While some injuries, like cuts and broken bones, are apparent immediately after car accidents, others might not appear until later. Drivers often experience adrenaline rushes that mask acute injuries, so they may not notice the pain until days or weeks after the accident.
Seeking prompt medical care can help victims watch for symptoms of these common delayed injuries.
PTSD
According to the National Institute of Health, over 22% of car accident victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder. While PTSD may not manifest as a physical injury, it dramatically affects victims’ daily routines and quality of life. Some symptoms of this disorder are:
- nightmares
- anxiety about driving
- depression
- flashbacks
- fear of death
PTSD can affect victims shortly after a crash or not until months later, and symptoms might last for years.
Spinal injuries
Back injuries include spinal damage such as slipped disks, strained ligaments, pinched nerves and damaged muscles. Spinal injuries might contribute to long-term back pain, muscle weakness and a limited range of motion that can impact victims’ ability to work and enjoy daily activities.
Whiplash
Whiplash is the sudden back-and-forth movement of the head. These injuries are the most commonly reported ailments of rear-end accidents. When the head moves rapidly, bones, nerves and muscles get damaged. This trauma causes dizziness, headaches, blurred vision and a sore neck that could last for months or longer.
Victims of car crashes must visit a doctor after a collision, even if they do not have apparent wounds. Proper medical documentation makes it easier to prove that the accidents contributed to the victims’ injuries.