Even if you believe you were not unharmed in a motor vehicle accident in Georgia, it’s important to visit a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. Many injuries can take days to manifest, yet they have the most serious of repercussions.
Brain injuries
The human brain is the most protected body organ and is generally cushioned from trauma by the skull. However, a forceful impact from an auto accident can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that may require long-term medical care and rehabilitation. Symptoms of TBIs include dizziness, confusion, headaches, trouble with memory or concentration and mood swings.
Neck or back injuries
Whiplash occurs when the head moves suddenly in one direction and then snaps back into place – like a cracking whip. Whiplash is frequently seen after motor vehicle accidents but often isn’t painful until several days later when symptoms such as neck pain or stiffness set in. Other common neck or back injuries after an auto accident include spinal cord damage and herniated discs.
Internal organ injuries
High-impact forces of a crash can affect the body’s organs, even if there is no outward sign or symptom of injury. Some internal injuries may include lacerations, bruising or bleeding to the spleen, liver, kidneys, heart, lungs and intestines. Damage to these organs can be difficult to diagnose since they are not visible and may not cause pain.
Psychological trauma
Mental health issues after a traumatic event are common but often overlooked in traditional diagnostic evaluations. After an accident, it’s common to see people fear getting behind the wheel again or experience nightmares and flashbacks. Other signs of psychological trauma can include difficulty focusing, avoidance of activities related to the accident, anxiety, depression and physical symptoms such as fatigue or insomnia.
Broken bones
While some broken bones may be easy to detect with immediate pain and swelling around the affected area, others may not show any signs until weeks later when tenderness or deformity begins to present itself. This is especially true for fractures of the wrist, arm or foot as well as the rib cage.
It’s important to understand all possible after-effects of an auto accident to ensure you receive proper medical care. Early diagnosis and intervention can make all the difference in a successful recovery and open avenues to secure adequate compensation from your insurer or through legal proceedings.
