Whether you have been involved in a car accident or were hurt because of another individual’s negligence, it is important to see a medical professional as soon as possible after the incident regardless of what symptoms do or do not appear. Too many people neglect to get medical care because there are no signs of an injury that are immediately apparent. Many injuries show symptoms later, though.
This includes serious injuries that can have a lasting impact. If left untreated, the following injuries could cause serious physical damage and, in some cases, even death. You should seek out advice from an attorney if you are dealing with bills and consequences that are the result of the other party’s negligence.
Traumatic brain injury
The Center for Disease Control reports that traumatic brain injuries make up roughly 30 percent of all injury-related deaths. Needless to say, a TBI is a serious condition, but it may not immediately be obvious. If you have suffered any type of trauma or impact to your head, you should see a doctor to ensure that you have not developed a TBI. Symptoms such as dizziness and nausea may appear later.
Whiplash
Whiplash, too, is an incredibly common injury after car accidents that often does not manifest physical symptoms until the injury has developed considerably. You may go several days or even weeks before any symptoms arrive, but when they do, you will likely experience numbness, neck and shoulder pain and headaches. Whiplash can cause continual pain and limited range of motion if it is not treated.
Internal bleeding
Sometimes a severe injury that inflicts impact on the body can trigger internal bleeding. The symptoms may not become apparent until the bleeding has progressed, though, at which point signs such as shortness of breath, dizziness and vomiting are likely to appear. If you experience any kind of physical trauma, it is important to see a medical professional.