Depending on the severity, an auto accident can cause devastating injuries that may range from cuts and bruises to paralysis. While physical injuries like cuts and bruises are easily visible, most accident victims suffer hidden injuries that, left undetected and treated, can result in serious complications.
Some car accident injuries may seem minor, or the pain may not seem as intense. The result, you might think you can tough it out and ignore the need to seek treatment. However, it is important to understand that while some car accidents may not seem apparent, they may worsen and cause serious problems down the road. For instance, a chronic headache that you believe is the result of a stressful day at work may actually be a symptom of a brain injury that you sustained during the accident.
Here are some of the hidden auto accident injuries that you need to look out for.
Soft tissue injuries
Soft tissue injuries may not be as visible as scrapes and cuts. However, depending on the severity of the impact, soft tissue injuries, especially those involving the body’s vital organs can become life-threatening. Soft tissue injuries occur when muscles, tendons and ligaments are stretched and strained as a result of a sudden and violent movement of the body. Soft tissue injuries can result in chronic pain.
Head and brain injuries
Head injuries resulting from a car accident can range from minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Most car accident-related head injuries happen when the head is violently swung or hit against the vehicle’s body during the impact. Left untreated, head and brain injuries can be life-altering and can result in permanent damage. This explains why you need to seek treatment as soon as you are involved in a car accident.
A car accident can turn your life upside down. If you are involved in one, it is important that you seek treatment as soon as you can. Besides diagnosing and treating your injury in time, this will also help you build your personal injury case against the at-fault party.
