Car accidents can cause all sorts of injuries ranging from minor to severe. When a crash is not serious, you may think you are not injured, despite the obvious bumps and bruises. Without immediate evidence that something is wrong, you may forgo an ambulance ride to the hospital. However, that means in the hours, days, and weeks following the accident, you and your close family members and friends should be watching for signs of common injuries after a car accident. You may have been hurt in the accident, yet not be able to tell for a period of time after the crash.
If you notice any signs that you could be seriously hurt after a collision, you should immediately see your physician or go to the emergency room. Signs that you are not fully recovered from the crash could be symptoms of a serious medical problem that only an experienced physician can diagnose.
Once you obtain a diagnosis and treatment, your next step should be to contact us at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. Our experienced Alabama car accident attorneys will help you pursue the compensation you deserve from the insurer or at-fault driver.
Call us at (205) 933-1500 for a free consultation today.
Common Car Accident Injuries and Their Symptoms
Some of the most common car accident injuries that can present themselves in the days following the crash include:
- Whiplash: This type of neck injury is especially common in rear-end accidents. Common signs are pain and tenderness in the neck and shoulders, stiffness, reduced range of motion, numbness or a tingling sensation, and headaches. You may also notice blurred vision, ringing in your ears, dizziness, and more. If you have these symptoms in the hours or days after a crash, you should see your physician. You may require pain medication, special exercises, and other medical treatments.
- Concussions: Concussions are minor traumatic brain injuries that result from a significant blow to the head. There are many potential signs of a concussion, including headaches, confusion, trouble concentrating, delayed responses to questions, slurred speech, feeling overly tired, nausea and vomiting, light and noise sensitivity, sleep issues, and depression or mood changes. If you or someone you love notices you exhibiting symptoms of a concussion after a car accident, you should seek medical help immediately.
- Broken Ribs: Broken ribs are common in car accidents. The injury may be relatively minor if a rib simply cracks, yet it can be much more serious if a rib breaks into multiple pieces or punctures an organ or blood vessel. If you have trouble taking a deep breath or feel pain when you try to bend or twist, you could have a broken rib.
- Broken Bones: Broken bones can often lead to swelling, deformities, severe pain, an inability to bear weight, and loss of function. If you have an arm, wrist, hand, leg, knee, ankle, foot or any other body part that hurts after an accident, you should closely monitor it. If the swelling doesn’t subside in 24 hours, you are unable to move the affected area, or you cannot put weight on it, it is time to see a physician for your injury.
- Back Injuries: This type of injury after a crash can be relatively mild such as a pulled muscle, or it could be a more significant issue with your spine or spinal cord. If you experience back pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, numbness, tingling, a burning sensation, or muscle weakness in your back or down your legs, you should head to the ER. Additionally, if you have trouble urinating or having a bowel movement or become incontinent, go to the ER immediately.
- Internal Bleeding: This can be recognized based on low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, sweaty or clammy skin, dizziness, confusion, and other signs of shock. You may have pain and swelling in your abdomen, depending on the source of the bleeding. Also, you may notice blood in your urine or feces after an accident. Following any of these symptoms, you should seek a physician immediately.
It is common for people hurt in car accidents do not realize they are hurt or the full extent of their injuries for days or weeks after the collisions. Individuals may walk away from a crash feeling fine, only to show serious signs of an injury a day or two later.
If you experienced a similar situation, call us at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. We have decades of experience handling car accident claims and are well versed in all of the nuances and complications that can arise. We are here to guide you through the process of an insurance claim or personal injury suit. Our auto injury attorneys will ensure you do not settle until you understand the full extent of the harm the other driver caused you and the true value of your case.
Talk to the Alabama Car Accident Lawyers at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. Today
If you or a loved one were injured in a devastating accident, call the car accident lawyers from Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. at (205) 933-1500 or use our online form. We offer a case evaluation free of charge and are ready to help you obtain full compensation for your losses. With offices in Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, and Montgomery, our Alabama personal injury lawyers will quickly travel to investigate your case.
