Getting involved in an automobile accident is always very distressing. Even if you have no injuries, you will likely need to get your car repaired. Your plans for the day are certainly ruined, if not your plans for the week.
You may think you are lucky to escape an accident without an injury. However, you should be aware that there are certain injuries that are not immediately apparent. You may feel just fine but have a hidden injury. It is always a good idea to go to the doctor after an accident, even if you feel okay.
If you are unaware of your injuries when they first happen and you do not report them to an insurance company, you may have to hire a Bronx car accident attorney to get you the money you need to pay medical bills. There are five injuries that people often don’t realize they have until later.
- Back Injuries
When a person is in a front or rear-end collision, their body often is jerked back and forth. This can cause a severe impact on the spine. Your back may hurt, but you may walk away from the scene thinking you will be okay.
It is important to go to a doctor for an X-ray. They can examine you for swelling or bleeding around the spine. When this occurs, you may feel a gradual numbing of your back. This can lead to eventual paralysis in your limbs.
- Neck Injuries
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries a person can have after a car accident. It occurs when the neck is jerked back and forth during a collision. In some cases, you will not feel anything at first. Although it is not always apparent, whiplash must be detected and treated right after an accident, or you may experience chronic pain.
- Contusion
There are many different ways of person’s head can be injured during a car accident. Most typically, it will slam against the windshield or steering wheel. If you are hit in the head, you may experience a head contusion. A contusion is just a bruise, but when it is on the brain, it can be very serious. It is not uncommon for a person to have no idea they have a head contusion after a crash.
- Concussion
When you have a blow to the head, you may experience a traumatic brain injury called a concussion. Contrary to popular belief, you do not always pass out when you have a concussion. You may feel fine at first but then later on experience dizziness, headaches, and general confusion.
- Infections from Cuts and Wounds
You may walk away from an accident with just a few scrapes and cuts. However, if you do not treat cuts or if you are not aware of them, they may end up getting infected. An untreated infection can spread into the skin and cause health problems and even death.
If you believe you are experiencing injuries that are related to an accident you had weeks ago, you should see your doctor right away. Treatment can be critical to your health.
