Whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, and emotional or psychological injuries are some of the common hidden injuries that car accident victims may experience.
Car accidents can be devastating. The impact of a collision can cause significant damage to your vehicle. However, it’s not just the visible damage that you need to worry about. In many cases, car accident victims may suffer from hidden injuries that are not immediately apparent but can have long-lasting consequences if left untreated. As a St. Louis car accident lawyer with over 25 years of experience, we have seen firsthand the serious nature of these hidden injuries, and are here to help you understand why you should not ignore them.
Whiplash: More Than Just a Sore Neck
Whiplash is a common injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked back and forth, causing the neck to flex and extend rapidly. This can happen in rear-end collisions or accidents with a sudden impact. While whiplash is often associated with neck pain, it can also cause many other symptoms that may not be immediately obvious.
In addition to neck pain, whiplash can cause headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and even sleep disturbances. These symptoms may not manifest until hours, days, or even weeks after the accident. Unfortunately, some car accident victims may brush off these symptoms as minor aches and pains, but in reality, they may be signs of a severe underlying injury that requires medical attention.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: The Silent Injury
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are another hidden injury that can result from car accidents. TBIs occur when there is a sudden jolt or impact to the head, causing the brain to collide with the skull. Even if there is no visible injury to the head, the brain can still sustain damage, and the symptoms may not be immediately apparent.
TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, and the symptoms can vary widely. Some common signs of TBIs include headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, changes in mood or behavior, and even loss of consciousness. However, some TBIs may not show noticeable symptoms until days or weeks after the accident.
It’s important to note that TBIs can have long-term consequences, affecting a person’s cognitive function, mood, and overall quality of life. Ignoring the signs of a TBI can result in severe complications down the road, which is why seeking medical attention after a car accident, even if you feel fine, is crucial.
Emotional and Psychological Injuries: Invisible Wounds
Car accidents can also cause emotional and psychological injuries that are not visible to the naked eye but can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. The emotional impact of a car accident can vary from person to person. Some common emotional and psychological injuries include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
Car accidents can be traumatic events that can leave lasting emotional scars. Witnessing the crash, experiencing the fear and adrenaline rush, and dealing with the aftermath can all contribute to emotional distress. However, these injuries are often overlooked, as they are not immediately visible and may not be physically painful. It’s important to understand that emotional and psychological injuries are just as valid as physical injuries, and they deserve proper attention and treatment.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Hidden Injuries
It’s crucial to seek medical attention and legal guidance after a car accident, even if you feel fine initially. Ignoring hidden injuries can seriously affect your health, well-being, and legal rights. Delaying or neglecting medical treatment can worsen the injuries, making them more challenging to treat and potentially resulting in long-term or permanent damage. In addition, ignoring hidden injuries can negatively impact your legal case if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim for compensation.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys often try to downplay the severity of hidden injuries, arguing that they are not related to the accident or that they are pre-existing conditions. They may use your delay in seeking medical treatment to minimize or deny your claim. Ignoring hidden injuries could unintentionally weaken your case and jeopardize your chances of receiving fair compensation for your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
As experienced St. Louis car accident lawyers, we strongly advise car accident victims to seek immediate medical attention and legal representation after an accident, regardless of whether they feel any immediate pain or discomfort. A comprehensive medical evaluation, including X-rays, MRI scans, or other diagnostic tests, is essential to identify any hidden injuries that may not be apparent initially. This ensures your health and well-being and helps build a strong legal case if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
Call The Hoffmann Law Firm: Trusted St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, don’t hesitate to seek professional legal help. With over 25 years of experience handling car accident cases in St. Louis and the surrounding areas, The Hoffmann Law Firm has a proven track record of successfully advocating for car accident victims and obtaining maximum compensation.
At The Hoffmann Law Firm, we understand the hidden injuries that can result from car accidents, and we are committed to protecting our clients’ rights. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about upfront legal fees. We only get paid if we win your case, so you can focus on your recovery without added financial stress.
Our experienced team of car accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and aggressively advocate for your best interests. We can ensure that your hidden injuries are not overlooked, and that you receive the medical care and compensation you deserve.
Car accidents can result in hidden injuries that may not be immediately apparent but can have serious long-term consequences if ignored. Whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, and emotional or psychological injuries are some of the common hidden injuries that car accident victims may experience. It’s crucial to seek medical attention and legal guidance after an accident, even if you feel fine initially. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in St. Louis, don’t hesitate to contact The Hoffmann Law Firm for experienced and dedicated legal representation. Call us today for a free consultation.
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