5 Injuries That Aren’t Always Obvious After Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which may not be immediately apparent. Adrenaline and psychological shock accompanying a car accident can mask pain and less obvious symptoms, making some injuries difficult to detect.
Hidden injuries, like internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries, are particularly dangerous because they take time to become symptomatic. Delaying medical treatment can lead to serious consequences, such as permanent brain damage or death.
It is vital to know the potential for hidden injuries after a car accident and seek medical attention promptly to ensure your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated.
Why Some Injuries Take Time to Develop Symptoms
Immediately following an accident, your body may undergo a stress reaction, which releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can mask pain and other symptoms from injuries, making them challenging to notice.
Some injuries are difficult to detect without diagnostic tests. For example, internal injuries such as organ damage or internal bleeding may not be visible from the outside and may require medical imaging or other diagnostic tests to identify.
Common Injuries with Delayed Symptoms
If you have been in a car accident, it is crucial to know what signs to look for and how to check if you have any injuries that may not be visible. Some of the most common hidden injuries include:
- Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissues refer to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which can become stretched, torn, or damaged in a collision.
Whiplash, sometimes referred to as a cervical sprain or strain, is a common type of soft tissue injury that can occur from a car accident. A 2020 study reported around 841,000 sprain/strain (whiplash) injuries in the U.S. caused by car crashes each year.
Whiplash occurs when the head is jerked forward and backward rapidly, causing damage to the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Whiplash can result in pain, stiffness, and restricted neck movement and may not show signs for several days.
Soft tissue injuries can also occur in the back, shoulders, and other body parts. For example, a herniated disc can occur when the discs in the spine become damaged, causing them to bulge or rupture. This can result in pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area.
- Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding occurs when blood vessels are damaged, causing blood to leak into surrounding tissues or organs. If left untreated, internal bleeding can be life-threatening. In the U.S., hemorrhage due to trauma, or uncontrolled internal bleeding, is the leading cause of death in those under 46.
Car accidents can result in internal bleeding when a sudden impact can cause the body to be jolted or twisted, damaging blood vessels. Blunt force trauma, for example, a body striking the dashboard or steering wheel, can cause internal bleeding.
Internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent after a car accident, as symptoms may take time to develop. Common signs of internal bleeding include:
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat or breathing
- Weakness or fatigue
- Organ Damage
Organ damage occurs when internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys, are injured due to blunt force trauma or the impact of a collision. The most common way organ damage occurs is from an impact.
During a car accident, your body may be flung unexpectedly into other parts of the car. This impact can cause damage to internal organs due to twisting or blunt force with an external object or internal structure. For example, the impact of a collision may break your ribs, causing them to puncture your lung.
Signs of organ damage include:
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat or breathing
- Spine Injuries
The spine is made up of vertebrae, discs, and nerves, which can be damaged due to the force of the impact. Spine injuries can range from mild to severe and can cause symptoms, including pain, numbness, and paralysis.
A 2022 study found that 51.6% of those injured in car accidents suffered tetraplegia, paralysis below the neck, while 48.4% had paraplegia, which is paralysis of the lower half of the body. 61.2% of injured persons had tetraplegia with an incomplete injury.
During a collision, the impact may injure the spine by damaging the vertebrae or discs or causing them to slip out of place. In more serious circumstances, the spine can be compressed, causing a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention.
Signs of spine injuries include:
- Pain in the neck or back
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Weakness or paralysis in the extremities
- Difficulty breathing or coughing
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when the brain is damaged due to a blow or jolt to the head, resulting in various symptoms and impairments. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage and can have long-lasting effects on the individual’s quality of life and reduce life expectancy by up to nine years.
TBI can occur in several ways during a car accident. For example, an object in or outside the car can strike the head, such as the dashboard, steering wheel, or windshield. The brain can also be jolted inside the skull due to the force of the impact, causing brain tissue damage.
Signs of TBI include:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Confusion or disorientation
- Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
- Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
Getting Assistance After a Car Accident
If you or a loved one suffers a non-visible injury in a car crash, you may be able to seek financial compensation. A Wisconsin car accident lawyer from Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers can review your medical records to help you prove the accident caused your condition and its impact on your life.
We understand the challenges individuals and families face after a car accident and are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation.
Our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the complex legal system, protect your rights, and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.