3 hidden injuries to watch out for after a motor vehicle accident

Moments following a car accident can be frightening at best. Depending on the severity of the impact, injuries like cuts and broken bones can easily manifest. However, other injuries may take time to manifest. This underpins the importance of seeking medical attention immediately after a car accident.

Most often after the accident, your body may be too shocked that you may not be aware of certain injuries. However, in the days and weeks following the accident, you may begin to note certain warning signs, indicating that you might have sustained one of these hidden injuries:

Whiplash injuries

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries during an auto accident. The violent back and forth movement of the head and neck during impact often results in neck and head tissue damage that may not manifest immediately.

Without prompt examination and treatment, you will likely experience neck pain after a couple of days or weeks following the accident. Whiplash injury varies from patient to patient. Depending on the extent of your injury, you may need medical treatment, physical therapy or a combination of both.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

The impact that results in a whiplash injury can also cause a concussion, a form of brain injury that happens when the head is subjected to a blow resulting in bruises to the brain. Some of the TBI symptoms you might experience after the accident include confusion, headache, loss of memory, tinnitus and nausea. These symptoms may not manifest immediately following the accident.

Internal injuries

When an object pierces through your skin and causes damage to internal organs, it is pretty easy to see. However, the impact of a car accident can result in internal injuries even when there are no cuts or penetrations. Signs of internal injuries may not be apparent until days or weeks after the accident.

There is so much to do immediately following a car accident. From calling the police to contacting your insurance and collecting evidence, it is easy to overlook your injuries, especially if they are not visible. However, it is important that you are aware of the possibility of hidden injuries.