knee injuries, shoulder injuries, internal bleeding, and organ failure.
What are 3 things you must have when an accident happens?
After a car accident the 3 important steps to take after a car accident are gathering evidence, seeking medical attention, and securing legal counsel.
What happens to your body after a serious car accident?
After a serious auto accident, your body undergoes intense physical trauma and can have a profound emotional impact in response to your injuries.
Hipskind & McAninch, LLC is on your side
A car accident can cause numerous hidden injuries and financial devastation for survivors. Hipskind & McAninch, LLC can ensure you receive proper medical care and fair compensation following an accident. Use our fast online contact form to schedule a free consultation today.
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auto accident, car accident, car accident claims, personal injury