What Victims Should Watch for Following a Car Accident
Car accidents can be traumatic and result in serious injuries to victims. In addition, it is important for victims to understand that car accident injuries can worsen over time.
Because the full extent of car accident injuries may not be known immediately following the car accident, it is important for car accident victims to know what to watch for and how to protect themselves.
Types of Injuries to Watch After a Car Accident
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are common car accident injuries that can be debilitating and worsen over time. Soft tissue injuries are suffered in the soft areas of the body including ligaments, tendons and muscles. Types of soft tissue injuries include:
Sprains
Strains
Contusions or bruises
Another common type of soft tissue injury is a whiplash injury. Whiplash injuries occur when the victim’s head is thrust violently back and forth such as during a car accident. The symptoms of a whiplash injury to watch for include stiffness in the neck, sharp neck pain, back problems and cognitive issues such as problems with memory and concentration.
Symptoms of a soft tissue injury to watch for include pain, soreness, swelling, stiffness and bruising.
Brain Injuries
Brain injuries are another common type of car accident injury that can be open or closed. Closed head injuries can include concussions or traumatic brain injuries which can be severe.
Symptoms of brain injuries to watch for include drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, cognitive issues and other symptoms as well.
It is not uncommon for the symptoms of car accident injuries, such as soft tissue or brain injuries, to worsen over time. They can also be difficult to treat and may require extensive medical treatment, care and cost. As a result, it is important for car accident victims to be familiar with how a personal injury claim for damages can help them with their physical, financial and emotional damages and how to prepare for a claim for damages if needed.