People who have been hurt in car crashes often know about their injuries right away. Someone with a broken arm may not be able to lift anything or pull themselves out of the vehicle. Someone with a spinal cord injury may not be able to move at all.
Other times, people have injuries that slowly worsen over time and could eventually become life-altering medical issues. As a result, most individuals involved in serious collisions would benefit from medical evaluation to help them identify and treat conditions that could slowly worsen if they do not get a prompt diagnosis. The following are some common health issues that may progress after the initial trauma of a crash if treatment needs are not immediately attended to.
Traumatic brain injuries
If someone experiences violent vehicle motions or blunt force trauma to the head, they may develop a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The symptoms of a TBI can be drastically different depending on the location of the injury and its severity. Additionally, the bleeding or swelling inside the skull may slowly worsen over time, leading to more noticeable or worse symptoms developing days or weeks after the crash. Without a proper diagnosis and timely intervention, a TBI can slowly worsen after the initial trauma.
Stable fractures and spinal injuries
It is possible to suffer a traumatic injury that isn’t immediately obvious. Someone could have a stable fracture where the bone remains aligned and can tolerate moderate use. Spinal cord injuries may also be stable and incomplete, meaning that people notice some mild symptoms but not the paralysis and loss of sensation they expect. These injuries may suddenly become worse after secondary trauma or physical exertion. People must receive an accurate diagnosis to receive the treatment or spinal stabilization required to prevent the condition from worsening.
Internal bleeding
Blunt force trauma to the abdomen and even the restraints installed in the vehicle for occupant safety can lead to internal bleeding in the torso. People may bleed into the abdominal cavity or even into their lungs. As time passes, they may be at risk of severe symptoms related to blood loss or pressure on their organs that could cause secondary medical consequences. The sooner someone sees a medical professional after a crash, the easier it will be for them to avoid the worst-case scenario if they have an injury that might worsen if left untreated.
Ultimately, taking the right steps after a car crash, including seeing a medical professional and seeking legal guidance, can significantly improve someone’s prognosis and chances of obtaining compensation.