After a car accident, many things can happen. For one, there is damage to your and the other person’s car. Second, there is the whirlwind of emotion you feel from the crash. But, third, and most importantly, there are usually injuries sustained from a car accident. And, you cannot afford to ignore many of these injuries that occur.
Ignoring your injuries can cause emotional and physical suffering in the future. If you have sustained injuries in a car accident, 1-800-injured suggest seeing a doctor assess your injuries right away.
There are specific injuries you cannot afford to ignore after a car accident. Always make sure to call a medical professional to the scene of the accident, even if you do not feel injured, to ensure that you are taken care of.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Delayed Car Crash Injuries
1) Concussion
Concussions happen when someone receives a blow to the head, and their brain collides with the inside of their skull. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that you cannot ignore. Although concussions may seem rare, they frequently occur in car accidents. If someone rear-ends you and is going at a high enough speed, it can cause a concussion. You may not realize you have a concussion right away. Some signs that you may be suffering from a concussion are disorientation, headaches, mood swings, and loss of equilibrium. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
2) Back Pain
Back pain is another injury you want to avoid ignoring after a car accident. Back pain is a common injury in car crashes because your body can twist and turn when a car crash occurs. When you twist and turn, it can stretch your tendons or muscles. The end result is that your back suffers, and anyone with back pain can tell you it is very painful. If you have any back pain, you should see a doctor or chiropractor as soon as possible to avoid the long-lasting effects of this injury.
3) Whiplash
Whiplash occurs in car accidents, especially in rear-end collisions. It occurs in the neck and happens when the neck jerks forward suddenly from the crash’s impact. Your neck is not used to being put into this position, and it can cause the muscles and tendons to overextend, which can cause soft tissue damage. If you are experiencing neck pain, headaches, blurred vision, or dizziness, this may be from whiplash. Be sure to seek medical attention before the pain gets too bad.
4) Psychological Disorders and Trauma
A car accident is a traumatic experience for a lot of people that can cause them to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. When someone has PTSD, they can start reliving the moments that occurred at the traumatic event, have nightmares, and suffer from flashbacks. If you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, you want to see a licensed psychiatrist or therapist to help you cope. Other psychological traumas include anxiety and depression. Anxiety consists of a feeling of dread or unease, which comes from experiencing a traumatic event. Some symptoms can include rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Depression causes sadness and a loss of interest. Some symptoms can include a loss of appetite, fatigue, and difficulty thinking or concentrating.
5) Numbness and Tingling
Numbness and tingling can happen in the extremities after a car accident, at the hands and feet. Sometimes these symptoms will not show up until weeks after the accident has occurred. If you have numbness or tingling in these areas, it can mean that a bigger problem is happening with your spinal cord, like a herniated desk. If you are suffering from any numbness and tingling, it is essential to see a doctor right away to rule out any significant problems.
These injuries may not present themselves to you right away. Either way, it is essential to seek medical help at the scene of the accident and visit the emergency room or your doctor later on. And, if these injuries start occurring weeks or months after the accident, then you should see a doctor at that time, too. Your health is essential to your wellbeing, so be sure to take care of yourself and seek the help you need to stay healthy for yourself and for those around you.
