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February 06, 2023

Possible Injuries After a Car Accident You May Not Know About

Automobile accidents can be traumatic, life-changing events, often with unexpected consequences and possible injuries. Each year, thousands of Americans are injured in car crashes.

Of course, the types of injuries resulting from car accidents will vary depending on the severity of the crash, among other factors. Sometimes, even a severe injury can go unnoticed immediately after the event. Unfortunately, this can prevent people from getting the medical and legal support they need when they are most vulnerable. Therefore, knowing what to expect physically after a car accident is essential.

Possible Injuries After a Car Accident

There are possible injuries associated with car accidents. Whiplash, for instance, happens when the head is forcibly thrust in one direction and then in the opposite. The resulting soft tissue damage in the neck can cause pain and stiffness, among other symptoms. Bleeding, bruising, and broken bones are also expected to result from a high-impact crash.

But some injuries are more subtle and do not present symptoms for days or weeks after the crash. Therefore, even when it does not seem necessary to seek immediate medical attention, it is essential to keep an eye out for certain symptoms, including:

  • Pain/stiffness in the neck or back
  • Headache
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Abdominal pain
  • Cognitive impairment

These symptoms may indicate something serious. Only a physician can identify and treat some less common and invisible injuries due to car accidents.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBIs typically result from an impact or jolt to the head. They affect brain function and may have long-term or fatal outcomes. Often, symptoms are not immediately noticeable. While mild concussions are common, causing headaches, nausea, dizziness, and memory problems, among other symptoms, severe TBIs can be critically disabling or deadly.

Spine Injuries

Injuries to the spinal cord can cause pain, stiffness, numbing/tingling, and paralysis.

The impact force from a car accident can cause the gel-like discs between each vertebra to herniate or bulge out. Damage to the spine can impose on the nerves, causing pain throughout the body, which can be persistent or episodic.

Internal Damage

Soft tissue injury commonly occurs during car accidents. Muscles, ligaments, and tendons may become strained, sprained, torn, or bruised. These injuries can take a few hours to days before they are noticeably painful but tend to subside on their own. However, if the pain persists for more than a few days, it is best to speak to a doctor to rule out anything more serious.

Severe impacts can damage organs or cause internal bleeding, which requires serious medical attention. Occasionally, the force of the seatbelt against the body during an accident can cause internal injury or damage to the spine.

Facial Injuries

During an accident, the face is especially vulnerable to impact with the car’s dashboard, windshield, or other objects. When the airbag deploys, which it does at nearly 100 mph, it can harm the face, arms, and upper body. It is common for accident victims to suffer damage to the jaw, nose, eyes, and skin. People also experience burns from the friction of the airbag against the skin or from the chemicals released when the airbag deploys.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Probably the least visible injury resulting from an auto accident is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. However, it is common and can have severe and debilitating effects. The symptoms vary from person to person but may include the following:

  • Intrusive memories: Flashbacks that cause victims to relive the trauma
  • Avoidance: Of situations that remind the victim of the event or avoiding discussing it
  • Thought changes: Difficulty with concentration, memory, or the inability to maintain positive feelings
  • Emotional volatility: With feelings of fear, anger, anxiety, and a tendency to engage in drug or alcohol abuse

PTSD must be diagnosed by a mental health professional and is treatable with therapy or medication.

How Montero Law Group Can Help Car Accident Injuries

Montero Law Group, LLC, can provide you with a personal injury attorney in Silver Spring, MD.

Call us if you have suffered car accident injuries in Silver Spring. We will help you navigate Maryland car accident laws, deal with insurance companies, and fight to ensure you get fully compensated for your damages. Our team of lawyers in Silver Spring provides exceptional legal services built on trust and loyalty.