Car accidents are traumatic events that can result in a wide range of injuries, many of which are immediately noticeable due to their visible and painful nature. However, some injuries are not as easily detected or may have delayed symptoms, earning them the moniker of “silent” injuries. These often-hidden injuries can be just as debilitating and, if left untreated, may lead to long-term health issues. The following are some of the most common. If you’ve been injured in a crash, contact a Virginia Beach car accident attorney for legal help.
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most well-known silent injuries associated with car accidents. It occurs when a sudden jolt or impact causes the neck to snap forward and backward, straining the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons. While the symptoms may not manifest immediately, individuals with whiplash can experience neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and even cognitive issues like difficulty concentrating or memory problems in the days or weeks following the accident.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Even in minor car accidents, the head can be subjected to sudden and forceful movements. This can result in traumatic brain injuries, which may range from mild concussions to more severe forms of TBI. Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and mood swings may not appear right away, making them easy to miss or dismiss initially. However, untreated TBIs can have long-lasting cognitive and emotional consequences.
Internal Injuries
Car accidents can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or fractured ribs, which might not show immediate symptoms. Over time, these injuries can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Signs like abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or blood in the urine should never be ignored, as they may indicate underlying internal injuries.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can result from the impact of a car accident, potentially leading to paralysis or partial loss of sensation. These injuries may not be immediately apparent, but symptoms like numbness, tingling, or limb weakness can develop over time. Spinal cord injuries can have a profound and lasting impact on an individual’s life.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
While not a physical injury, PTSD is a silent injury that can result from the emotional trauma of a car accident. Individuals may not immediately recognize the signs of PTSD, which can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance of situations reminiscent of the accident. Left untreated, PTSD can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, such as muscle strains and tears, are often overlooked in the immediate aftermath of an accident. These injuries can cause chronic pain and limited mobility if not properly treated. Symptoms may not become apparent until days or weeks later, so seeking medical attention and documenting any discomfort following a car accident is crucial.
Call Our Law Firm for a Free Case Evaluation
Car accidents can result in a wide array of injuries, not all of which are immediately apparent. Silent injuries can have delayed symptoms, making them easy to underestimate. Individuals involved in car accidents need to seek medical attention promptly and undergo a thorough evaluation to identify and address any potential silent injuries. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the long-term outcomes and quality of life for those affected by these hidden consequences of car accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact a Virginia Beach car accident lawyer from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp. Our firm is dedicated to helping injured clients obtain the compensation they deserve for their medical bills, lost income, and other losses their injuries have caused. Our attorneys will work diligently to make sure you get the financial justice the law allows, like the $235,000 car accident insurance settlement we obtained for one client who suffered multiple injuries when another driver failed to yield the right of way.
For your convenience, we have offices in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake.
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For over twenty years, Mr. Sharp's law practice has focused on serious personal injury claims, including traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury claims. He also handles nursing home neglect cases and medical malpractice claims. Mr. Sharp has counseled numerous clients about the complexities concerning litigation of both pediatric and adult brain injury. Mr. Sharp has been awarded the AV Preeminent ranking by Martindale, the highly respected and widely utilized directory of lawyers throughout the world. AV Preeminent status is awarded only to those lawyers who achieve the highest level of success within the legal field and is a testament to the fact that a lawyer's peers and Judges rank him at the highest level of professional excellence. He has also been recognized as a "Best Lawyer" by U.S. News for personal injury, an accolade awarded to only a small fraction of lawyers. Mr. Sharp has also been recognized by Super Lawyers as one of the top personal injury lawyers in Virginia. This recognition is awarded only to those lawyers who have achieved the highest level of success and have been recognized by their peers as demonstrating the highest level of professional excellence.
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