Being in an auto accident is traumatic. You get shaken up emotionally and physically. You could be in shock. Your adrenalin is pumping. You may also be unaware that you sustained injuries that are not instantly apparent. In fact, some injuries can go undetected for days or longer after a motor vehicle crash.
The best thing to do is to seek medical attention right away. A doctor can pinpoint injuries that seem hidden, even from you. Knowing exactly what physical damage you sustained in the wake of a car crash can help you receive appropriate medical treatment. Knowledge of the full extent of your injuries can also affect your claim for compensation.
Certain types of injuries are common in auto accidents. Having some understanding of those injuries, their warning signs and how they can manifest themselves much later on can be helpful if you are ever in a crash.
Potentially serious injuries that may not show up right after a car accident
- Whiplash occurs when your head snaps backward and forward quickly. It often happens to people in rear-end collisions. The symptoms, which may not start for days, can include intense neck pain and pain radiating down the arms.
- A herniated disc can result in nerve problems, numbness or weakness in the extremities. In a worst-case scenario, paralysis is possible.
- A concussion happens when someone’s brain strikes the interior of the skull. The person’s head may have hit something with force or been shaken hard. Symptoms can include headache, sleepiness, vertigo and vision problems.
- Internal bleeding may not show up immediately and can be very serious. Watch for stomach pain or swelling, deeply discolored skin, seizures or headaches.
Your claim for compensation after a motor vehicle accident can be made more compelling by including all your injuries. Take note of any concerning symptoms that occur days or even weeks after a collision. Although nothing can undo your pain and suffering, an experienced attorney in Tennessee may be able to help you get what you deserve.
