If you have even been in a serious auto accident, you know how terrifying these situations can be. One moment, you are driving along, and the next, you are left injured and afraid. Of course, it is not always easy to know how injured you actually are after a traffic accident. Many factors influence how a person’s body and brain interpret pain from injuries. Symptoms of some injuries can be delayed and cause motorists to falsely assume they do not need medical care. Read on to learn about some of the most common types of delayed injury symptoms and what you should do if you were hurt because of another motorist’s negligence.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain and head injuries are unlike other types of injuries. A severe broken bone, for example, is almost always accompanied by swelling, malformation, and open wounds. A traumatic brain injury can be caused by the brain hitting the inside of the skull, so no outer signs of damage may be present. Someone can easily hit their head or become jostled during a car accident and not be aware of it. Some car accident victims even lose consciousness during an accident and become even further confused about the injuries they have sustained.
If you were in a car crash and you have been experiencing symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, it is imperative that you seek immediate medical attention. Signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injury include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness or disorientation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty communicating and slurred speech
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Sensory problems including increased sensitivity to light
- Problems with memory and concentration
- Seizures
- Weakness or numbness in extremities
- Changes in mood, personality, or attention span
Whiplash and Spinal Cord Injuries
Another common car accident injury is whiplash. Neck sprain or whiplash refers to an injury to the neck that is caused by jerking motions of the head. Pain and other symptoms of whiplash may not develop until more than 24 hours after the accident. Other neck, back, and spinal cord injuries can also remain hidden until several days after an accident. This is one reason why it is so important to always get medical attention after a serious car accident.
In addition, treatment for these conditions can be costly, and injured individuals may be left unable to work. Through a personal injury action, you can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If you choose to sue, you will need comprehensive medical records which show the extent of your injuries.
Contact a Green Bay Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident caused by a negligent party, an experienced Appleton personal injury attorney from Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. can help you take action to protect your rights. Call 920-739-7366 for a consultation regarding your case. We will help ensure that crucial evidence is preserved and collected so that you can maximize your compensation under the law.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/pain-management-whiplash
http://ktar.com/story/605000/7-delayed-injury-symptoms-after-a-car-crash/