Common Delayed Injuries After a Car Accident
It’s not unusual to have injuries from a car accident without realizing it, which is why contacting a motor vehicle accident lawyer Greenbelt MD offers may be a good idea. The attorneys of Cohen and Cohen, P.C. have helped over 10,000 personal injury victims in the last two decades. They know from experience that injury symptoms may not develop right away. For this reason, it’s important to protect your right to recover compensatory damages for any injuries you’ve suffered from an accident that was not your fault.
Even serious injuries may not present symptoms right away. The body can go into shock and mask injuries. In the stress and chaos following an accident, the mind may be distracted from the pain and discomfort of a physical injury. Before accepting a settlement offer from the insurance company, it may be in your best interest to consult a motor vehicle accident lawyer Greenbelt MD accident victims turn to for legal advice.
Call us at Cohen and Cohen, P.C. to schedule a free consultation with a motor vehicle accident lawyer Greenbelt MD drivers trust. In advance of that meeting to discuss your case, here are some common delayed injuries and their symptoms that can occur following a motor vehicle accident. If you suspect that you may have suffered an injury, see a medical practitioner immediately. This information is intended only as a general guide and is not a substitute for medical care by a licensed practitioner.
1. Whiplash. Whiplash often occurs when the victim’s car is hit from behind. The resulting force snaps the head forward and back in an unnaturally sharp and sudden movement. Whiplash isn’t restricted to victims of high speed crashes; it can happen at speeds of less than 14 mph. Whiplash is most often associated with neck pain, but it can cause pain along any neural pathway which includes the spine and the extremities. A diagnosis may require x-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan. A motor vehicle accident lawyer Greenbelt MD injury victims rely on may stress the importance of undergoing a thorough medical exam after an auto accident. Whiplash symptoms may include any of the following:
- Shoulder pain or stiffness
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Arm pain or stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Slowed reflexes
- Muscle spasms
- General weakness or numbness in injured area
2. Concussion. When the skull hits a hard surface or is in motion and suddenly stops, the brain slams against the interior skull. It may impact the front of the skull and immediately afterward strike the rear interior skull. The result can be a traumatic brain injury, often in the form of a concussion. In most cases a concussion causes a temporary loss of brain function, which can be as short as a few seconds or last much longer. A small percentage of concussion victims will experience a post-traumatic seizure as delayed as 15 years after incurring the injury. A motor vehicle accident lawyer Greenbelt MD residents respect may stress the importance of seeking medical help following a collision, even if you believe you’re not hurt. Symptoms of a concussion may include:
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Loss of balance
- Vomiting
- Convulsion
- Confusion
- Amnesia
- Disorientation
- Difficulty thinking
- Insomnia
- Lethargy
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Epilepsy (can become a permanent condition)
3. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). An experienced Greenbelt MD motor vehicle accident lawyer might caution that though it’s common for an accident victim to be traumatized, very often PTSD does not appear right away. It can take as long as several months to develop. Victims may experience dramatic and realistic memories of the accident, reliving it all over again during a flashback. They may associate the accident with any vehicle, and even riding a bus as a passenger can trigger emotional trauma. Children are especially vulnerable to PTSD but anyone can experience it. Symptoms may include:
- Flashbacks
- Situational anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep
4. Internal bleeding. In the accident, an organ may have been punctured or ruptured. If left untreated, this can be fatal. Blunt trauma is one cause and is very common in auto accidents. It happens when any part of the body is hit with a blunt object such as the dashboard, windshield, or car door. The result is that blood vessels are crushed or torn. Internal bleeding can occur in critical areas of the body:
- Heart
- Head
- Lungs
- In the large blood vessels of the torso
- Liver
- Spleen
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Deep purple bruising on the skin
- Headache
- Loss of consciousness
5. Back or spinal cord injury. The most severe of these injuries can result in permanent paralysis. More commonly, victims experience a herniated disk. This is not as serious, but can cause significant and constant pain. A motor vehicle accident lawyer in Greenbelt MD can argue that you should be compensated for experiencing chronic pain caused by a negligent driver. Symptoms for back or spinal cord injuries can include:
- Reduced sensation in extremities
- Reduced control over movement of hands, arms, feet, or legs.
- Numbness or tingling sensation anywhere in the body
- Leg or arm pain
- Muscle weakness
Protect Your Right for Compensation
Protect yourself if you’ve been involved in an auto accident that wasn’t your fault. If you were injured as a result, you deserve full and fair compensation from anyone liable for the accident. Because your injuries may not be immediately apparent, don’t agree to an insurance settlement without first contacting an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer Greenbelt MD deserves. An experienced attorney can help make sure that your rights are protected.
The attorneys of Cohen and Cohen, P.C. have helped many car accident victims receive fair compensation for their injuries. Our legal team can help you too. Call us today at (202) 999-3284 to schedule a free consultation with a motor vehicle accident lawyer Greenbelt MD is proud to call their own.
