After a Missouri car accident, you may not realize the extent of your injuries until they worsen down the road. In this case, you may have difficulty getting the at-fault driver’s insurance to pay.
Here are five common car accident injuries to have a physician check you for before moving past the incident.
1. Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries because it results from a sudden jerking motion, such as being rear-ended. This trauma can damage joints, soft tissue and nerve endings, leading to pain and stiffness in the back and neck and decreased range of motion. Symptoms of whiplash may take several days to appear.
2. Concussion
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by an impact or jostling of the head. Concussion symptoms, such as headache, head pressure, dizziness, loss of consciousness, confusion and trouble staying focused, may occur immediately or in the days following the accident.
3. Spinal injuries
The spine can lose proper alignment in a car accident, causing pain and other symptoms in the entire body. Untreated spinal injuries, such as a herniated disk, can lead to worsened spine problems and pain in the future.
4. Broken and bruised bones
In an accident, you may attempt to brace yourself for the impact with your hands, arms, feet and legs. While this is a common reaction, it can increase the likelihood of broken and bruised bones.
5. Post-traumatic stress
Car accidents can leave an indelible impression. Increased anxiety, flashbacks, troubling dreams and avoidance of the accident location may indicate post-traumatic stress.
Seek thorough medical attention following an accident to treat your physical and emotional injuries and to create documentation for insurance claims.