Your body’s “fight or flight” response is activated when you are involved in a car accident. This means adrenaline pumps through your body, masking some of the aches and pains that are bound to develop.
You may not realize that even minor accidents can put extreme force on your body. There is a good chance your body is “hiding” injuries from your detection. In fact, it can take days or weeks for some injuries to surface.
Because of how serious many accident injuries are, you must get a full medical evaluation right away. Knowing some of the most common hidden injuries after a car accident can help, too.
1. Soft tissue injuries
The most common soft tissue injuries include those to the back and neck; however, you may also experience injuries to your knees and ankles and feel in a car accident. Other common injuries include those to the wrist, elbow and shoulder. These may not be immediately apparent, and pain may not show up for days.
2. Neck injuries
Whiplash is extremely common in car accidents, specifically rear-end accidents. The quick action of moving forward and back puts extreme stress and strain on the neck and back, resulting in whiplash. If you don’t seek immediate treatment, you may experience symptoms of the condition for several weeks or months.
3. Internal damage
Cases of internal bleeding are not always easy to detect. However, this injury may be fatal. Symptoms and signs may not be apparent until the condition is severe. While modern cars have multiple safety features, this does not mean you will walk away unscathed.
Protecting your rights to compensation
You should seek medical treatment immediately if you are injured in a car accident. It is also wise to know your legal options to recover compensation for the injuries and damages you sustain.