From a full-on collision to a mere bump in the bumper, drivers and passengers alike can suffer serious injuries in car accidents.
Many involved in accidents, however, may not feel or notice a particular injury, either because it is not as apparent, or the adrenaline from the scare of an accident is so high that they do not realize the injury exists.
It may only be later that symptoms begin to manifest themselves, or that the person notices these symptoms.
What Injuries May Not Be So Noticeable At First? A hit to the head during a car accident, or even a violent jolt of the body that causes whiplash, can actually lead to a concussion.
In a more serious accident, it may be easily apparent from the victim's confusion or disorientation that a concussion has set in.
However, in less severe accidents where the person remains lucid and conscious, a concussion could still exist that is not so readily detectable.
Over time, however, the person may experience headaches, blurry vision or dizziness.
They may lose their memory or fail to retain new information, or be unable to focus or concentrate.
Even in small doses, these symptoms may indicate an injury.
Further, a person could suffer an injury to other body parts.
The force from a car accident that jerks one's body or even throws them around inside the car or outside the car can result in damage to muscles or ligaments.
Just as with a concussion, whiplash can also cause tissue damage.
Victims may not realize that such serious injuries have occurred, possibly chalking of the pain to simple soreness or bumps and bruises that will subside.
However, over the course of weeks or even months the individual may notice pain and swelling in the affected areas.
Other vital areas that can be injured include the spine and back, where serious and potentially permanent debilitating damage can occur.
It is also important to realize that internal injuries, which will likely not be obvious, can occur.
Lastly, while the focus here has been on physical injuries, one can experience psychological damage as well.
Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from an accident may also be compensable.
Do Not Ignore Injuries! After any type of car accident, big or small, severe or less severe, all those involved should be sure to get tested for concussions or any other injuries.
Visiting a doctor soon after is crucial, because while the damage already exists, the symptoms may not just yet.
Seeing a doctor is vital for the person's well-being and health, as well as the ability to seek appropriate damages for injuries suffered in the accident.
It is important to fully document the extent of any injuries and to be able to make a strong argument that they resulted from the car accident.
Such proactivity is crucial as well where insurance companies are looking to settle claims.
While health comes first, victims should not mistakenly sign away any claims for a settlement that is significantly less than what they could recover in a lawsuit for their injuries.
Addressing these injuries later is incredibly costly, and the injured victim deserves to have medical bills covered as well as any other compensatory damages that a jury determines appropriate.
Many involved in accidents, however, may not feel or notice a particular injury, either because it is not as apparent, or the adrenaline from the scare of an accident is so high that they do not realize the injury exists.
It may only be later that symptoms begin to manifest themselves, or that the person notices these symptoms.
What Injuries May Not Be So Noticeable At First? A hit to the head during a car accident, or even a violent jolt of the body that causes whiplash, can actually lead to a concussion.
In a more serious accident, it may be easily apparent from the victim's confusion or disorientation that a concussion has set in.
However, in less severe accidents where the person remains lucid and conscious, a concussion could still exist that is not so readily detectable.
Over time, however, the person may experience headaches, blurry vision or dizziness.
They may lose their memory or fail to retain new information, or be unable to focus or concentrate.
Even in small doses, these symptoms may indicate an injury.
Further, a person could suffer an injury to other body parts.
The force from a car accident that jerks one's body or even throws them around inside the car or outside the car can result in damage to muscles or ligaments.
Just as with a concussion, whiplash can also cause tissue damage.
Victims may not realize that such serious injuries have occurred, possibly chalking of the pain to simple soreness or bumps and bruises that will subside.
However, over the course of weeks or even months the individual may notice pain and swelling in the affected areas.
Other vital areas that can be injured include the spine and back, where serious and potentially permanent debilitating damage can occur.
It is also important to realize that internal injuries, which will likely not be obvious, can occur.
Lastly, while the focus here has been on physical injuries, one can experience psychological damage as well.
Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from an accident may also be compensable.
Do Not Ignore Injuries! After any type of car accident, big or small, severe or less severe, all those involved should be sure to get tested for concussions or any other injuries.
Visiting a doctor soon after is crucial, because while the damage already exists, the symptoms may not just yet.
Seeing a doctor is vital for the person's well-being and health, as well as the ability to seek appropriate damages for injuries suffered in the accident.
It is important to fully document the extent of any injuries and to be able to make a strong argument that they resulted from the car accident.
Such proactivity is crucial as well where insurance companies are looking to settle claims.
While health comes first, victims should not mistakenly sign away any claims for a settlement that is significantly less than what they could recover in a lawsuit for their injuries.
Addressing these injuries later is incredibly costly, and the injured victim deserves to have medical bills covered as well as any other compensatory damages that a jury determines appropriate.