Following a car accident, you may feel shocked and unsure about what just happened. A lot of people are in such a state of disbelief that they may not even be aware of the injuries that they’ve sustained.
It’s typical to be so focused on calling a lawyer and starting a claim with your insurance company that your physical well-being sits on the back burner. For this reason, a lot of people don’t realize until much later that they’ve been hurt more than they initially realized.
If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s critical that you keep an eye out for the following potential injuries.
Spinal Injury
Following a car accident, it’s not uncommon for people to experience back strain known as “whiplash.” This condition occurs as a result of a hard impact, which causes your body to lurch forward suddenly. However, in some cases, your back may experience even further injury.
In some cases, people who have suffered car accident may have a herniated disc, resulting in losing feeling in their legs. It’s not always apparent right away, so it’s essential to seek medical attention following an accident. Only a professional can determine the full extent of your injuries.
Brain Damage
When you hit your head, your brain can suffer damage from impact. This can not only result in short term damage, but also long term.
If you have suffered a concussion or any kind of blow to the head, you should watch carefully for traumatic brain injury signs. Another reason why being seen for your injuries is critical following an accident.
Psychological Damage
Experiencing the trauma of a car accident isn’t just physically challenging, but also psychologically. You may feel unsure about getting behind the wheel again and taking your chances on the road.
For some people, the fear of getting back on the road again is so strong that they need to go to therapy. Flashbacks of a traumatic car crash are not uncommon and should be handled by a medical professional.
Shoulder Injuries
Even though a seatbelt is there to save your life, it can result in throwing out your shoulder or creating deep bruising.
Since only half of your torso is held back by the seat belt, impact can cause your body to twist and lurch forward violently. In some cases, the blow to the shoulder could result in tearing. Be aware of any unusual pain in your shoulders. You may require surgery.
Leg Injuries
Most people think about the top half of their body when they imagine car accident injuries. However, it’s incredibly common for drivers’ and passengers knees to slam against the dashboard during the accident.
Be sure to have your legs thoroughly examined to rule out the possibility of a knee injury.
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