Common Car Accident Injuries to Keep Track Of

Car accidents don’t always cause the usual injuries, such as concussions, whiplash, and broken bones. These collisions can lead to a wide variety of injuries that you may not even think about, including injuries with delayed symptoms as well as emotional and psychological trauma.

Common Physical Injuries Caused by a Vehicle Accident

Car accidents can result in a variety of physical injuries, some of which are immediately noticeable, while others might appear minor initially but can lead to serious complications. Common injuries include:

• Whiplash. Often occurring during rear-end collisions, this rapid forward and backward neck motion can cause severe neck muscle and ligament damage.
• Fractures and broken bones. The impact of vehicle collisions can break bones in the arms, legs, ribs, and even the facial structure.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Even a seemingly minor hit to the head can cause a concussion; more severe impacts can lead to significant brain damage.
• Lacerations. Broken glass or metal can cause deep cuts, leading to significant blood loss and potential infection.
• Internal bleeding. Heavy impact can cause internal organs to be bruised or damaged, often requiring immediate surgical intervention.

These injuries require prompt medical evaluation to manage and mitigate long-term damage effectively.

Most Likely Injuries With Delayed Symptoms

Some car accident injuries may not show symptoms immediately but can pose significant health risks if untreated:

• Concussions. Symptoms such as confusion, headaches, and dizziness can appear several hours or even days after the incident.
• Soft tissue injuries. Damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments might initially manifest as minor discomfort before progressing to significant pain and mobility issues.
• Spinal injuries. Problems in the spine may start as minor back pain and can develop into severe, chronic conditions affecting nerve function.
• Psychological impact. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety might not be apparent until long after the accident, affecting one’s ability to drive or even ride in a car.

Monitoring for symptoms and seeking follow-up care are crucial for these injuries.

Emotional and Psychological Trauma

The impact of a car accident extends beyond physical injuries. Victims often experience significant emotional and psychological effects, including:

• Anxiety and depression. The stress from the aftermath of an accident can lead to long-lasting psychological conditions.
• PTSD. Reliving the trauma and experiencing flashbacks and nightmares are common among car accident victims.
• Fear of driving. Many individuals may develop a phobia of driving or riding in vehicles, severely impacting their daily lives.

Professional counseling and therapy are effective in addressing these issues, helping individuals recover not just physically but also emotionally.

Seek Medical Care and Call an Attorney

If you or somebody you love has been involved in a vehicle accident, your priority is medical treatment. We strongly suggest every car accident victim go to the doctor for a complete evaluation, even if the incident was relatively minor or there are no current signs and symptoms of injuries. Sometimes, delayed injuries appear hours or even days after the incident, but an early evaluation can help begin treatment immediately.

A skilled car accident lawyer can help you examine the facts of your situation and determine the best possible route toward recovering compensation for your losses.