A car accident that occurs at even a low-rate of speed can result in catastrophic injuries. The dangerous part is certain injuries may not appear symptomatic until days or weeks after the accident. It’s important to have a medical examination performed as soon as possible following an accident, even if you feel fine. Doing so can help prevent a potentially serious injury from getting worse, and it may even save your life.
1. Neck and back injuries
People often joke about whiplash, but it’s a real thing which can lead to real problems. Anytime your body is jerked back and forth, you run the risk of suffering serious harm. You may not experience the pain of strained muscles until long after your accident. It’s worth getting possible injuries checked out.
Herniated discs are another severe injury that can happen as a result of a motor vehicle accident. The impact of an accident can cause the tissue between your vertebrae to “balloon” out or rupture. The resulting pressure can damage your spinal nerves and may even lead to paralysis. You should never ignore back pain after you’ve been in a car crash.
2. Shoulder injuries
Everyone knows that seatbelts save lives. However, they can cause other severe injuries, especially to the shoulder. If your body experiences a twisting motion at the time of impact, you can easily tear your shoulder ligaments. These types of injuries often require surgical repair.
3. Traumatic brain injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most potentially serious injuries a person can suffer in a car accident. TBIs are nefarious because people often don’t know that they’ve suffered this type of injury. Left untreated, a TBI can be fatal. If you experience any sort of trauma to the head or if your head is violently shaken in the accident, get medical attention. If you experience dizziness, nausea, or an overwhelming desire to go to bed, get help immediately.
See a doctor even if you feel fine
The initial shock of an accident can cause the body to release adrenaline, masking the pain of any injuries. You should always get a medical checkup as soon as possible after your accident, even if you feel fine at the moment.