Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic event for everyone involved. Minor fender-benders to major collisions can cause major property damage and serious injuries, both for drivers and passengers. But did you know that many times serious accident injuries take hours, days, or even weeks to show up? This is why it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you think you are not hurt.
“Hidden” Injuries After A Car Accident
One type of injury that could happen in a car accident is soft tissue injury, or injury to muscles, ligaments, and other body parts other than bones. Even the most minor accidents happening at the lowest speeds and impacts still create a lot of force inside the vehicle. Drivers and passengers can be jerked around suddenly in a collision, putting heavy strain and stress on joints and other soft tissue areas. One common injury of this type is whiplash, which happens when the head is thrown forward and back suddenly, pulling and straining delicate neck muscles and connective tissues. These injuries, however, may not appear for days or weeks after an accident. Another type of injury that could be very serious is concussion. This can result from a blow to the head or from the head being jolted violently during an accident. This causes the brain to bump around the inside of the skull, resulting in injury to the nerves. Symptoms of concussion can be mild or more obvious. If you or anyone involved in an accident has any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical help right away.
- confusion
- trouble concentrating and/or remembering new information
- headache
- blurry or double vision
- nausea
- dizziness
- tiredness
- sleep problems
After any type of car accident, even a serious one, drivers and passengers may feel like they are fine and don’t need to see a doctor. But it would be in your best interest to see a doctor as soon as possible for a full checkup to make sure you don’t have any of the above “hidden” injuries.
Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
A car accident can be stressful and difficult to deal with, but the experienced attorneys at Gutierrez Law Firm can help. We have assisted on car accident cases throughout Texas. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact us for a free consultation.
