We often see clients suffering from a variety of injuries caused by car accidents involving our clients. These injuries can be as minimal as bruising or, on the other hand, as critical as a brain injury. Many people think that if they are not injured at the time of the accident, they cannot attribute their injury to their case. However, in many situations, it may take days for symptoms of injuries sustained in car accidents to manifest.
Common Injuries from Car Accidents
Soft Tissue Injuries — Occur when muscles, tendons, or ligaments are stretched or torn. Sprains, strains, and contusions are common soft-tissue injuries. These injuries are often very painful and even after treatment; they may require a prolonged amount of time to heal.
Broken Bones — Broken bones can be extremely painful and may even require surgery to fix. They also can be debilitating and can take a very long time to heal.
Neck and Back Injuries — These types of injuries can include whiplash, herniated discs, spinal cord damage, sprains, or strains.
Spinal Injuries – Fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine may occur after a trauma such as a car crash. When the spinal cord is damaged, depending on the severity of the injury, a loss of movement or sensation in the lower extremities may result.
Head and Brain Injuries — These can include contusions, concussions or other traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries and severe contusions might require surgery to alleviate any serious bleeding or pressure that appears on the brain after the accident.
Burn Injuries — Burns can run the spectrum from minor to fatal. They can be serious and painful. Additionally, burns may require skin grafts and result in scarring.
What You Should Do
If you’re involved in a car accident, some injuries may not cause pain immediately. However, other injuries, such as fractures, abrasions, and loss of consciousness, may be immediately apparent. Thus, regardless of the immediate symptoms, or even if you have no symptoms at all, it is important for your health to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries from car accidents are not obvious but may still need treatment, such as internal bleeding.
It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible for 2 major reasons:
- The injuries, your symptoms, and your overall condition needs to be documented by a medical professional;
- You are risking your health and well-being the longer you go without receiving medical attention.
After visiting the medical provider, Document any specific pain or other symptoms.
Document immediate and ongoing medical expenses after seeing your medical provider.
If a child is involved in the car crash, seek medical attention. A child may not be able to explain their injuries and something may be missed.
If you have experienced any injuries from a car accident, contact our office today. We have can help you navigate the difficult waters ahead. Most people do not know how to handle personal injury claims. We are knowledgeable and experienced with these cases so that you don’t have to be. While you focus on getting better, we will focus on getting you compensated.