By Georgia Attorney Donald W. Singleton
Car accidents happen every day, and while most people know how to handle the situation, there are some things that we don’t always consider. These include injuries that occur immediately following an accident and those that develop later on.
The best way to prevent these injuries is to make sure you seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you do decide to go to the emergency room, remember to bring along documentation of your injuries and ask about what treatment options exist.
Many doctors recommend getting an X-ray done to check for fractures, but sometimes these aren’t necessary. Sometimes, just having a physical exam and asking questions can help determine whether or not you have a serious injury.
While it is important to take care of yourself physically, it is equally important to address your mental health. This includes taking time to talk to loved ones and friends who can support you during this difficult time.
Hidden Injuries after a Car Accident
The following are five examples of hidden injuries associated with car accidents:
Whiplash
Whiplash is considered the number one car accident injury, and it can occur during minor accidents such as fender benders. If you are involved in a serious auto collision, however, whiplash can become much worse. In fact, it is the most common type of neck injury sustained in motor vehicle crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that about three million people suffer from whiplash injuries each year.
When you are in a car crash, your body goes into automatic mode. Your brain sends signals to your muscles to brace yourself against possible damage. Unfortunately, this can put undue stress on your neck and spine. Whiplash happens when the sudden movement forces your head and neck to move too far backward or forwards, causing your upper back to twist. This twisting motion puts pressure on nerves and ligaments in your neck, leading to pain.
Concussion
Whether or not you have sustained more serious injuries, headaches are a common reaction to stressful or traumatic events. You may have a traumatic brain injury from a car accident if you have headaches combined with other symptoms. There are several types of traumatic brain injuries, but concussions are the most common type. The symptoms of a concussion include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. It is very important to take brain injuries seriously as they can be life-threatening.
Spine Injuries
The spine is a complex structure composed of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. When it is injured, there are many ways that damage can occur. Some of those injuries can cause immediate pain while others can go unnoticed for some time.
Injury to the spine can be caused by accidents such as motor vehicle crashes, falls, sports injuries, workplace incidents, and violence. Other causes include degenerative conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, and tumors.
A spinal injury can negatively impact normal function and even disrupt the nervous system. Depending on how severe the injury is, recovery can take months or years.
Soft Tissue Injuries
It may take some time for the symptoms of soft tissue sprains and strains to fully appear following a car accident. During whiplash or another accident that forces the muscles out of their normal range of motion, you may suffer sprains or tears in your muscles. A person’s spine and other bones within the body can also be damaged by injuries to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It may seem like a bit of soreness at first, but if you don’t visit a doctor, it can develop into something more serious.
Internal Injuries
When you’re involved in a car accident, you may not realize you’ve sustained internal injuries right away. You may not recognize the severity of your injuries at first due to the combination of stress, adrenaline, and shock. Car accidents can cause internal injuries, such as damage to blood vessels or organs, especially if blunt force trauma is involved.
Treatment for Car Accident Injuries
If you find yourself involved in a car accident, call 911 immediately. Don’t wait to see if someone else will take care of it. And remember, even though you may have been injured in the crash, you still have rights under the law. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and fight for compensation.
From Donald W. Singleton, an attorney with the law firm of Singleton Law Firm, LLC. Singleton Law Firm has assisted clients in Atlanta, Georgia with DUI and personal injury cases for over 30 years.
