Most people assume that severe injuries only occur in catastrophic accidents, but even minor accidents can be fatal or debilitating. In fact, victims often overlook potentially serious injuries when they are in minor accidents, and that can place them at higher risk for long-term complications. Learn more about the most commonly overlooked car accident injuries, including the potential consequences of not seeking treatment, and how to find assistance with your claim.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are those that pertain to the body’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They can include everything from sprains and strains to whiplash, and they are often overlooked as minor injuries. Unfortunately, victims who do not seek treatment may find themselves at risk for long-term complications, such as muscle spasms or chronic whiplash. To make matters worse, untreated soft tissue injuries may go uncompensated. Do not let this happen to you. Instead, seek medical treatment for pain in your muscles, limbs, or joints.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Most people assume that traumatic brain injuries only occur if there is a blow to the head, but nothing could be further from the truth. Even sudden jerking or jarring of the neck or head can cause dangerous swelling in the brain – sometimes to the point that it may lead to death or permanent disability. To reduce your risk of such consequences, seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent headaches,
- Foggy thinking,
- Mood changes,
- Depression,
- Difficulty sleeping,
- Blurred eyesight,
- Confusion,
- Slurred speech,
- Dizziness, or
- Unconsciousness.
Other Internal Injuries
Contusions, scrapes, broken bones, and other surface injuries are often easy to spot. Internal injuries may not be. Examples of such injuries can include perforations, ruptures, and bleeding of internal organs or structures. If not treated quickly, these injuries can result in death. Visit an emergency room if you notice any bruising in your abdominal area, or if your stomach appears to be distended (swollen). Persistent pain should also be addressed by a healthcare professional.
Emotional Trauma or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
While most of the overlooked accident injuries pertain to your physical body, there are also emotional injuries that may be overlooked. One of the most common ones pertains to emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder – both of which could be debilitating for victims. It may make driving difficult, long after you have recovered from an accident. It could cause nightmares, hypersensitivity, and excessive irritability or depression. If you suspect that emotional trauma may have impacted you after an accident, speak to a qualified mental health professional and a personal injury lawyer about your options.
Contact Our Green Bay Auto Accident Attorneys
Although an attorney is not required for filing an accident claim, victims are encouraged to seek one that can protect their interests throughout the claims process. With decades of experience, Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. is the firm to trust. Schedule a free consultation with our Green Bay auto accident lawyers to see how we can assist with your case. Call 920-739-7366 today.
Source:
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/protect-kids-from-severe-injuries
http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/colchester-man-died-of-injuries-suffered-in-1992-car-accident-coroner-rules-1-4880980
https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_ulg549k9