After an accident, it is possible not to detect injuries. Not feeling any pain after an accident is because the body pumps adrenaline that covers up some injuries, making the accident victim feel unharmed. This Feeling makes some individuals hesitant to visit the hospital, not realizing that there may be underlying injuries that require immediate medical attention.
Some of these hidden injuries take time to develop; some appear when the victim returns home, while others may take several days. “It is best to run a medical checkup after a car accident even if you do not feel any pains,” says personal injury attorney Lawrence Buckfire.
When accident victims do not promptly treat hidden injuries, they may progress, leading to further issues and death in the worst-case scenario. Therefore, prompt visitation to the hospital is necessary after an accident.
Hidden Car Accidents Injuries
Some hidden injuries that do not show signs shortly after an accident include:
#1. Concussion
The skull and surrounding fluid protect the brain. A violent strike on the head causes the brain to hit the side of the skull with significant force. If this occurs during an accident, the victim may suffer a concussion.
Fatigue, impaired vision, slurred speech, and vomiting are signs of a concussion. Some concussions may cause patients to lose consciousness right away, and these symptoms do not always appear immediately.
Concussion symptoms can linger for days, weeks, or even months. It can result in memory loss, depression, sleep disruptions, inability to taste or smell, and even sensitivity to light and noise if not treated promptly.
#2. Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most prevalent injuries that might go unnoticed just after a car accident, especially after a rear-end collision. Often known as a neck strain or sprain, Whiplash is caused by a violent back-and-forth movement of the victim’s neck, similar to the cracking of a whip. Severe Whiplash can cause sleep disorders, ringing in the ears, and even memory and concentration problems.
#3. Disc Herniation
Back pain is common following a car accident and is reported in many rear-end and impact collisions. If your back pain increases after an accident and does not go away for weeks, you may have a concealed injury. A herniated disc is one injury that frequently lurks beneath back pain.
Discs sit between each vertebra in your spine and absorb shock as it moves. A disc between the two vertebrae can slip or rupture when the spine is subjected to extreme trauma, such as a sudden severe impact in a vehicle accident.
This impact causes the vertebrae to rub against one another resulting in back pain. Reduced mobility, numbness, tingling of the spinal cord, sitting troubles are other symptoms of back injury aside from pain.
#4. Abdominal Pain
Another part of the body affected by car accidents is the Abdomen. Abdominal pain can go unreported for days after an injury, and if left untreated for too long, it can become life-threatening. This kind of pain can be a sign of internal bleeding with symptoms like deep bruising, purplish skin, dizziness, fainting, and headache.
#5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most hidden injuries to show after an automobile accident. Car accidents are frightening and painful occurrences, with long-term psychological consequences.
Why You Need to Visit the Hospital After an Accident
In pain or not, it is always a good idea to visit the hospital after an accident. The doctor is always in the best position to assess the severity of the injuries and provide medical guidance on monitoring any injuries’ symptoms (hidden injuries).
Also, when at the hospital, it is good to keep records of your appointments, including the date. Keeping these records will help you if you need to file an injury claim after the accident because the documentation will show that you sought medical treatment within an acceptable time frame. However, if you wait too long to go to the hospital, the insurance adjusters may claim you were not wounded.
When to File a Claim
Insurers frequently approach claimants after a car accident to ask them to sign a release of any claims they may have. The insurers may give a tempting amount of money to persuade the claimants to settle the claim.
Regardless of the offer, it is never a good idea to settle claims right away; you should wait until you have completed your medical evaluation by a medical specialist. Accepting a settlement without first getting a professional medical evaluation means you will be giving up any legal rights to seek additional compensation from the insurance company, even if you later find hidden injuries.
However, it is a good idea to work with your doctor to provide you with a timeline to anticipate how long the injuries will take to uncover. It will assist you in accurately determining all of your excessive medical expenditures before settlement.
Need for a Lawyer After an Accident
A terrible car accident injury can result in outrageous medical bills, loss of earnings, and suffering, as well as vehicle damage. Most of the time, after filing a claim, the liable party’s insurance will put in a few barriers to prevent you from receiving your compensations.
As a result, you will need the assistance of an experienced accident lawyer to analyze your case. The lawyer will also advise you on the best course of action to pursue to achieve the best possible result.
Conclusion
Car Accident victims should not wait until they see physical harm or feel pain before seeing a doctor. There may be hidden injuries that may not manifest immediately, and if not treated on time, may lead to further complications and even death in some cases.
Aside from going to the hospital for a proper medical checkup, visiting the hospital will also help you document your medical process and is useful when you file an injury claim. When you make this claim, you will need the assistance of an experienced accident lawyer to help you obtain fair compensation.
