If you have been injured in a car crash, or you suspect you may have been injured, it is extremely important that you see a doctor immediately. For the sake of recovering any damages for your injuries, it helps to have medical records documenting your injuries as soon as possible after the accident, foreclosing any argument that an unrelated event caused your injuries after the accident. Additionally, you may be suffering from a latent injury that is not readily apparent. Concussions, internal bleeding, or other hidden injuries can be extremely dangerous if left untreated. Learn below about some of the hidden injuries to look out for after a car crash, and contact a dedicated and knowledgeable Bronx car accident lawyer for help after a New York traffic accident.
Whiplash
Whiplash is the most common injury associated with rear-end collisions. Whiplash, also called cervical strain, occurs when a person’s neck and head are quickly thrown back and then forward. No impact is required, and it can happen so suddenly that the victim may not even realize it occurred. It can happen even in low-speed fender-benders. If left untreated, whiplash injuries can result in herniated discs, pinched nerves, and other spine, brain, neck and shoulder injuries. The victim may experience pain, inflammation, numbness, and muscle weakness that continues for weeks or months after an accident. The victim may require surgery to recover.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the more dangerous effects of a car accident. You may have slammed your head against your steering wheel or dashboard in the crash, causing sudden and intense impact to your skull and your brain. TBI can result in concussion and other head injuries. Watch out for dizziness, blurred vision, vertigo, headaches, confusion, and drowsiness, among other symptoms after an accident. If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately to identify and treat any possible brain injury.
Soft tissue damage
A driver or passenger in an accident may suffer from a variety of soft tissue damage, meaning damage to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Such injuries can be hard to detect at first, as they may not show visible damage on the skin. A victim may not even realize they have such an injury until they get an MRI, but these injuries can lead to long-term pain, soreness, and functional limitations if left untreated. They may also be connected to internal bleeding, which can be fatal if unnoticed.
Knee and shoulder injuries
Knees and shoulders are often knocked around or torn out of place during car accidents. The pain from these injuries often escalates over time, although they may go unnoticed in the adrenaline rush immediately following an accident. The pain might not appear until the victim later attempts a strenuous activity, such as lifting a heavy object or running. If you experience any symptoms or have cause to believe your shoulder or knee was hurt in an accident, seek medical attention to avoid exacerbating the problem and losing out on your chance to recover.
Help is Available after Car Accidents in the Bronx
If you or someone you love has been hurt by someone else’s negligence in New York, find out if you’re entitled to money damages for your injuries by contacting the dedicated and effective personal injury lawyers at the Bronx offices of the Kohn Law Firm for a free consultation, at 718-409-1200.