Automobile accidents occur every few seconds. They can range from “fender benders” to devastating damage. In many situations, a car crash can result in serious and even life-threatening injuries due to the negligence of another driver.
It is common for many people who have been hurt in a car crash not to immediately experience symptoms from their injuries. Sometimes it can take several days or weeks for injuries from an auto accident to fully show up, which means, you have to be careful to fully understand your situation. Personal injury lawyers understand the possibility of this and can help you negotiate your claim to address potential future physical problems, but it is essential that you seek consultation with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible following your accident.
If you think you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s important not to brush it aside.
Common Injuries Resulting From Car Crashes
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are any injury to the soft areas of the body, such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Examples of soft tissue injuries include contusions, sprains and/or strains, and spinal disc injuries. These types of injuries are extremely common in car accidents because of the impact between the vehicles. Soft tissue injuries can be painful and life-disrupting, but they are not always easy to prove, so it is extremely important that you document your injuries in order to protect your right to compensation.
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common types of injuries a person suffers from a car accident. Whiplash happens when the sudden impact, typically from a rear-end collision, forces your neck and head to violently move about. Whiplash can occur even at low-speed impacts, and it can occur whether you are or are not wearing a seat belt. The symptoms of whiplash may include:
- Sharp neck pain
- Stiffness in your neck
- Back and spine problems
- Cognitive problems, such as lack of concentration and loss of memory
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Numbness in the hands, arms, back and neck
Why You Should Seek Treatment
The symptoms of whiplash can occur immediately, but it’s not uncommon for the symptoms to gradually emerge over several days or weeks following your accident. These symptoms may seem minor at first, but it’s important you don’t ignore them. If whiplash is left untreated, you can develop severe, chronic pain and discomfort in your back, neck, head, and spine. Lingering effects of whiplash, also known as chronic whiplash, may include stress, depression, anxiety, and anger as well as a dependence on prescription medications.
It is extremely important that you seek medical attention immediately following a car accident, even if your injuries appear to be minor. Police and witnesses to the crash may often attempt to minimize your injuries, but the truth is some injuries can’t be readily seen. Just because there is no blood or broken bones doesn’t mean there’s no damage.
Work With a Personal Injury Lawyer
Unfortunately, insurance companies have one goal, which is to settle your claim for the least amount possible. When you settle your claim, there is a good chance that you will neither receive enough compensation for your current medical bills nor be compensated for the other damages you are entitled to as a result of your car accident. A personal injury lawyer will be able to explain your legal rights regarding the accident and personal injury law and help you file a claim for the compensation you deserve.
