Car accidents happen every day, and not every victim experiences their effects immediately. Some injuries stay dormant, only appearing days, weeks, or months later. Some may feel the symptoms but don’t connect them to the accident right away. Knowing about these injuries can help you when it comes to pursuing and protecting your legal rights. It’s important to find a reliable car accident lawyer who can be there for you and help you with the case.
Here are some of the most common car accident injuries that you can suffer from without even realizing:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI often occurs due to the collision. Your head swings back and forth, a whipping motion from the neck. Any impact your brain has on the skull during the accident can lead to long-term damage. Victims may notice that months later they’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
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Irritability
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Anger management issues
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Impatience
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Personality changes
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Forgetfulness
A concussion or headaches often precede TBI. They can also develop if a person becomes unconscious during the accident. Always check with doctors and neurological experts for assistance.
Psychological Trauma
Many people experience emotional and mental strain after a car accident. Even if the body doesn’t take on damage, a car accident can create a phobia, and some even experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These conditions can last for months and years, depending on the person. Some victims even refuse to leave home and will need psychological treatment.
It is a major injury that’s not often obvious after an accident. Some start minor but grow worse over time. Here are some signs that you may be experiencing psychological trauma:
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Anxiety when it comes to the sound of horns or brakes
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Avoiding driving or going to the area where the accident took place
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Anxiety when driving
Whiplash
Aside from TBI, whiplash can cause a bevy of problems. One of the most common occurrences after whiplash is swelling or a rupture in the muscles connected to the spine. It leads to a condition called a herniated disc. The inflammation and pressure on the spine can cause several symptoms, including:
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Loss of feeling
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Loss of muscle control
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Severe pain
Like other injuries on this list, a person may only start feeling the symptoms weeks or months after the accident. Some of these cases even require surgery for treatment.
Shoulder Injuries
The shoulder can take the brunt of the impact during an accident when the body moves around. Many injuries can happen because of bumps and twists. Due to the adrenaline rush, it may not be noticeable. However, they can happen, even in low-speed accidents.
At times, the symptoms only appear days after the accident. Some injuries are not noticeable on an x-ray and may need an in-depth scan like an MRI. Severe injuries may require surgery. Symptoms of a shoulder injury may include:
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Strain
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Bruising
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Lowered mobility
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Loss of feeling
Knee Injuries
Knees often hit the dashboard or the back end of the seat. Trauma to the knee can be severe, and it can lead to various conditions. From torn muscles to fractures, the knee becomes vulnerable due to the impact. Some victims may experience only light swelling or pain at the start. However, the symptoms can get severe after days or weeks.
What Do I Do If I Discover an Injury After the Accident?
Finding legal help is your best chance of getting compensation after an accident. Lawyers can help you determine the value of your claim while gathering the necessary evidence to prove your case. For example, pain from car accidents can lead to loss of earning potential and more. Having some to fight for your case and provide counsel may be the best action to take to ensure that you receive the financial aid needed to help during recovery.
