Hidden Injuries After a St. Louis Car Accident

There are a variety of hidden injuries that can occur in an auto crash. Some of these injuries may not appear until days or weeks later.

Auto accidents often result in more than just visible injuries. There can also be hidden injuries that are not immediately apparent. It’s important to be aware of these potentially hidden injuries so you can receive proper medical treatment if you are involved in an accident.

Here are four common hidden injuries car accident victims often suffer from after an accident.

Internal Injuries

One hidden injury that can occur is damage to the internal organs. This can happen when the seatbelt restraints or the airbag deploys with too much force, causing the organs to collide with the ribcage. This type of injury is often not immediately apparent and may not appear on standard X-rays. However, it can cause serious long-term problems such as pain, inflammation, and organ dysfunction.

Whiplash

Whiplash is another hidden injury that often occurs in car accidents. This type of neck injury is caused when the head and neck are suddenly pushed forward and back, causing the soft tissue in the neck to tear. With all that happens in a car accident, it can be easy to overlook the pain of whiplash until hours or even days later. Unfortunately, not acting quickly can make this type of injury worse.

If you’ve been in a car accident, watch out for symptoms of whiplash, such as neck pain, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible for treatment.

Brain Injuries

Brain injuries are some of the most dangerous injuries you can suffer after a car accident. Unfortunately, they are also some of the most difficult to detect. Unlike a broken bone or a cut, brain injuries do not always produce visible external symptoms. Instead, they can cause subtle changes in cognition, mood, and behavior that may not be immediately apparent. For this reason, it’s important to be aware of the potential for a brain injury after even a minor car accident. If you experience any changes in your thinking or emotions after an accident, consult a medical professional as soon as possible.

Herniated Disc

It’s not uncommon for people to experience back pain after being in a car accident. However, many people do not realize that this pain may result from a serious injury. One such injury is disc herniation. This occurs when the spine experiences significant trauma, such as a sudden impact in a car accident.

When this happens, a disc between two vertebrae can bulge, causing the vertebrae to rub against each other. This can put pressure on nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area.

Disc herniations are often difficult to diagnose, as they generally do not appear on X-rays. However, if you are experiencing unexplained back pain after a car accident, it is important to see a doctor for a thorough evaluation.

As you can see, there are a variety of hidden injuries that can occur in an auto crash. While some of these injuries may be immediately apparent, others may not become apparent until days or even weeks later. For this reason, it is important to seek medical attention after any car accident, even if you do not think you are injured. By doing so, you can ensure that any hidden injuries are detected and treated as soon as possible.

Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

You should also consult with an experienced St. Louis car accident injury attorney to ensure your legal rights are protected and you get the compensation you deserve. 

At the Hoffman Law Firm, we have 25 years of experience handling car accident cases and can work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.