In the wake of a car accident, there is a whirlwind of emotions, you may immediately notice the physical damage to the vehicles involved, but often in the moment you may neglect any injuries that you may have suffered. These injuries may not be immediately apparent, however they may have far reaching implications on your life. Injuries suffered from a car accident vary in severity, duration of impact, and the ways that they can affect your daily life. In this article we will be discussing the most common injuries that you may suffer from if you have been in a car accident, and the effects that they may have in your day to day life.
Whiplash
One of the most common injuries that you may experience in a car accident is whiplash. Whiplash typically occurs when a vehicle comes to a sudden stop, this then causes your head to jerk rapidly back and forth. The sudden movement can strain or tear the muscles and ligaments in the neck, leading to whiplash. Whiplash can cause symptoms of neck pain, stiffness, as well as headaches and dizziness. These symptoms may not appear immediately after the car accident, however it is crucial to seek medical attention if any of these symptoms arise following a car accident.
Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
The brain is one of the most delicate organs in your body,, and a violent impact or a sudden jolt can cause it to collide with the inner walls of the skull. This can lead to a concussion or other Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs). A TBI is one of the most serious injuries that you can receive from a car accident and can result in extremely serious conditions and side effects.These symptoms can include headaches and nausea, to confusion, memory loss, changes in mood or behavior, and loss of bodily functions. If you notice any of these symptoms it is crucial that you seek medical attention immediately. Untreated and undiagnosed TBIs can lead to permanent cognitive impairments or even disabilities.
Broken Bones
The force exerted in a car accident often leads to broken or fractured bones. The most commonly affected body parts are the arms, legs, and the collarbone. Broken bones can greatly vary in terms of severity. Depending on the break you may need to seek out physical therapy as you could experience long term pain or mobility issues, and in severe cases you may even need to seek out surgery for the broken bone. It is crucial to seek out treatment immediately if you have a broken bone.
Internal Injuries
The impact caused by a car accident can cause internal injuries, such as damage to the organs, as well as internal bleedings, or even a punctured lung. Internal injuries can be especially dangerous as they are not always immediately evident, however they can be life threatening if they are not treated promptly. You can tell that you may have an internal injury if you suffer from any of the following symptoms: abdominal pain, tenderness over the injured area, a rigid abdomen, left arm and shoulder pain, right sided abdominal pain and right shoulder pain, blood in your urine, or cold sweaty skin. If you experience any of these symptoms seek medical attention immediately as you may be suffering from internal injuries.
Spine Injuries
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of spine and spinal cord injuries. The severity of a spine injury from a car crash can range from mild numbness, back pain, weakness, all the way up to full paralysis. A spine injury can deeply affect your day to day life, whether its mild discomfort, difficulty standing for long periods of time, as well as significant losses of mobility and independence. The discs in between our vertebrae are often the breaking point when our bodies are subject to a force from impact. When a disc is injured, whether it is a bulge or a full herniation, these injuries are permanent. This means they won’t heal on their own and you will likely be dealing with these injuries for the rest of your life, depending on the treatment you receive and the medical care you are given.
Psychological and Emotional Injuries
Your body is not the only part of you that is affected in the event of a car accident. You may notice feelings of anxiety while getting into a car as well as, trouble sleeping, depression, or even bouts of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mental injuries can be much harder to identify, and these symptoms can be just as debilitating as a physical injury, If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is just as important to seek treatment as you would with any other injury, and should be treated with the same seriousness and urgency.
Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, and some of them may not be immediately apparent. If you or a loved one has been in a car accident seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine initially. Your next step should be to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. At LifeLaw Personal Injury we have a team of expert personal injury attorneys who will help guide you through every step of the legal process. We are committed to helping you get the compensation that you deserve for your pain and suffering. Please contact us today for a free consultation, and to discuss your options further.