The first rule after getting involved in a car accident, regardless of how minor it might seem, is to ensure everyone involved is alive and well. This should be followed by seeking medical attention, as there are many types of injuries that may not be apparent immediately. The adrenaline rush after an accident blocks pain sensation, and you may be feeling perfectly okay even when you have been injured. In this article, we will discuss common hidden car accident injuries that should never be ignored:
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) happen when your brain hits the inside of your skull with high force. This injury always has significant impacts and can lead to permanent brain damage if not treated on time. Unfortunately, the signs of traumatic brain injury can be hard to tell immediately after being involved in a car accident.
To stay safe, you will need to seek professional medical attention and make known the diagnosis results to your car accident lawyer. Treating a traumatic brain injury can be expensive, but an experienced car accident attorney like Dennis Hernandez & Associates will help you get compensation to offset your medical bills.
Internal Bleeding
Another serious injury that is easy to ignore as there are no physical cuts or bruises is internal bleeding. Most of the signs and symptoms of internal bleeding only become known after it has escalated. Since you cannot guess whether you have these injuries or not, you should make a point of seeking professional medical attention after an accident.
Herniated Discs
Herniated discs are a common type of back injury that occurs when the tissue between your spine gets ruptured or balloons out. It is hardly ever noticed after a car accident, and most people only realize there is a problem when they experience pain or numbness in their spine. If not treated, it can escalate, leading to an inability to control limb muscles and general body weakness.
Abdominal Pain
The significant force experienced in the body during an accident tends to affect the abdominal region. These impacts mostly remain hidden during the first few hours or days after getting involved in a car accident. You will only start experiencing them after you have calmed down and stomach pain suddenly emerges. These injuries could be a sign of damages to an internal organ or internal bleeding, and should never be ignored.
Neck And Shoulder Injuries
During a car accident, the most vulnerable body parts are your neck and shoulder, as sudden forces cause tension and stress to these regions, explaining why whiplash is the most common injury among car accident victims. While these injuries are hard to avoid after a car accident, you can keep safe by undergoing proactive driver training and wearing your seatbelt at all times.
Endnote
Car accidents can severely impact your physical and mental health. Strive to make your well-being the number one focus after these incidents, as hidden injuries are the most problematic. If you experience any of these injuries hours or days after an accident, don’t ignore them as some are life threatening. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
