When you’re involved in a collision, your body reacts by going into its natural fight-or-flight mode. This refers to the physiological process that occurs when you’re faced with a threat, causing your body to respond by rapidly increasing its production of adrenaline. An adrenaline rush prepares you to react quickly to a perceived threat, and the hormone can also temporarily numb your pain receptors. Because of this, you might not immediately notice certain injuries, including serious injuries with devastating effects. So, let’s discuss common hidden injuries after a car accident.
Identifying Hidden Injuries After a Car Accident
1. Whiplash
According to research published in the journal Accident Analysis & Prevention in 2020, an estimated 841,000 people are treated for whiplash injuries in hospitals in the US each year. Whiplash is one of the most common types of collision injuries and is especially common in rear-end crashes. It occurs when your head and neck are forced backward and forward in rapid succession by a collision, followed by a sudden stop.
If you don’t get prompt treatment for whiplash, the injury’s effects can last for weeks, months, or years. However, whiplash is also one of the most common hidden injuries after a car accident, so many people who believe they are uninjured fail to seek treatment for days or longer. Waiting to seek treatment can allow your injury to worsen and harm your ability to show that your whiplash was caused by your collision instead of a different event.
2. Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur in car accidents when you receive a blow to your head. They can also occur when the collision forces cause a jolt to your body and head, and cause your brain to slosh around inside your skull. Not all TBIs cause you to lose consciousness. Without immediate treatment, damage from a TBI or concussion can worsen and spread.
The symptoms of a TBI can be delayed and can include the following:
- Confusion
- Persistent headache
- Trouble remembering the accident
- Nausea/vomiting
- Tinnitus
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
If you received a blow to your head or a violent jolt, seek a medical evaluation immediately.
3. Spinal Injuries
Spinal injuries are not always immediately apparent. If you were in a serious collision, it’s best to seek immediate medical care. Bleeding or swelling around your spinal cord can affect you gradually and not be immediately noticed. However, these problems can cause paralysis or numbness without prompt treatment.
Other back injuries can also have delayed symptoms. Even if you strain your back muscles, they may not be painful or sore until a couple of days after your accident. In addition, you could suffer an injury to one or more vertebrae that you don’t notice for some time.
4. Soft Tissue Injuries
Injuries to your soft tissues can include sprains, strains, and tears. If you experience developing pain following a car crash, see your doctor. You may have suffered soft tissue injuries because of your collision.
5. Internal Injuries
Internal injuries aren’t immediately visible. The symptoms can sometimes emerge slowly. While these injuries might not be obvious, they can be life-threatening. Internal bleeding and organ damage are examples of internal injuries that might be fatal without prompt medical attention.
Talk to Our Experienced Injury Attorneys
You should never assume you’re uninjured immediately after a car accident. Instead, seek medical care to check for injuries and receive appropriate treatment for any issues discovered. Waiting to see a doctor for days or even weeks can make it hard for you to establish the at-fault driver’s liability or recover compensation for your losses. Once you seek and receive medical care and a proper diagnosis, reach out to the experienced lawyers at the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave for a free, confidential consultation by calling us at 417-322-2222 or sending us a message online. We can review what occurred and explain your rights and legal options.