Common Personal Injuries in Auto Accidents and Why Seek Medical Help

Personal Injuries

Car accidents are a leading cause of personal injuries in the United States. Many of these injuries are minor and can be treated at home, but some are more serious and require medical attention. This blog post will discuss the most common personal injuries sustained in auto accidents and why it is important to seek medical help, and even legal support, if you have been injured.

 

Whiplash

Whiplash is a personal injury that can occur during an auto accident. The sudden jerking motion of the head and neck can cause the ligaments and muscles in the neck to stretch beyond their normal range of motion.

whiplash personal injuries

While whiplash is not a life-threatening injury, it can be very painful and debilitating. Symptoms of whiplash include:

  • neck pain
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • difficulty concentrating
  • irritability

Many personal injuries, such as whiplash, can have delayed onset symptoms, so it’s crucial to monitor how you’re feeling after the accident.

 

 

Concussions

One of the most common personal injuries people can suffer in auto accidents are concussions. While concussions may not always be immediately apparent, it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible after an accident.

There are a few reasons why seeking medical attention for a concussion is so important. First, concussions can often lead to more serious health problems if they’re not treated properly.

Second, concussions can cause problems with balance and coordination, making it difficult to perform everyday activities. Finally, concussions can also cause headaches and dizziness, which can be extremely debilitating.

If you have suffered a concussion, it’s important to rest as much as possible. In addition, you should avoid activities that could aggravate your symptoms, such as watching television or working on the computer, and you should also drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy foods to help your body recover.

 

Brain Damage

Another serious injury that can occur in an auto accident is brain damage. When the head is violently jarred or thrown around during a collision, the brain can be damaged. This can lead to a variety of problems, including memory loss, difficulty concentrating, headaches, dizziness, and even coma or death.

brain injury

 

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is another usual personal injury in auto accidents. It can occur when a blood vessel is ruptured by the force of the impact.

This type of injury is often not immediately apparent, so it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible after an accident. Left untreated, internal bleeding can lead to serious health complications, including organ damage and death.

If you think you may have internal bleeding, don’t delay in seeking medical attention. Symptoms of internal bleeding include:

  • abdominal pain
  • back pain
  • shortness of breath
  • chest pain
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • confusion or altered mental state
  • weakness or numbness in an extremity

 

Spinal Cord Injuries

One of the most severe personal injuries in auto accidents is a spinal cord injury. A spinal cord injury can be very serious as it can lead to paralysis, and can sometimes even be life-threatening.  Spinal cord injuries often occur when the spine is damaged by impact from another object, such as another vehicle in an auto accident.

The force of the impact can cause the vertebrae in the spine to break or compress, which can damage the spinal cord. In some cases, the spinal cord may be completely severed.

 

Emotional Trauma

Psychological trauma can be a long-lasting effect of auto accidents. While the physical injuries may heal over time, the psychological damage can last much longer. Emotional trauma can manifest itself in many ways, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more serious ailments.

 

Why Seek Medical Help for Personal Injuries

If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important to seek medical help right away, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Many people don’t realize they’ve been injured until days or weeks after the accident. Some injuries, like whiplash, can be difficult to diagnose.

If you’re feeling any pain or discomfort after an accident, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible. Often, injuries can be more serious than they initially seem. And getting prompt treatment can help ensure a full and speedy recovery.

Additionally, seeking medical attention right away can also help document your injuries and their severity. This documentation can be important if you need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

 

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be wondering if you need to seek legal advice from an injury lawyer. If the accident was minor and there was no damage to your car or injuries, then you probably don’t need a personal injury lawyer.

However, if the accident was more serious, or if you were injured, then it’s a good idea to at least consult with an injury lawyer. Here are some common reasons why people seek legal advice after an auto accident

People want to ensure that their rights are protected. You have certain rights after an accident, and an experienced lawyer can help make sure that those rights are respected by the insurance companies and other parties involved.

Individuals may want to get help with the insurance claim process. Insurance companies are not always on your side and having a lawyer on your side can level the playing field.

People want to get compensation for their injuries. If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A personal injuries lawyer can help you get the maximum amount of compensation that you’re entitled to.

Victims in an accident might want to hold the other driver responsible. If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you may want to pursue legal action against them. This is especially true if they were driving recklessly or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. An injury lawyer can help you gather evidence and build a strong case against the other driver.

 

Cerritos Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been in an auto accident, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. Many common personal injuries, such as whiplash and concussions, may not cause any immediate symptoms and can go undiagnosed for weeks or even months.

By seeking medical help immediately after the accident, you are ensuring that any potential injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly.

You should also speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible! The sooner you consult with an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer, such as the ones at Heritage Accident Lawyers, the better your chances of getting the compensation and justice that you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.