It doesn’t take much of an impact to cause a severe injury in a car accident. Certain injuries can be especially troublesome as their symptoms may not reveal themselves until days or weeks later. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible following an accident, even if you don’t appear to have any injuries. Getting medical treatment right away can help diagnose a problem before it gets worse. It could even save your life.
1. Neck and back injuries
A sudden, violent jolt can wreak havoc on your back and neck. You may not experience pain from a strained muscle immediately. That’s why you should see a doctor as soon as you can.
Another potential injury from a car accident is a herniated disc. The impact of an accident can cause the tissue between your vertebrae to stick out or even rupture. The resulting pressure could even lead to paralysis. Don’t shrug off back pain after an accident.
2. Injuries to the shoulder
Seatbelts have made vehicles much safer than they once were. However, while a seatbelt will save your life, it can also cause serious shoulder injuries. Any twisting motion could tear your shoulder ligaments, which often require surgery to repair.
3. Traumatic brain injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are serious. The danger lies in the fact that people may not even be aware that they have suffered a TBI. Left untreated, a TBI can be fatal. If an accident resulted in any trauma to the head or if you were violently shaken, seek medical care immediately, especially if you are nauseous, dizzy, sensitive to light, or have an overwhelming feeling of wanting to go to bed.
The shock of an accident causes your body to release adrenaline. This can cause your body to mask any pain you should be feeling. It’s best to be cautious and to get checked out by a medical professional, even if you feel fine at the moment.