A major car accident can be one of the scariest moments of a person’s life. Car crashes can happen in the blink of any eye and may leave a person unsure of what has even happened. In the chaotic moments after a traumatic event such as a traffic accident, a person may be in shock. “Fight or flight” hormones are coursing through his or her bloodstream increasing heart rate and masking the feeling of pain. Many people do not realize the extent of the injuries they sustained in a car accident until days or weeks later. This is one reason that it is so important to get medical care immediately following a major accident.

Whiplash Symptoms Might Not Appear for Days After an Accident

One of the most common injuries people suffer in a car accident is whiplash, which occurs when a sudden, forceful movement causes the muscles, ligaments, or bones of the neck to be damaged. Violent acceleration or deceleration from a car crash is a common cause of whiplash. The symptoms of whiplash often include neck pain, stiffness, numbness or tingling, weakness, reduced mobility, headache, and shoulder and back pain. In some cases, a person suffering from whiplash can also experience vision problems, dizziness, tinnitus, emotional changes, memory and concentration problems, and fatigue. These symptoms may be unnoticeable or very minor immediately following an accident and then get worse and worse over time.

Traumatic Brain Injuries May Take Time to Notice

More than half of all traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are sustained during traffic accidents. TBI can be caused by an object such as a shard of skull piercing the brain as well as non-penetrative damage. Many TBI occur when a powerful blow to the head causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull. If a person hits their head on the windshield of their car during an accident, for example, they may suffer a TBI. The only outer indication that a head injury even occurred may be a small cut or bruise. The injured person may not realize how serious the inner damage to the brain is unless they get checked out by a doctor. TBI can cause long-term problems with memory, balance, sight, communication, and mental wellbeing.

Contact a McHenry County Injury Attorney

If you were injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible for compensation. Collecting damages, however, can be complicated, especially if your injuries were not immediately obvious. Contact Botto Gilbert Lancaster, PC, to discuss your legal options with one of our experienced Crystal Lake personal injury lawyers. Call 815-338-3838 for a free consultation today. We will work hard to protect your rights and best interests.

Sources:

https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/neck-pain/whiplash-symptoms-and-associated-disorders

https://www.traumaticbraininjury.com/car-accident-tbi/

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