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SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

Braden A. Blumenstiel Jan. 21, 2022

A car accident can be an extremely violent event and traumatic on the body and mind. Even seemingly minor accidents can cause significant damage if left untreated. If you’ve recently been in a car accident, it’s extremely important get the medical care you need as soon as possible. It is also crucial to monitor your symptoms, and possible injuries, for the sake of your health and the ability to receive financial compensation.

Some symptoms to look out for after a car accident that may not appear immediately are swelling, neck pain, back pain, nausea, dizziness, headaches, confusion, mental fogginess, sensitivity to light and/or sound, and numbness and tingling in your arms and/or legs. All these symptoms could be signs that you sustained severe injuries in the accident. If you have visible injuries at the scene of the crash, attempt to take pictures to document your injuries for your doctor and the insurance company. This could include cuts, scrapes, and facial injuries. Please also ensure you obtain medical treatment early, as that will help maximize your chances of making a full and timely recovery.

Although it is impossible to provide a complete list of injuries that can result from a car accident, some common conditions caused by car accidents are as follows.

 

WHIPLASH AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

Whiplash is one of the most frequent car accident injuries and occurs most often in rear-end collisions. Whiplash is cause by a sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck and can cause severe damage to the neck muscle and spine.

The symptoms of whiplash can vary from person to person. Here are some symptoms to watch out for.

  • Swelling

  • Temporary vocal cord paralysis

  • Neck pain

  • Shoulder pain

  • Numbness, tingling or loss of strength in your extremities

Depending on the severity of the condition, recovery time can vary from a few days to several months. Sometimes, the injury can be permanent. Therefore, it is important to never settle with the insurance company immediately after a wreck. You may be more hurt than you realize.

 

CONCUSSIONS AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

The sudden back and forth motion and abrupt jolts that you may experience in a car accident can lead to concussions and other brain traumas.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that is caused by the brain slamming against the interior of the skull.

Symptoms of brain trauma may not appear immediately, and include:

  • Headache

  • Nausea

  • Dizziness

  • Temporary unconsciousness

  • Blurred vision

  • Blind Spots

  • Slurred speech

  • Confusion

  • Mental fogginess

  • Irritability

  • Mood swings

If blurred vision, blind spots, slurred speech, or confusion occurs, it is important to seek medical attention right away!

Long-term medical attention is often needed after concussions and brain traumas. Even mild TBIs can impact a person for the rest of their life and can grow worse if left untreated. Don’t hesitate to go to the doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. It is in your best interest for your health and your personal injury claim to get the treatment you need in a timely manner.

 

SOFT TISSUE INJURIES

Soft tissue injuries are common after a car accident. Soft tissue injuries refer to sprains, strains, and contusions.

  • Sprains are injuries to ligaments.

  • Strains are injuries to muscles and tendons.

  • Contusions are also known as bruises. They can affect muscle fibers and the brain.

SEVERE CONTUSIONS

If you notice excessive bruising in the days after your accident, it’s important to be seen by a doctor right away to be checked for internal bleeding.

BACK PAIN AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

An auto accident can cause a lot of pain in your back. This is because you may have been pushed forward or backward into something hard, like your steering wheel.

Besides pain, other signs of a back injury are

  • Reduced mobility

  • Muscle spasms

  • Body stiffness

  • Trouble walking, standing, or sitting

  • Numbness and tingling in your arms and/or legs

Back pain can be caused by torn or inflamed muscles, as well as disc bulges and herniated discs. Don’t brush off any back pain you have, as it could get worse over time.

SPRAINED ANKLE AND SPRAINED KNEE

When you’re involved in an auto accident, you may twist your ankle or smash your knee against the dashboard of your car. Although sprains may not appear to be a significant issue at first, you should still seek medical attention for them. Your injury could be worse than you thought, and sprains can get worse if not cared for properly.

 

FRACTURES AND BROKEN BONES AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

Fractured bones, especially the collar bone, knee joints, and elbow, are common in car crashes. When a front-end crash occurs, the engine can push into the dash and cause knee injuries. “T-Bone” accidents often cause hip fractures due to the abrupt movements of the body to the sides. Also, bones in the spine may shift out of position and cause a fracture.

Monitor any pain you have and make sure to see a doctor to fully evaluate your condition. Take pictures of any visible injuries you have as evidence for the insurance company.

 

PTSD AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

Auto accidents can cause more than just physical pain and suffering. Many people may develop a fear of driving or more severe mental health conditions after a car accident. These are real conditions that can have a debilitating effect on a person’s life. If you’re experiencing flashbacks and/or have severe anxiety following a car accident, you deserve to get the treatment you need and be compensated for it.

 

THE TAKEAWAY – DON’T SETTLE RIGHT AWAY

After a car accident, you should see a doctor if you feel any level of pain or discomfort. It may be a good idea to get checked out even if you feel fine. If you end up making any sort of personal injury claim after the accident, it’s crucial to be able to document your medical treatment. Waiting too long to see a doctor gives the insurance adjuster the opportunity to argue that you’re lying about the severity of your injuries.

If you’ve recently been in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, it’s likely that the other driver’s insurance company has tried to pressure you into signing a release. It’s in your best interest to not sign anything until you have spoken with a lawyer.

If you sign a release, and an injury shows up later, you cannot then go back to the insurance company and ask them to pay for your medical treatment or compensate you for your injuries and other damages. You waive your legal right to do so when you sign the release.

You should wait until you have been fully evaluated by a medical professional before signing anything the insurance adjuster gives you. A doctor will also be able to help you determine how long it may take for your injuries to fully manifest. Talking to an attorney experienced in handling auto accident and other types of personal injuries claims is also advised.

PROTECT YOUR WEALTH AND HEALTH WITH A DUBLIN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

Dealing with insurance adjusters and personal injuries claims can be frustrating when you’re trying to focus on recovering.

It’s important to take care of yourself and your body first.

The experienced attorneys at DuPont & Blumenstiel will help you navigate through the insurance claims world. We know the tactics insurance companies use to try to trick you into claiming responsibility or accepting a lowball offer. And we won’t let that happen.

Our team will make sure you get the medical treatment you need without the fear of how you’re going to pay for it.

Give us a call at 614-389-9711 to discuss your car accident.