Emergency personnel will treat victims at the accident scene following a major vehicle crash, but many people walk away after a minor collision. Is that wise?
Here are three of the most common injuries that result from vehicle accidents and some may not show symptoms until hours or even days later.
Neck injuries
Neck injuries are especially common in rear-end collisions. The impact makes the head snap violently backward and forward, which can result in a traumatic injury to the cervical area of the spine. Symptoms, which might not appear until later, may include dizziness, headaches and nausea.
Head injuries
Vehicle crashes are a major cause of concussion, which is a mild traumatic brain injury. However, more serious TBI incidents are common. There are two forms of TBI: open and closed. The former refers to a situation in which a foreign object penetrates the skull and lodges in the brain. A sudden blow to the head is usually the cause of the much more common closed TBI.
Shoulder injuries
Shoulder injuries also happen frequently in motor vehicle crashes. Because the shoulder is a complex joint, fractures can occur in more than one area. The victim often needs surgery with weeks or even months of physical therapy to follow.
Seek medical attention
If you are the victim of a vehicle crash, do not delay in seeking a medical evaluation since a doctor may find that you have an underlying injury. Remember that a medical report is essential when you file a claim for insurance compensation. You have the right to expect a full and fair settlement to cover your current and future medical expenses, lost wages and more.
