Right after a car crash, you may feel a tremendous relief that you are still alive and don’t seem to be seriously injured. If you are still conscious, not bleeding, and have no broken bones, you may believe you were lucky enough to escape injury. Shock and adrenaline can mask signs of injury immediately after an accident. Symptoms that may take hours or days to show up can be an indication of lingering car accident injuries.
What Are Some Common Lingering Injuries After a Motor Vehicle Accident?
Motor vehicle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which may have delayed symptoms and lingering effects. Common traffic crash injuries include:
- Whiplash: This injury gets its name from the whiplike motion of the head and neck that can occur when a car is struck by another vehicle. This sudden movement can strain the muscles and ligaments of the neck. Whiplash can cause pain, stiffness, fatigue, dizziness, trouble sleeping, and headaches.
- Pinched nerve: Nerves in the neck or back can be pinched or compressed in an accident. A pinched nerve can cause pain, a burning sensation, tenderness, or numbness.
- Traumatic brain injury: TBI can be caused by a blow or penetrating injury to the head. It can also be caused by jolting of the head that causes the brain to slam against the inside of the skull. Symptoms of traumatic brain injury can vary from person to person. It can range in severity from mild injury that improves in a few weeks to a long-term condition with life-altering consequences.
- Soft tissues injuries: The impact of a crash can injure muscles and ligaments in the neck, back, chest, arms, and knees. Sprains, strains, and other soft tissues injuries can cause loss of mobility and long-term pain.
- Herniated disc: This happens when the soft, jellylike center of a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in the tougher, rubbery exterior. Herniated discs can occur anywhere on the spine but are most common in the lower back and the neck. They can cause weakness, tingling or numbness, and pain in the arms or legs.
What Types of Car Accidents Can Cause Lingering Physical Damage?
Any type of car crash can cause lingering physical damage. Even low-impact accidents can cause soft tissue injuries with symptoms that include lingering pain, loss of mobility, and inability to participate in customary activities. Rear-end collisions that cause a sudden, forced movement of the head and neck are a common cause of whiplash. T-bone accidents can cause head trauma and traumatic brain injury.
How Should You Document Car Accident Injuries?
The importance of seeing a doctor after a car accident cannot be overstated. A qualified medical professional can perform a thorough examination and order any necessary diagnostics to detect certain injuries sooner that might otherwise go untreated and worsen. Seeing a doctor also allows you to document your injuries for purposes of your claim. Keep careful records of all your medical visits, including any referrals, treatment plans, medications, or imaging your doctor orders. This applies to any healthcare providers you may see for your injuries, including emergency room doctors, orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, physical therapists, neurologists, and plastic surgeons.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help With an Accident Claim?
If you have been hurt in a car accident, our experienced Boston personal injury lawyers at DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Our knowledgeable legal team has a reputation for results. Call us at (617) 663-0665to schedule a free consultation. Our car accident lawyers in Boston, MA can tell you if you have a case and what damages you may be entitled to claim.