5 Hidden Injuries to Look for Following a Car Accident
Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of driving. They are going to happen. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, there were nearly 400,000 total traffic crashes during the latest reporting year in the state. Out of those, 1,430 people were killed, and there were 19,405 serious injuries.
Thankfully, most car accident injuries are minor. However, there are times when injuries seem minor in the immediate aftermath of a crash and turn out to be more serious. It is important to understand that the signs and symptoms of many car accident injuries do not develop until hours or days after the crash occurs.
When a car accident occurs
Car accidents are often traumatic and scary events. Our bodies respond to a crash by producing an abundance of endorphins and adrenaline and pumping it into our system. The result is that we are much less likely to feel immediate pain in a crash. The most immediate concern for anyone in a crash is to seek medical attention for injuries. There are five injuries in particular that could be “hidden” after an accident that you need to look out for.
Neck and Shoulder Injuries
Neck and shoulder injuries are likely to occur when our bodies are jolted back and forth due to the force of the crash. If you begin to feel neck or shoulder pain after a crash, it could be an indication of nerve damage, tissue damage, or injuries to the muscles, tendons, or joints.
Herniated Discs
Whiplash is usually only temporary, but the same forces that cause whiplash can cause the tissue in between the vertebrae of the spine to balloon out or rupture. A herniated disc can place pressure on and inflame the nerves coming out of the spine.
Abdominal Pain and Nausea
Stomach pain or nausea after an accident should never be ignored. It could be an indication of internal bleeding, damage to an internal organ, or even a serious head injury.
Knee Injuries
Knees are some of the most common joints impacted in a traffic accident. Drivers and passengers are often thrown forward in a crash, resulting in their knees striking the dashboard. This can lead to serious damage, including muscle and cartilage tears, to the shattering of the knee-cap.
Numbness and Tingling
If there is any numbness or tingling to the neck, shoulder, extremities, or back after a crash, this could be associated with nerve or tissue damage. A pinched nerve is a painful injury that can create long-term complications.
With proper medical treatment and rehabilitation, these hidden injuries are only temporary. However, delayed care can be detrimental to your health.
Always seek medical care
Regardless of how serious the initial crash seems, you should always seek medical attention after a crash. Hidden injuries can lead to serious long-term complications if not properly treated. By seeking medical attention, you are looking out for your well-being. You are also establishing a clear link between the crash and your injuries, something that will be important when attempting to secure a settlement for your losses from insurance carriers or in a personal injury lawsuit. You may need to seek help from a skilled Atlanta car accident attorney to help you navigate the settlement process.