If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you could be entitled to collect money for your injury. Before speaking with an attorney, it is important for your health and your case that you seek diagnosis and treatment for any injury caused by the accident.
Regardless of the extent or severity of your injury, it is important to see a doctor as soon after a car accident as possible. These five common physical injuries suffered by car accident victims are often present immediately, but some can go unnoticed without proper care:
Whiplash (and Other Neck Injuries)
Whiplash is one of the most common types of injury in car accidents. It occurs when the neck is jarred by the impact of a collision. The pressure placed on the ligaments in the neck can cause strain, which can be very painful for an indeterminate amount of time (every case of whiplash is different). More serious neck injuries can lead to issues like herniated discs, and require surgery to correct.
Knee and Leg Injuries
Injuries to the legs are common in more serious accidents. They are the usual result of impact in the direct proximity of the legs, commonly sideswipes and other types of impact to the side of the vehicle. Knees are particularly prone to tears and joint dislocation. Injury to the toes and ankles are also common in certain types of accidents.
Bone Fractures
A broken bone will always require emergency attention. The bone usually needs to be set and placed in a cast. In extreme cases, surgery could be required to fix the break. Multiple fractures are harder to set, and could require metal pins, screws, or plates to repair. Compound Fractures (where bone protrudes through the skin after a break) is more serious, and carries with it the almost inevitable need for surgery and elevated risk of infection.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Back and spinal cord injuries can have devastating and lifelong effects. Chronic and lifelong pain, as well as temporary or permanent loss of mobility, are real possibilities with severe back and spine injuries.
Concussions
Concussions occur as a result of sudden shaking of the brain that forces impact with the inside of the skull. The resultant bruising of brain tissue can cause dizziness, fainting, or even coma. Concussion is a common result of impact of the head with a window, dashboard, or steering column during an accident.
Remember that injuries do not always present themselves immediately; the symptoms can appear hours, days, or even weeks later. Only proper medical attention after a crash can ensure that your injuries are detected and properly treated.