Hidden Injuries to Watch for After a Car Crash

A car accident is often a serious event that can result in injuries of varying degrees. Some of these injuries may not be immediately apparent due to the adrenaline rush that you may feel afterward.

Adrenaline plays a crucial role in how your body responds to a car accident. It is released during high-stress situations as part of the fight-or-flight response. Adrenaline temporarily blocks pain signals, making injuries less noticeable immediately after a crash. This is why many people feel fine at the scene but experience soreness or pain hours later.

Once the adrenaline wears off, hidden injuries may become more apparent. Because of this, it’s important to seek medical attention after a car accident. Here are some hidden injuries to be aware of.

Whiplash

Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and backward, straining the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Symptoms such as stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and pain often don’t appear immediately but can worsen over the next day or two. If left untreated, whiplash can lead to chronic pain and limited neck mobility.

Brain Injuries

Even without direct head impact, the brain can move inside the skull due to sudden force, causing a concussion or more severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory issues, and sensitivity to light may appear hours or days later. Severe TBIs can result in long-term cognitive or emotional issues, so see a doctor if you develop any neurological symptoms.

Internal Bleeding

Blunt force trauma from a crash can damage organs and blood vessels, leading to internal bleeding. Warning signs include deep bruising, abdominal pain, dizziness, weakness, or fainting. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Because symptoms may not be obvious right away, a post-accident medical check-up is essential.

Spinal Injuries

The force of a collision can cause spinal discs to shift or rupture, leading to a herniated disc. Symptoms include back or neck pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs. Some spinal injuries may not be immediately painful but can worsen over time, causing mobility issues. Early diagnosis through imaging tests can help prevent long-term complications.

Psychological Trauma

Car accidents can trigger emotional and psychological issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. Symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, mood swings, or a fear of driving can appear days or weeks later. Therapy, counseling, and support groups can help manage these symptoms.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

 It’s important to see a doctor after a car crash. Injuries may be hidden, so you want to identify them as quickly as possible to preserve your legal rights after an accident.

In a crash? Get the help you need from a Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC. We’ll make sure you get the medical care you need so you can quickly heal up and move forward with your life. Schedule a consultation by filling out the online form or calling 281-347-3247.

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