Injuries sustained as a result of a car crash are often immediate and obvious. If someone suffers a laceration to the scalp, their injury might bleed profusely. Someone with a broken bone might not be able to use that body part, and someone with a spinal cord injury might not be able to get out of their vehicle at all after a crash.
People typically evaluate themselves and the other people involved in a crash as soon as possible and then relate information about any noticeable injuries to the person who answers when they call to report the collision. However, people sometimes rush to the conclusion that they do not have any injuries after a crash when in fact there could be reason for medical concern. For example, the three injuries below are all easy for people to overlook in the immediate aftermath of a car wreck.
Soft tissue injuries
Soft tissue injuries, like whiplash, can range from minor inconveniences to debilitating medical conditions. More extreme cases can leave people unable to work and can cause chronic pain. Often, people do not notice soft tissue injuries right after a crash. Instead, they may only develop symptoms after they have gone home and slept. People often wake up the day after a crash with tight muscles or throbbing headaches related to soft tissue injuries.
Traumatic brain injuries
People sometimes hit their heads on the steering wheel or on the window next to them during a collision. Blunt force trauma to the head can cause bleeding and bruising inside the skull. So can aggressive motions, such as when a vehicle rolls over during a crash. Brain injuries do not always produce immediate symptoms. Instead, it takes time for the pressure on the brain to cause headaches, motor function challenges or sensory issues.
Internal bleeding
The very systems in place for someone’s protection can sometimes cause injuries. The safety restraints in vehicles can dig into someone’s abdomen during a crash and may cause internal bleeding. People may not notice internal injuries initially after a crash. Instead, it could take days before they lose enough blood to have noticeable symptoms or develop bruising and swelling related to those injuries.
Given how easy it is to overlook potentially life-altering medical issues, it is often wise for those involved in crashes to see a doctor as soon as possible after the collision occurs. Medical professionals can evaluate someone for otherwise invisible injuries and can recommend necessary treatment for the best medical outcome. Ultimately, being aware that people can have hard-to-notice injuries after a car crash may help someone better handle the aftermath of a recent car wreck.