Many people think most car accident injuries are obvious and need emergency medical attention at the scene. However, many accident survivors suffer less obvious injuries. Despite many injuries being apparent, some can be virtually invisible.
When injuries are less noticeable, they can be ignored by the person or obscured by adrenaline, which is why it is critical to get a medical evaluation after a car accident. It is wise to rule out the possibility of unseen injuries. Many injuries take time to develop, but a doctor may be able to detect a problem right away.
Aside from addressing any health-related concerns, having a medical exam after an accident can boost a legal claim. Going to the doctor can establish a clear link between the injury and the car accident.
Always go to a doctor after any type of collision, whether you believe you are injured or not. You should also watch out for signs of a hidden car accident injury as well. Some common symptoms of hidden car accident injuries are listed below.
Headaches
While headaches are common ailments, experiencing serious or recurring headaches after a car accident can be a sign of something much more serious. A person who was thrown violently around in a car crash may have a serious brain injury. Headaches can be a sign of concussion or another traumatic brain injury (TBI), a serious head or neck injury, or even a blood clot.
Dizziness or Nausea
A person’s brain can be knocked around inside their skull during a car accident. In severe cases, this can cause damage to the brain that can result in swelling and neurological problems. Dizziness, balance issues, and/or mobility problems can be caused by brain damage caused by a car accident.
Fainting or feeling dizzy can be symptoms of brain damage from a car accident. Any loss of consciousness should be reported immediately to a medical professional. A concussion may seem fairly innocuous, but it should be taken seriously.
Cognitive Issues
Experiencing a loss of coordination, inability to concentrate, memory loss, or problems with speech, hearing, or vision can indicate a brain injury. Some accident-related brain injuries can even alter a person’s personality.
Numbness
Any loss of sensation or tingling can be a sign of nerve damage. While it may be a temporary condition, getting it checked out will create a medical record that can be useful for several reasons. Keeping track of symptoms establishes a “scale” of pain that can be useful during treatment. Also, having a doctor’s documentation would clearly link the car accident to the injury.
Even though it is hidden, numbness can be debilitating as well. It can severely alter someone’s daily life. Persistent numbness can be a sign of damage to the brain or spinal cord.
Stiffness and Soreness
Stiffness and soreness can be signs of soft tissue injuries. Many soft tissue injuries have delayed symptoms.
Whiplash is the most common soft tissue injury resulting from a car accident. This occurs when the muscles and connective tissues in the neck and shoulders are jolted and whipped back and forth, causing delayed pain and stiffness. Muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons are all vulnerable during a car accident.
Back Pain
Back pain can be debilitating and a sign of various serious injuries. Damage to the vertebrae or discs can be extremely painful, affecting everyday life.
Atlantic City Car Accident Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Obtain Justice for Clients Who Have Debilitating Accident Injuries
One of our experienced Atlantic City car accident lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm can help you link your injury to a car accident. We can determine if you are eligible for compensation. Call us at 609-926-3300 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, and Woodbury.