In the USA, more than four million car accidents occur annually. Anyone who has been in a car accident knows how upsetting and terrifying it can be, and the psychological and physiological injuries from car accidents can remain hidden for long. Even a minor accident can cause your body to experience considerable force. Internal injuries are common consequences of such events, and they can be fatal because there aren’t usually apparent signs which make the victim seek medical attention on time.
Be sure to speak with your car accident lawyer to learn more about your legal options if you or a family member sustains an injury in a car accident. Even if you feel good, a checkup a few days after the collision may reveal one of these five hidden injuries that frequently occur in car crashes.
1. Whiplash
Often known as neck strain, whiplash occurs when your car collides with something and suddenly stops, and your head is quickly thrust backward and forward. The whipping motion between your head and neck can result in soft tissue injuries that are not immediately painful. You could require medical care, physical therapy, and pain management to recover. Without the proper care, neck injuries can cause you to experience pain for even years. Untreated whiplash can lead to headaches, weariness, and overall body drowsiness.
2. Back or Spine Injuries
Even severe spinal injuries are not always immediately apparent. If you experienced significant head or neck trauma, then there might be a chance that you have sustained a spinal cord injury. These demand immediate medical attention as you may eventually develop numbness or permanent or temporary paralysis if your spinal cord is swollen or bleeding. You may also get back pain from strained muscles, and if left untreated, it could result in chronic back issues.
3. Concussion
A concussion is traumatic brain damage typically brought on by a blow to the head. You might not immediately experience any symptoms, and delaying treatment may cause you to take longer to heal. Even if you don’t knock your head during the collision, the impact force can cause your brain to crash against the inside of your skull and can cause a concussion. A concussion can occur without you losing consciousness. The symptoms can be delayed. Some signs include the following:
- Fatigue
- Tinnitus
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Inability to remember the accident
4. Internal Damage
While internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent, it can be fatal. Internal bleeding is caused by organ or blood vessel ruptures. You might not notice the signs and symptoms until you’re already in a terrible condition. Symptoms include disorientation, weakness, confusion, breathing issues, bruises, and bloody vomit or urine. If not properly addressed, internal bleeding can even lead to organ failure and death.
5. PTSD
Accidents impair people’s mental and emotional well-being as well. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of PTSD in the general population. A fatal car accident may cause you to get post-traumatic stress disorder or ‘car phobia,’ which is an extraordinary fear of operating a vehicle or riding in one. Anxiety, despair, and flashbacks are PTSD symptoms. It’s crucial to seek care from a mental health expert if you’re experiencing PTSD due to a car accident.
Endnote
Modern car safety features are built to protect and save you from an accident. However, none can shield you from the injuries a car accident leaves behind. In the days following an accident, get medical attention even if you do not experience pain. You should also reach out to an Auto Accident Attorney. If left unchecked, hidden injuries can exacerbate and prove fatal.
