Common Car Accident Injuries That Might Go Undetected

If you or a loved one have been in a car accident, you probably checked yourself for injuries right away at the scene. But what if something is wrong and you just don’t know it yet? Sometimes, car accident injuries don’t show symptoms immediately, and when they do, they can be much worse than you would expect. This is why it’s so important to understand – and to look out for – hidden injuries after a car accident.

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries a person can experience. “Whiplash is an injury to the neck caused by a rapid and forceful back-and-forth motion of the neck—similar to the cracking of a whip. It’s most commonly caused by rear-end car crashes.” Right after a car accident, you might think you feel okay or are just a little sore. However, you should be alert for the following symptoms in the hours and days following a car accident:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Worsening of pain with neck movement
• Loss of range of motion in the neck
• Headaches, most often starting at the base of the skull
• Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back, or arms
• Tingling or numbness in the arms
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

If left untreated, whiplash can turn into chronic pain and limit your neck and shoulder movement. The best way to avoid long-term issues is to see a doctor as soon as possible to catch it early and start treatment before the injury worsens.

Traumatic brain injuries and concussions

Contrary to what many people think, you don’t have to hit your head to get a concussion. The force of a crash can make your brain jostle around inside your skull. This rapid movement may cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI) – even without an impact with another object. Immediately following the accident, you might feel dazed or experience a mild headache. However, you might later notice additional symptoms, such as:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Trouble with speech
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Memory or concentration problems
• Mood changes or mood swings
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual

In severe cases, an untreated TBI can lead to lasting damage. That’s why it’s so important to get checked out by a doctor if you experience any symptoms, no matter how minor they seem at first. Remember, your health isn’t worth the risk.

Delayed lower back pain

You might not notice any lower back pain in the immediate aftermath of an accident. However, the impact of a crash can strain your muscles and ligaments or even damage your spine. You might feel a little sore at first, but days later, you might experience the following:

• Severe pain
• Stiffness
• Tingling sensations in your legs

Ignoring lower back pain can make it worse over time, leading to long-term mobility issues. If you develop pain, numbness, or any weakness in your back or legs, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Undiagnosed neck fractures

Car accidents put a tremendous amount of stress on your neck, and sometimes, that force can lead to a fracture. The scary part here is that some neck fractures don’t cause immediate pain, making them easy to overlook. Instead, you might just feel stiffness or mild discomfort, chalking your pain up to whiplash.

However, when a fracture goes undiagnosed, it can become more serious over time. If you have persistent pain, trouble moving your neck, or any numbness or tingling in your arms or hands, you should get checked out right away for a possible neck fracture.

Internal bleeding

Internal bleeding is one of the most dangerous hidden injuries after a car accident, as it doesn’t always have obvious and immediate symptoms. You might feel a bit sore or have some bruising, but the real danger lies in what’s happening inside your body.

If you have internal bleeding, you might start feeling dizzy and weak or notice deep purple bruises spreading across your skin. If left untreated, internal bleeding can be life-threatening. If you feel lightheaded, have intense pain, or notice deep bruising, get medical attention immediately.

Stroke

A stroke might not be the first thing you think of after a car accident. However, in some cases, the trauma of the accident can lead to blood clots that increase your risk of experiencing one. If you’ve suffered a neck injury, this is especially dangerous, as the injury can damage arteries and disrupt the blood flow to your brain.

The symptoms of a stroke can include sudden weakness, slurred speech, numbness, or trouble with vision. If you or someone you love experiences these symptoms after an accident, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Soft tissue injuries

Soft tissue injuries typically involve damage to your muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which can take time to develop. You might not notice any pain right away, but days later, you could experience swelling, bruising, or difficulty moving certain parts of your body.

Soft tissue injuries aren’t visible on an X-ray, so they can be tough to diagnose. However, physical therapy and proper medical care can help you heal and prevent any long-term pain or stiffness.

Nerve damage

Our nerves are delicate, and the force of a car accident can easily cause them damage. Nerve damage might not be immediately obvious, but over time, you might experience numbness, tingling, or even sharp, shooting pain in different areas of your body.

If you notice any loss of sensation, burning pain, or muscle weakness, you might have a nerve injury requiring medical attention. When left untreated, nerve damage can become permanent, so it’s important to get yourself checked out if you have any symptoms.

What should I do if I suspect a hidden injury?

After a car accident, no matter how minor you think it might be, the best thing you can do is seek medical attention, even if you think you feel fine. As discussed, many injuries don’t show symptoms right away, but a doctor can help catch problems early before they become more serious.

Here are some steps you should take after a car accident to preserve your health as well as your legal claim:

• Even if you don’t feel hurt, get checked out by a doctor. A medical exam can uncover hidden injuries.
• Pay attention to any pain, numbness, dizziness, or unusual symptoms in the days and weeks after the accident.
• If your doctor recommends diagnostic tests, physical therapy, or other treatment, follow through with that advice.

Finally, find a Kansas City personal injury attorney to represent you. If your injuries were caused by another driver’s negligence or recklessness, your lawyer can help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t ignore any potential hidden injuries. Even if you feel fine now, symptoms can take days or even weeks to appear. Seeking medical attention right away can prevent long-term complications and ensure you get the care you need. You may also be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys today to discuss your case and protect your rights. Please call our offices or submit our contact form to schedule your no-obligation consultation today. We are available at our main office in Kansas City, MO. You may also schedule an appointment at our other convenient office locations in Lee’s Summit, Parkville, and St. Joseph (MO), Olathe, Kansas City, and Overland Park (KS).