Have you ever considered what happens to your body in the aftermath of car crash? From whiplash to broken bones, the physical effects of a car accident can be severe and multifaceted. Enabling prompt treatment that could mitigate long-term issues and speed up recovery. Thus, it is important to know: What to expect physically after a car accident?
After a car accident in Georgia, expect physical effects ranging from whiplash and broken bones to lacerations and internal injuries. Internal injuries and concussions are also common, with some symptoms possibly delayed. Chronic pain, mobility issues, PSTD could develop as long-term effects. Immediate medical evaluation is essential for addressing these injuries.
Keep reading to explore the detailed physical repercussions of car accidents, the typical injuries sustained, and the essential steps for effective recovery, ensuring you are fully informed on how to handle this challenging experience.
What are Common After Car Accident Symptoms?
Common after car accident symptoms include headaches, neck or back pain, stiffness, numbness, and bruises. Psychological effects like anxiety or shock are also frequent. Symptoms can appear immediately or develop over time. Some symptoms may appear immediately, while others, like pain, discomfort, or dizziness, can develop over the days following the accident.It is crucial to monitor any symptoms and seek medical attention promptly, as some could indicate more severe injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding.
Common Aftermath of Car Crash
- Headaches – These can occur immediately or develop several days after the accident, often signaling concussion or other head injuries.
- Whiplash: Often resulting from rear-end collisions, whiplash is characterized by neck pain and stiffness, and can include headaches, tinnitus, and dizziness.
- Back Pain – This symptom can arise from the impact of the crash, affecting the lower or upper back, potentially indicating spinal injuries or muscle strains.
- Numbness – Loss of sensation, particularly in the arms and hands, can occur due to nerve damage or injury to the neck or spinal column.
- Abdominal Pain or Swelling – This could be a sign of internal injuries, especially if accompanied by dizziness and deep bruising, and requires immediate medical attention.
- Emotional Disturbances – Post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression are common after experiencing a traumatic event like a car accident.
What Happens to the Body After Being Hit by a Car?
When a body is hit by a car, several types of injuries can occur, depending on the speed of the vehicle, the angle of impact, and the physical condition of the person hit. Common immediate responses include:
1. Immediate After Car Accident Symptoms
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
One of the most frequent injuries from car accidents, especially in rear-end collisions, is whiplash. It occurs when the head is suddenly jerked back and forth beyond its normal limits, injuring the neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms can include:
- Neck pain
- Stiffness
- Headaches at the base of the skull
- Dizziness
- Tinnitus
- Blurred vision
Fractures and Sprains
The force exerted during a collision can lead to broken bones or sprains. Sprains usually affect joints like wrists and ankles. The force exerted by seat belts, while life-saving, can also cause fractures in the rib or collarbone area. Common areas for fractures include:
- Ribs
- Arms
- Legs
- Pelvis
Lacerations and Bruises
Broken glass, metal fragments, and the sheer force of impact can cause cuts and bruises. Airbag deployment can also result in facial abrasions and bruising. Seat belts save lives, but they can also cause bruising across the chest or abdomen where the restraint makes contact.
Concussions and Head Injuries
Concussions can occur even without a direct blow to the head. The violent shaking of the head during a crash can cause the brain to move inside the skull, leading to a concussion. More severe impacts can cause TBIs, which may have long-lasting effects. Symptoms of concussion might include:
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Problems with concentration or memory
Spinal and Back Injuries
Spinal injuries or other back injuries like whiplash or herniated discs can cause back pain that typically appears hours after the incident as the adrenaline wears off. Rear-end collisions, in particular, can cause such injuries by forcefully jerking the body forward, straining or tearing the spinal tissues. It often necessitates extensive physical therapy and can have prolonged recovery periods.
Given that back pain can extend to the arms and legs, indicating potential injuries to other body parts, it is crucial to treat it with utmost seriousness.
Internal Injuries and Difficulty in Breathing
High-impact crashes can cause internal organs to tear or rupture, leading to internal bleeding. This condition is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. The liver, spleen, and kidneys are more susceptible to damage during accidents due to their location and relatively lower protection.
Severe or blunt trauma may cause lung injuries compressing the lungs and making it difficult to breathe. Immediate medical evaluation is needed in such cases.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting after a car accident can be alarming symptoms, often indicative of concussion or other brain injuries. These symptoms may not appear immediately and can develop hours or even days following the incident.
2. Longer-Term Effects of Car Accidents
Chronic Pain
Injuries such as whiplash or spinal damage can lead to long-term pain issues. Chronic pain might manifest in various ways and could be debilitating.
Mobility Issues
Depending on the severity of leg or spinal injuries, you might experience reduced mobility which could be temporary or permanent.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Severe cuts or burns may result in scars or other forms of disfigurement. Plastic surgery or other treatments might be necessary to restore appearance and function.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Emotional or psychological distress includes conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. PTSD can manifest physically through insomnia, heightened startle reflex, and fatigue. It’s important to consider psychological support or therapy following a serious accident.
Warning Signs After Car Accident
Some most important warning signs to watch for include:
- Headaches or Dizziness
- Neck or Shoulder Pain
- Abdominal Pain or Swelling
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Difficulty in Breathing
- Changes in Personality or Physical Function
- Warning Lights on Dashboard (New warning lights, such as the check engine or oil pressure light, can indicate vehicle damage that needs immediate attention)
- Smoke from hood and fluid leak
Why Did My Injury Signs Took Time to Appear?
The injury signs took time to appear because of your body’s natural response to release adrenaline, which can temporarily mask pain and injuries. This shock can make you feel unexpectedly energetic or emotionally numb. Still, it is essential to note that the real impact on your body might only become apparent hours or even days later.
What to Do After an Accident?
After an accident, you should:
- Seek Medical Attention: Always prioritize a thorough medical examination after a car accident, even if you feel fine initially. Some injuries are not immediately apparent.
- Follow Through with Treatment: Whether it involves follow-up visits, physical therapy, or taking prescribed medication, adherence to treatment is crucial for recovery.
- Document Your Injuries and Treatments: Keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, and how your injuries impact your daily life. This documentation is essential for insurance claims and potential legal actions.
- Rest and Recovery: Allow your body to heal by getting adequate rest. This might mean taking time off work and avoiding physical strain.
How to Cover Medical Bills After Car Accident?
You can cover medical bills after a car accident by hiring a local attorney who will work with wither lawsuit or insurance to help you receive the coverage you deserve. A local attorney can help navigate the complexities of insurance policies and determine the best course of action for your specific situation. If necessary, an attorney can also represent you in a lawsuit to seek further compensation. They can assist in filing insurance claims and negotiating settlements to cover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Future medical care
- Loss of earning capacity
Contact TT Attorney for Expert Help with Your Car Accident Claims and Damages
Car accidents can leave you grappling with not only physical injuries but also the daunting costs of medical care, from consultations and therapy to medications. TT Attorney is the personal injury attorney you can trust so you don’t face this burden alone. Our team of seasoned car accident lawyers is equipped to secure the financial support you need to afford comprehensive treatment, no matter the nature or extent of your injuries.
Contact TT Attorney today for a quick consultation, and let our expertise, built over years of dedicated service to accident victims, work for you. With us, you gain more than just legal assistance; you gain a partner committed to getting you back on your feet and back to your life.
