Injuries That Often Go Unnoticed After Car Accidents

Car accidents can happen in a fraction of a second, leaving you in shock. You may check yourself over and breathe a sigh of relief when you don't see any cuts gushing with blood. As you get out of your vehicle to survey the damage, you may feel even more relief that you can move your limbs.

This often creates a false sense of security, though. As the adrenaline runs through your veins, you may not notice something is wrong. Unfortunately, many injuries go unnoticed after car accidents. It's the reason you should always seek medical treatment following a crash.

Certain injuries may not be apparent from the outside, but after x-rays and other tests, you may find you have serious internal injuries. Left untreated, these injuries can worsen and become life-threatening.

These common injuries may not produce symptoms for hours or even days after your accident. They are why you shouldn't shy away from medical treatment.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be mild or severe. A concussion is one prime example of a milder form. Any TBI is cause for concern, and you may wind up with one even if you don't hit your head during impact.

If you notice headaches, dizziness, nausea, ringing in your ears, or increased fatigue, seek medical care immediately to check for TBI. Without proper care, more serious symptoms like memory loss, sensitivities to lights or noises, and depression may occur.

Whiplash

Often, the symptoms of whiplash may not manifest until a few days after an accident. If you experience a headache that throbs at the base of your skull, blurred vision, fatigue, and dizziness, don't shrug it off. In serious cases, you may have a long-term limited range of motion in your neck.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are among the most concerning. When internal organs sustain impact, you can suffer internal bleeding. Trauma from seatbelts, airbags, the steering wheel, and the dashboard can lead to these injuries, which may present as chest or abdominal pain. This is nothing to ignore as it can be life-threatening.

In addition to pain in your abdominal area or chest, you will likely have deep bruising, feel lightheaded, or even faint. Your skin may take on a purplish hue, too. Make sure you go to the emergency room if you suspect internal injuries.

Herniated Discs

Everyone experiences some soreness after a motor vehicle crash, but herniated discs go beyond that pain. If you have a herniated disc, it can press onto the nerves in your spinal cord. This results in pain and weakens the affected parts of your body.

Soft Tissue Injuries

You can recover from soft tissue injuries with prompt treatment, but they can get much worse if you don't handle them right away. Ligament sprains and tears, muscle strains, tendon strains, and dislocated joints are common following car accidents. If you don't get checked out by a doctor after a crash, you may require intensive surgery later to correct issues with soft tissues.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

For many, trying to get over the trauma of a serious car accident is difficult. With post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you may experience anxiety, depression, panic attacks, mood swings, or behavioral changes. Some people become too afraid of getting into a car after an accident. Your mental health is important, too, and you should seek treatment immediately if you start feeling the emotional and mental impacts.

Always See a Doctor After You Are Involved in a Car Accident

You may think the pain is no big deal or that everyone feels like that, but going to the doctor is the only way to be sure. Minor symptoms can quickly turn into something serious.

The sooner you get treated, the better off you will be. Your health and chances of successfully filing your car accident claim depend on treatment. With medical records to back your injuries, you will have proof for the insurance company to recover your expenses. Waiting too long will likely result in their refusal to pay out as they will argue that your injuries were not from the crash.

Visit this website to find out what you should do after your car accident.