The impact of a car accident can cause visible injuries ranging from serious lacerations, broken bones, and burns. In extreme causes, a car accident victim can suffer the loss of a limb if the injury is severe. However other serious injuries that are not immediately apparent can occur in place of these obvious traumatic injuries. In the moments following the accident, the shock of the crash can cause the body to release adrenaline, also known as the “fight or flight” hormone. While adrenaline may propel you to action to get to safety, it also masks the symptoms of the injury. As a result, you may have a hidden injury that could become more serious if you do not seek immediate medical attention. If you are injured in a car accident, an experienced car accident lawyer can assist you with the claims process and secure the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries.
What Are Examples of Hidden Injuries?
When adrenaline is coursing through your body after a car accident, the symptoms of the injury may not appear for hours or even days after the accident. That is why it is so important to seek immediate attention from a skilled medical professional immediately following the accident so that a doctor can thoroughly examine you, diagnose the injury, and provide the necessary treatment before the injury worsens or is aggravated. The following are examples of some of the most common types of hidden injuries:
- Soft-tissue injuries: The impact from the crash can cause a range of soft-tissue injuries, including muscle strains and sprains, dislocations, and tendon injuries. This often affects the neck, arms, shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and legs. Symptoms include, pain, soreness, stiffness and trouble moving, although these symptoms may be masked by adrenaline immediately following the accident.
- Whiplash: This occurs when the impact of the accident causes the head to move back and forth very quickly, causing the muscles and tendons of the neck to become strained. In some cases, the pain is not immediately noticeable. Whiplash can be treated with rest, pain management, and physical therapy. If left untreated, you could suffer chronic pain and discomfort, headaches, tingling, and numbness.
- Traumatic brain injuries: The sudden impact of a crash can cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull and sustain damage. Oftentimes, however, the symptoms do not appear right away. Once the symptoms finally appear, the injury may have progressed and caused serious brain damage, including a traumatic brain injury.
- Herniated disks: Back injuries are another common injury that may not be obvious right away. Common symptoms include back pain, numbness, tingling, and a loss of muscle control, so it is important to seek immediate medical attention if you start to experience any of these symptoms so that the injury does not worsen.
- Spinal cord injuries: Other types of back injuries that may not appear immediately after the accident include spinal cord fractures, spinal concussion, and nerve damage.
- Internal injuries: These types of injuries can occur when the force of the impact puts extreme pressure on the body, causing damage to the internal organs, including the kidneys, liver, intestines, lungs, and the heart. Depending on the nature of the injury and the organ that has been affected, it can take some time for symptoms to appear. If an internal injury is not treated quickly, it can become very serious or even fatal.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder: In addition to the physical injuries that a car accident can cause, you can also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of PTSD include anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and nightmares, all of which can have a significant impact on your mental health. Unlike physical injuries, PTSD can take weeks or even months to develop.
Why Is It So Important to Seek Medical Attention After a Car Accident?
Even if you were involved in a relatively minor car accident, it is always a good idea to seek medical attention after the accident to ensure that your visible injuries are treated, and to rule out other injuries that may not be obvious right away. In addition, if you file a personal injury claim against the other driver involved in the accident, you will need to prove that they were negligent, and that their negligence caused your injuries. If you fail to seek medical attention, the other driver’s insurance company may argue that your injuries must not be very serious if you did not think it was necessary to go to the hospital. This can make it more difficult to secure the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries.
What Damages Am I Entitled to If I Suffer a “Hidden Injury?”
The costs associated with a serious car accident injury can accumulate very quickly, particularly if the injury requires surgery, an extended hospital stay, and prevents you from being able to return to work for an extended period of time. A successful claim will ensure that you receive that financial damages you deserve, including the following:
- All medical expenses associated with the injury, including surgeries, hospitalization, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, prescription medications and medical devices.
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Dayton Car Accident Lawyers at Wright & Schulte LLC Advocate for Car Accident Victims
If you or a loved one suffered a hidden injury in a car accident, contact the Dayton car accident lawyers at Wright & Schulte LLC as soon as possible. Our dedicated legal team will work tirelessly to negotiate the financial settlement you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 937-222-7477 or contact us online. Our offices are located in Dayton, Ohio, where we serve clients in Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Centerville, Toledo, Youngstown, and Miamisburg.
