After a car accident, you might not feel that you suffered any injuries or ones that warrant a trip to the doctor. However, many injuries could be hard to notice or pinpoint immediately. Medical professionals have a specific protocol to follow to detect the early signs of injuries that are common after a patient is involved in a car accident.
Common Injuries Resulting From A Car Accident
While a car accident victim might think they are only mildly stiff or sore after their ordeal, a medical professional knows that those aches and minor pains could be a sign of potentially significant harm. Some of the injuries commonly caused by a car accident include:
- Head injuries, concussions, or other traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord damage or a herniated disc
- Chest injuries from compression, such as soft tissue bruising or broken ribs
- Whiplash
- Arm or leg sprains, bruising, fractures, or breaks
- Soft tissue sprains or other joint injuries
The sooner these injuries are diagnosed, and treatment is started, the faster you will reach a full recovery and reduce the potential for long-term limitations or disability.
Symptoms You Could Experience After A Car Accident
It is critical to know that you might not feel any pain immediately after a car accident due to the adrenaline and shock of the event. It might even be hard to know exactly where you are injured as time passes and your entire body aches. Some of the common symptoms you might experience that should encourage you to seek immediate medical attention include:
- Nausea or pain in the abdomen
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Headaches
- Changes in your mood or behavior
- Difficulty sleeping, numbness or tingling
- Severe bruises, contusions, soreness, stiffness, or swelling
- Panic, anxiety, or difficulty thinking or concentrating
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your medical care provider for further examination.
Understanding Whiplash
Whiplash is very common in car accidents when the head and neck are whipped forward and backward during impact. However, this injury is also very commonly masked due to the adrenaline that is released when your body experiences the trauma of a car accident. Common signs of whiplash can include:
- Neck, arm, back, or shoulder pain
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Headaches
- Difficulty focusing
- Muscle spasms
- Nerve damage, tingling, or sensation of needles
It is vital that you contact your doctor if you experience these issues. Without proper treatment, whiplash injuries could linger and become a life-long issue that leads to chronic pain and decreased quality of life.
Make Your Health Your Priority
After being involved in a car accident, many professionals are ready to help you navigate this challenging time. Your insurance agent is there to work through the claim process, and the legal team at Blake Jones Law Firm is here to handle any legal matters that may arise. But you are the only one who can address the pain and injuries you have sustained. Being attentive to the aches and pains you feel and seeking the guidance and treatment of a medical professional is vital to protecting your long-term health and ability to enjoy your life.
Please contact Blake Jones Law Firm to discuss the details of any car accident and how we can handle the legal matters so that you can focus your full attention and energy on your healing and recovery process.