What Are Hidden Injuries to Watch Out for After a Car Accident?

Car accidents cause a wide range of injuries, including broken bones, cuts and lacerations, and severe burns, that are apparent in the moments immediately following the accident. However, other injuries may not be evident immediately, particularly when the shock of the accident has caused a rush of adrenaline to course through the body.

Accidents can be extremely stressful, particularly if serious injuries are involved. You may not feel pain or other symptoms associated with an injury until hours or even days after the accident. For example, specific head injuries may not present symptoms until days or weeks after the accident. This is why seeking immediate medical attention after a car accident is important, even if you are not experiencing any noticeable symptoms. Failure to seek medical attention after the accident can harm your claim if you decide to take legal action against the at-fault driver.

The following are examples of hidden car accident injuries:

• Whiplash: This is one of the most common car accident injuries. While you may experience a headache or slight discomfort right after the accident, the symptoms of whiplash often take several hours or days to appear fully. Symptoms of whiplash include stiffness in the neck muscles, decreased range of motion, headaches starting at the base of the neck, and feeling off-balance.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): The extreme impact of a car accident can cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull. While this is a serious injury with potentially devastating consequences, it can take time for symptoms to appear. Common symptoms of a TBI include headaches, blurry vision, confusion, sensitivity to light or sound, memory loss, dizziness, vision impairment, and extreme mood changes.
• Herniated discs: The impact of an accident can cause the discs between your spine to bulge, rupture, or herniate. Common symptoms of a herniated disc include sharp neck, upper back, or lower back pain, a tingling sensation in the legs or foot, and numbness.
• Soft tissue injuries: These sprains, strains, and contusions of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons may not be apparent immediately following the accident. If you start noticing any soreness, discoloration, or swelling anywhere on the body, seek medical attention immediately.
• Psychological injuries: Besides physical injuries, serious car accidents can harm mental health. For example, you may develop a fear of driving or experience extreme anxiety whenever you approach the place where the accident occurred. In extreme cases, you may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Savannah Car Accident Lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC Seek Damages for Accident Victims with Hidden Injuries

If you suffered a hidden injury in a car accident, you are urged to contact our Savannah car accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 478-254-2007 or contact us online. Located in Macon, Georgia, we serve clients in Savannah, Albany, and Atlanta.