A car accident can leave you with readily apparent and severe injuries. Lacerations, broken bones, and torn ligaments cause a lot of pain, and they’re easily diagnosable. But there are other injuries that might not present themselves in the immediate aftermath of your car accident. Yet, if you leave these hidden injuries untreated, they can worsen, causing you more extensive harm.
Therefore, as you embark on your recovery, you’ll want to pay close attention to your symptoms over the following weeks and months. Let’s take a closer look at some of the hidden injuries that are suffered in car accidents so that you know what to be on the lookout for moving forward.
Watch out for these hidden injuries after your car accident
There are several injuries that can take a while to present after a car wreck. These include:
- Brain injuries: Your head might feel fine after your car accident, but it can take several days or even weeks for a traumatic brain injury to result in observable symptoms. If you start experiencing headaches, irritability, confusion, balance issues, or vision problems, then you should see a doctor as soon as possible, as your symptoms could be tied to a brain injury that was suffered in your accident. Don’t make the mistake of attributing them to some benign cause.
- Back injuries: Many car accident victims suffer serious back injuries, but the pain associated with them may not be immediately noticeable. In a lot of cases, victims experience a ruptured disk where the gel-like cushion between vertebrae break open and leak, resulting in pressure and friction on the spine. This can cause extensive pain, and it can result in numbness and weakness in the legs and feet.
- Shoulder injuries: During a car accident impact, you might reach out to brace yourself, or your shoulder might slam into the door or dashboard. As a result, you might suffer a rotator cuff tear, a torn or sprained muscle, or a ruptured tendon. In the days and weeks following your wreck, you might experience limited shoulder mobility, popping sensations, and pain when moving, any of which could be indicative of a serious injury that requires treatment.
- Internal hemorrhaging: Internal injuries are a more common car accident injury than a lot of people realize. If not treated quickly enough, they can create a serious medical condition that can prove fatal. So, after your accident, monitor your condition to see if you experience abdominal pain, discoloration of the skin, weakness, or troubled breathing.
These are just some of the injuries that can be invisible to you after a car accident. While you might be able to catch some of them by monitoring your symptoms over time, the best way to identify these hidden injuries is to secure immediate and ongoing medical attention after your accident. Also, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions about any lingering symptoms you’re experiencing. There’s no shame in seeking out a medical opinion under your circumstances.
Advocate for what you deserve after your car accident
Coping with your car accident injuries can be difficult given the amount of physical pain, emotional turmoil, and financial strain you’ll suffer. But you might be able to alleviate these burdens by aggressively pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. A successful claim can bring closure and compensation, both of which you need.
So, if you’re interested in what it takes to build a compelling personal injury lawsuit, then consider learning more about the law and how it applies to your set of circumstances. And remember, don’t hesitate to seek out any help that you may need along the way.