Common Car Accident Injuries that Might Go Undetected
A concussion, whiplash, and spinal stenosis are three common car accident injuries that might go undetected. If you are involved in an auto crash, call 911 or go to a hospital. From here, medical professionals can evaluate you and determine if you are dealing with car crash injuries. If so, they can treat your car accident injuries in their early stages.
Additionally, within days of your auto collision, seek legal help. Partner with Cherry Hill car accident attorneys, who can learn about your crash and the severity of your injuries. They can help you hold any liable parties accountable for your collision and recover damages.
Common car accident injuries you may not notice right away
You may not notice spinal cord damage, brain injuries, emotional distress, and blunt-force trauma immediately following your auto accident. To understand why, let’s look at each of these injuries and the symptoms associated with them.
Spinal cord damage
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 15 million people globally live with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Road traffic injuries represent one of the primary reasons why SCIs occur.
In terms of spinal cord car accident injuries, you could damage vertebrae (bones that protect the spinal cord) or soft tissue. This damage can cause fractures, herniated discs, and other spinal cord problems. Treating these issues can be challenging. You may need physical therapy, surgery, or other comprehensive care to minimize the pain associated with them.
If you have been diagnosed with an SCI after an auto collision, you could have grounds for a case against the party responsible for your accident. Discuss your crash with Cherry Hill spinal cord injury attorneys. A lawyer could help you recover damages for your medical bills and other accident-related expenses.
Brain injuries
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) refers to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) as a “major cause of death” nationwide. In an auto crash, you could hit your head on a steering wheel or another part of the car. The forceful impact of this blow can leave you with brain trauma.
A TBI can cause physical, cognitive, and sensory problems. Those who are coping with a mild brain injury may be prone to headaches, nausea, sensitivity to light, and difficulty sleeping. If you are dealing with a moderate or severe injury to the brain, you may experience a loss of coordination, slurred speech, and other symptoms that keep you from enjoying the life you want.
For those who receive a brain injury diagnosis relating to an auto collision, consider your legal options carefully. Consult with Cherry Hill traumatic brain injury attorneys and tell them about your crash. A lawyer can determine if the other driver involved in your crash or another party is responsible. If so, they can request for compensation to cover your injury-related losses.
Emotional distress
An auto accident can impact your emotional well-being. In the days or weeks after your accident, you could experience any of the following forms of emotional trauma:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Your emotional distress can make it tough to work, go to school, and enjoy social activities with family members and friends. Yet, if you work with an experienced car crash lawyer, you could receive compensation for your emotional trauma.
Provide your lawyer with details about your emotional distress and explain how it affects you on a daily basis. Your attorney can share examples of settlements for pain and suffering and describe what it takes to get damages based on emotional trauma. They can help you show that you deserve compensation for this trauma and other subjective losses relating to your accident.
Blunt-force trauma
When two cars collide, the people in these vehicles may experience blunt-force trauma. This is due to the speed at which the cars are traveling at the time of the crash. In addition to spinal cord and brain injuries, blunt-force trauma you could suffer in an auto collision includes:
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Bruising
Blunt-force trauma symptoms range from mild to severe. If left unaddressed, these symptoms can put your life in danger. Thankfully, a doctor can detect and treat such symptoms before they escalate. On top of that, a lawyer could help you secure compensation from anyone who caused your auto accident and injuries.
How to tell if you may be dealing with hidden injuries after a car accident
You could feel fine moments after your auto crash. However, days after the collision, you may notice back or neck pain, headaches, or other physical problems. At this point, err on the side of caution by visiting a doctor.
If a doctor identifies a previously undiagnosed health problem relating to your collision, treat it properly. Follow your doctor’s instructions and receive continuous treatment. Along with these things, meet with a Cherry Hill car accident lawyer, as they can help you request damages from anyone who contributed to your crash and injuries.
Just because you experience delayed lower back pain after a car accident or other health problems does not mean you should have to pay the costs to treat them. A car accident lawyer can provide you with details about New Jersey accident laws that protect you. If warranted, they can help you recover compensation through an auto insurance claim or injury lawsuit.
How much time do you have to seek compensation for hidden car accident injuries?
Typically, there is a two-year window for filing a personal injury claim. An auto crash attorney can explain the role of New Jersey’s discovery rule and statute of limitations. They can tell you why it may be best to pursue medical care and submit a claim as soon as you notice numbness after a car accident.
If you pursue medical care promptly after your auto crash, you can get insights into your injuries and treat them. Plus, you can start collecting evidence that could help you prove you deserve compensation.
Ask for legal help with your car accident case
If you are involved in an auto accident and, within days of the incident, you experience pain and other persistent health issues, now may be a great time to talk to a car accident lawyer.
Ferrara & Gable offers legal services and support to car accident victims and their families. We have a proven track record of success in personal injury litigation and can assist you with your auto crash case. Schedule a free case consultation with our team today.