Helpful Articles
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accident injuries vary depending on the circumstances. However, there are a few common injuries that could affect you:
Whiplash. Whiplash is another term for a neck strain, or damage to the neck’s soft tissue. In a car accident, whiplash can occur when your head and neck jerk suddenly due to force from a collision. Whiplash can cause headaches, stiff neck and shoulder pain and nerve damage. In severe cases, whiplash can also affect vision, concentration, sleep and mental health.
Concussions. A concussion is a brain injury that is not outwardly noticeable, but serious. A concussion can occur without direct impact. For instance, whiplash could cause a concussion. If your head jerks around severely enough, your brain could knock into your inner skull. Concussions are not always apparent. However, if after a car accident, you suffer from a headache, vision problems, memory loss, dizziness or nausea, then you could have a concussion.
Soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries include injuries to muscles, tendons, nerves and ligaments. In a car accident, your neck and back are especially vulnerable to injuries due to the amount of soft tissue they contain. After an accident, if you experience symptoms of localized muscle spasms, inflammation and pain, you could have a soft tissue injury.
Bone fractures. Bone fractures are common in limbs. In a car accident, arms and legs can flail and collide with parts of the car or be crushed due to compression. For instance, drivers are most susceptible to breaking their wrists if they are holding onto the steering wheel at the time of impact. Knees can slam into the dashboard or car door. In addition, airbags and seatbelts may save your life, but their impact could also cause rib and collarbone fractures.
Should I Seek Medical Attention After a Car Accident?
If you have been in a car accident, then you should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Sometimes, injuries from an accident are not immediately apparent. Even so, you should not wait to receive medical attention. Waiting could allow dormant injuries to become worse.
In addition, a delay in medical attention could hurt a potential claim for compensation.
Your insurance company or another party could claim that the accident did not warrant medical attention. If a medical condition arises days or weeks after the accident, it could be claimed that they were not caused by the accident because you did not receive medical attention. A medical professional could vouch for your injuries.
If you have been in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you could have a viable personal injury claim for compensation. Contact a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options. The Law Office of Daniel D. Horowitz, III PC represents clients in Houston and the surrounding areas. Call us today at (832) 225-4902 or fill out our online case evaluation form to schedule a free consultation.
