Car Accident Injuries Often Overlooked by Victims

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported there were over 2.8 million emergency department visits for motor vehicle crashes in 2023. While injuries sustained in car accidents vary greatly from mild to severe, sometimes injuries are not immediately apparent and may go unnoticed for a few days or even weeks.

If you have suffered from a delayed injury after a car accident in California, contact McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP to learn more about your legal options. We are here to help.

Injuries commonly overlooked

The most commonly overlooked car accident injuries include:

Soft tissue injuries

Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, strains, sprains, or tears, may take a few days to appear after an accident. Damage typically impacts ligaments, tendons, or muscles. Symptoms of soft tissue injuries may include:

• Pain
• Inflammation
• Bruising or discoloration
• Limited range of motion or mobility

Soft tissue injuries can take weeks to months to heal. Depending on the severity, injuries may require medication, rehabilitation, or other medical treatments.

Traumatic brain injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. They can be penetrating or non-penetrating injuries. Concussions, contusions, fractures, and brain bleeds can all be considered TBIs. TBI symptoms are varied, but may include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Speech issues
• Light or sound sensitivity
• Memory or concentration issues
• Depression or anxiety

Depending on the type of TBI, treatment options may include surgery, rest, medications, or rehabilitation.

Back and spine injuries

Back and spine injuries can cause long-term or permanent damage to injured individuals. These injuries are typically caused by the sudden, forceful movement that occurs during a crash. These types of injuries may include:

• Herniated discs
• Spinal cord injuries
• Joint injuries
• Fractures
• Torn ligaments
• Sprains and strains

The types of back and spine injuries caused by car accidents range in severity and treatment plans. Medical care after a car accident helps determine the best way to heal injuries.

Nerve damage

Nerve damage is frequently overlooked as symptoms may not manifest until days after a car accident. Symptoms may include numbness, limb weakness, or tingling. Nerve injuries require medical evaluation and diagnostic testing.

Recovery from nerve damage may take a long time, and in some cases, injuries may result in lasting or permanent effects, depending on severity.

Emotional distress

Emotional distress may show up as depression, anxiety, or a trauma disorder. The initial shock after a car accident may delay these symptoms. Some individuals may not realize their car-related anxiety or trauma until the next time they are in a vehicle.

Why are injuries overlooked?

There are several reasons an injury may go unnoticed immediately after a car crash. For example, low-speed collisions often result in less visible damage than high-speed impacts. However, the type of force involved in low-speech crashes can still lead to injuries that do not present symptoms until later.

Injuries may be missed or overlooked if an individual does not seek medical evaluation after a collision.

Car accident FAQs

After a car accident, individuals often have similar questions. We have compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below:

What should I do if an injury pops up after a car accident?

If you have a delayed injury, seek medical care first. Then, contact an attorney if you do not already have one. Oftentimes, people face challenges when seeking compensation from insurance companies for delayed injuries. An experienced car accident attorney can help clients navigate these issues.

How much will I get for a car accident injury?

It is impossible to predict an outcome for a car accident case without a thorough evaluation of its specific facts and circumstances. If you have questions about your case, reach out to an experienced lawyer to learn your legal options. You may be able to pursue the following types of compensation:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property loss or damage
• Pain and suffering

When filing a personal injury lawsuit, medical care is an important component. If you do not seek prompt treatment or fail to follow medical advice, insurers may argue your injuries were less serious or unrelated to the crash.

Do I really need a car accident lawyer?

It depends on the factors of your situation. The best way to know if your situation can benefit from an attorney is to reach out to a car accident lawyer to discuss your specific details. They can offer legal options and recommendations.

How can car accident lawyers help?

An experienced car accident lawyer can help in the following ways:

• Gather evidence
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• Discuss legal options
• Represent the client in court

Dealing with an injury after a car accident can be a daunting experience. You are trying to heal while worrying about your financial situation and whether the insurance company will pay your medical bills. Securing an experienced attorney helps clients feel more supported through this process.

Contact McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP, today for a free consultation

Even when symptoms do not present immediately, injured individuals may still have valid claims for compensation. At McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP, our team has experience with delayed car accident injuries. Contact us today or give us a call to schedule your consultation.