After an accident, it’s common for people to not see or feel any injuries at first. However, a few hours later, they may feel parts of their body becoming sore and have difficulty moving. That is why after an accident, one of the first steps should be to seek medical help right away, no matter if there seem to be no visible or severe injuries. 

Here at Castan & Lecca, we recommend accident victims see a healthcare professional within the first 24 hours after a car accident, even if they don’t feel any pain at all. Although they may have minor injuries that don’t necessarily require medical attention, it’s best to rule out any possibility of hidden injuries with long-lasting side effects.

In this blog article, we’ll let you know the most common injuries people experience after a car accident, as well as, explain how to start taking legal action for your compensation.

The most common injuries you need to look out for

Neck injuries: Car accidents are one of the leading causes of neck injuries. These can be very serious and can affect the spine and nervous system. Symptoms may include severe pain, tingling, weakness in extremities, difficulty moving the head or neck, and trouble breathing or speaking.

Mild neck injuries may include sprains or strains, which usually heal within a few days or weeks with proper treatment. Serious neck injuries may result in fractures, dislocations, or nerve damage and may require surgery and long-term treatment.

Chest injuries: Physical damage to the chest can be very serious, since many vital organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, may be damaged. Symptoms associated with chest injuries include severe chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, pain when swallowing, swelling, and deformity of the chest.

One of the most common chest injuries is rib fractures, which can be painful and make it difficult to breathe or move. Other types of injuries are pulmonary contusions, which are bruises to the lungs caused by the blunt force of the impact and can result in heart, lung, or liver damage.

Extremity traumas: Leg and arm injuries may include bone fractures, sprains, dislocations, and nerve damage.

The legs and arms are particularly prone to fractures after a strong impact. Fractures can either be when a bone breaks in one place or a compound bone fracture when the bone breaks or cracks through the skin.

On the other hand, sprains occur when the connective tissue surrounding the joints is damaged by a sudden movement, fall, or impact. These injuries usually occur in the ankles, knees, and elbows. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. Sprains usually heal on their own within a few days or weeks with proper treatment.

Spinal cord injuries: Any damage to the spinal cord can affect the body’s ability to transmit nerve impulses. If the spinal cord is damaged, there may be a loss of sensation or paralysis in the arms or legs. In some cases, there may be damage to internal organs such as the bladder and bowels.

Spinal cord injuries can be mild or severe and may occur anywhere along the spinal column. Mild injuries may include sprains or strains, while severe injuries may include fractures, dislocations, or nerve damage. Some of these injuries can be permanent if not treated properly and may require long-term treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgery.

Internal organ damage: After a strong impact in a car accident, internal organs may be damaged. These injuries can be severe and sometimes fatal, and may not appear or be felt immediately after the accident. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, pain when swallowing, and bluish or pale skin.

The most common internal organ damages occur in the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and stomach. Some internal injuries may require immediate surgery to repair any damage and prevent long-term complications. Other types of internal injuries may require long-term treatments, such as medication to control pain and inflammation.

Head trauma: Any blow to the head after an impact may lead to head trauma. Victims may have symptoms like severe headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, impaired speech or balance, and loss of consciousness. These injuries can also cause brain contusions and internal bleeding. In some cases, head traumas can be fatal or have permanent disabilities, including paralysis, problems with memory, or speech problems.

Psychological damage: Although most people believe that the most common injuries after a car accident are physical injuries, these events can cause psychological issues. Victims may suffer from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleep disorders that stem from a traumatic car wreck and may need medical treatment to deal with them.

What happens next after noticing any injuries? How can I start taking legal action?

Car accidents happen every day. While some may be considered minor car wrecks and do not cause injury, others may cause serious injuries. The first line of defense in preventing further injuries must be finding a physician to evaluate your condition after the accident. The next step is to find an auto accident attorney ready to take on your case and get your compensation.

If you’re not sure whom to call for legal representation, at Castan & Lecca, we can take on your car accident case. Not only do we gather all the evidence needed to prove you weren’t at fault, but we can also point you to physicians or healthcare providers we trust that can provide you with the exact treatment you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.