Broken bones or open wounds are injuries that are immediately obvious following a car accident. However, some injuries may not appear until days, weeks, or even months after a wreck. Aside from experiencing delayed onset of symptoms related to car accident injuries, certain injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, are frequently undetected because they can be difficult to identify without the appropriate medical evaluations.
Let’s discuss the hidden injuries that often go unnoticed after car accidents, the symptoms to watch out for, and a guide to receiving a post-accident medical evaluation.
Why Injuries Go Unnoticed
The body releases adrenaline and endorphins in response to the physical impact of a car accident. This surge of hormones can temporarily mask the pain and discomfort that accompany being injured. People injured in car accidents can also experience delayed inflammatory responses. This happens because swelling and inflammation develop over time, so symptoms may not be noticeable until the body begins to heal. What may seem like mild discomfort can be injuries such as a concussion or whiplash that gradually worsen over time. Following a car accident, victims may focus more on treating visible injuries like cuts, scrapes, and fractures while ignoring underlying damage, in which symptoms may be delayed. Undetected injuries can pose serious health risks if left untreated. Be sure to remain aware of the causes of late-onset injuries and aim to recognize symptoms early.
Hidden Injuries and Delayed Symptoms to Watch Out For
Car accident victims may leave the scene with no intense pain or discomfort. Although they may initially go unnoticed, these unseen injuries can have serious and long-lasting effects.
Below, you’ll find common hidden injuries sustained by people in auto accidents.
Spinal Injuries
The intensity of a car accident can crack vertebrae, sever the spinal cord, and damage the soft tissue protecting both. As a result, the bones in the spine break, crack, or hairline fracture. The purpose of spinal discs is to protect the vertebrae and absorb shocks and injuries before they can damage the bones in the spine. The impact of a car accident can cause the spinal discs to become damaged or herniated. Herniated discs allow fluid to leak into the spinal area. Symptoms of a herniated disc are numbness, tingling, and pain, particularly in the lower back. Whiplash occurs when the neck and head are whipped forward and quickly backward. Pain and dizziness are symptoms of the damaged soft tissues of the neck and the highest portion of the spine caused by the whipping movement.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
TBIs are often overlooked during medical evaluations following a car accident because they may show up months later. Sudden stops or changes in direction during a crash can lead to coup and contrecoup brain injuries. As the accident occurs, the brain will crash into the skull at the point of impact and then swing into the opposite end of the skull. The whipping motion that leads to whiplash can also lead to a Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI), which causes a shearing of the brain’s connecting fibers. Mild traumatic brain injuries like concussions are often short-term but can go unnoticed. Symptoms of a concussion can include headaches, difficulty concentrating, and memory loss.
Cognitive and Psychological Trauma
Victims can develop debilitating trauma following a car accident. Anxiety may manifest as victims being afraid to operate a car, drive on the highway, follow a particular route, or be very anxious about a loved one having an accident. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental condition that those injured in a car accident may experience. Symptoms include having flashbacks and negative thoughts such as anger, sadness, fear, or detachment long after the incident. Experiencing physical injuries and trauma can also lead to depression that causes constant feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in activities and relationships. Changes in sleep habits, like insomnia, can also be a result of underlying emotional trauma following a collision.
Get a Prompt Medical Evaluation After an Auto Accident
Detect hidden injuries before they worsen by getting a medical evaluation at your earliest convenience following a car accident. Untreated injuries can lead to chronic pain, mobility problems, or long-term disabilities. Identifying and treating injuries early helps prevent long-term complications affecting your quality of life. Receiving a comprehensive medical evaluation allows doctors to develop treatment plans tailored to your specific injuries that include pain management, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
Medical professionals such as a pain management specialist, orthopedic doctor, chiropractor, or your primary physician can perform a full evaluation that involves:
- Checking for signs of pain, swelling, bruising, or limited mobility
- X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to diagnose fractures, soft tissue damage, or internal injuries
- Assessing for symptoms of traumatic brain injuries
- Discussing treatment options such as counseling, medications, physical therapy, or surgeries.
If you file a lawsuit for your car accident, medical records can serve as critical evidence in personal injury claims. However, if you delay seeking medical treatment, insurance companies and opposing parties may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident. This will make your efforts to obtain compensation for medical bills and lost wages more difficult. Save yourself any undue worry and dangerous health complications by seeking medical attention as soon as possible. Not only can this help diagnose any health conditions that are slow to surface, but it can also set the tone for any legal actions that victims wish to pursue.
Photo Credit:
Photo 1, Credit to Freepik || Photo 2, Credit to Freepik (CC0 1.0)
