It’s not uncommon for car accident victims to refuse emergency care. Unless you were in serious pain, you may not have sought treatment after leaving the scene, either. Regardless of your immediate symptoms, though, it is important that you visit a doctor as soon as possible following any collision. Putting off treatment could jeopardize not only your health but also your personal injury claim.
Let’s explore some of the most common car accident injuries that can have latent symptoms:
1. Whiplash
Caused by the rapid back-and-forth snapping of the neck, whiplash is a soft tissue injury that affects the neck, shoulders, and upper back. It is especially common among people involved in rear-end collisions.
The symptoms of whiplash, which may not develop for 24 hours or more, typically include:
- Neck pain and stiffness;
- Decreased range of motion in the neck;
- Headaches that start at the bottom of the skull;
- Numbness or tingling in the arms;
- Dizziness;
- Fatigue;
- Tinnitus;
- Blurred vision;
- Irritability;
- Difficulty concentrating;
- Trouble sleeping; and
- Poor memory.
2. Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding can be caused by blunt trauma or penetrating trauma, both of which can occur during motor-vehicle collisions. While it’s impossible to ignore penetrating trauma, which happens when a foreign object actually pierces the skin, blunt trauma can be more subtle.
Particularly powerful impacts can tear or crush blood vessels through the skin, fat, and muscles by sheer force. Should these blood vessels supply a critical organ, the consequences could be fatal if left untreated.
Depending on the extent of the damage, it could take hours or even days for internal bleeding to become apparent. Once symptoms do arise, they will probably include some combination of the following:
- Abdominal pain and swelling;
- Dizziness;
- Fatigue;
- Pain or tightness in the affected limbs;
- Large patches of purple skin;
- Headaches;
- Seizures; and
- Loss of consciousness.
3. Traumatic Brain Injury
You don’t necessarily have to hit your head to sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Due to the abrupt drop in speed, your brain can actually strike the inside of the skull, which can cause a concussion, contusion, or more severe TBI.
Traumatic brain injuries are incredibly complicated and can result in a wide range of both physical and psychological symptoms. A few subtle symptoms might arise immediately, but more obvious issues may not become apparent for days or even weeks following the accident.
While a victim’s specific symptoms will depend on the location and severity of the injury, the most common ones include:
- Headache;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Fatigue;
- Drowsiness;
- Difficulty sleeping;
- Poor coordination;
- Trouble concentrating;
- Sensitivity to light and sound;
- Confusion;
- Slurred speech;
- Agitation or combativeness;
- Convulsions; and
- Mood swings.
Call (601) 265-7766 to Speak with a Car Accident Attorney in Jackson
If you sustained latent injuries in a motor-vehicle collision, contact Coxwell & Associates to determine the most strategic way to proceed. Unlike general practice law firms, we focus on only a few legal areas, which allows us to provide clients with the very best representation possible. Call (601) 265-7766 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free case review with a car accident lawyer in Jackson.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended as general information purposes only, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Anyone with a legal problem should consult a lawyer immediately.