Injuries may go unnoticed after a car accident

When people in Illinois are hit by another car, they may not be aware of all of their injuries right away. The adrenaline rush, emotional trauma and excitement of the crash may obscure some of a person’s injuries. In other cases, the physical effects of the crash may not be felt until several days later. While the effects may be delayed, that does not mean that these injuries are less serious; in some cases, delayed injuries may include traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. This is one reason for people to seek medical attention after a car accident, even if they think that they are uninjured or that they know the extent of the damage.

Headaches can be red flags after a car accident, especially when they begin a few days after the crash. It could indicate that a person has a head or neck injury, a blood clot on the brain or a severe concussion. A headache isn’t the only sign of a traumatic brain injury after a crash. Personality changes can also be signs of a previously undiagnosed concussion.

One of the most common delayed injuries after a crash is whiplash. Most cases of whiplash happen due to rear-end collisions at low speed, which may lead people to believe that they are not injured. However, they may begin to suffer neck and shoulder pain, which could point to serious underlying injuries. People may also feel numbness in their hands and arms, which could indicate whiplash injuries or spinal cord damage.

Car accidents are often caused by someone else’s negligent, dangerous or distracted driving. People may suffer catastrophic injuries and lifelong disabilities as a result. A personal injury lawyer might be able to work with accident victims to seek compensation for their damages, including lost wages and current and future medical bills.