What You Need to Know About Delayed Car Accident Injuries

When people are injured in car accidents, it doesn’t necessarily mean they get out of their car bleeding from cuts, with visible bruises, or with other types of obvious injuries like broken bones. Not only are many types of common car accident injuries invisible, they can take time to become evident. In the time immediately following a car accident, people very often have a rush of adrenaline that delays the full sensation of pain. So it’s very possible that they feel okay right after a crash or they think any pain they do have isn’t a big deal, only to experience more severe pain later on. 

Delayed injuries are a big reason why it’s important to get checked out by a doctor after a car accident – even if you think you’re okay and even if you think the crash occurred at too low of a speed to cause injuries. Remember, even low-speed collisions can still cause injuries. If you put off seeing a doctor after a car crash and later discover you have injuries, insurance companies are going to be quick to try and deny coverage for those injuries. They’ll try to argue that those injuries must have been caused by something else that happened after the car accident and they shouldn’t have to pay for any medical expenses related to them. 

Whiplash & Soft Tissue Injuries

Whiplash and other types of soft tissue injuries are very commonly involved with car accidents, But since they can take time to become evident, with symptoms often showing days later, and can be difficult to detect, these are injuries that insurance companies can be difficult about paying claims for. However, these are not imaginary injuries. They can be very painful and affect a person’s mobility.

Concussions & Brain Injuries

Concussions very often occur along with whiplash because the force that causes the whiplash can also cause a concussion. Shortly after a car crash, you might experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, difficulties concentrating, nausea, or fatigue, all of which may be symptoms of a concussion or another type of traumatic brain injury. 

Spinal Injuries

The area of the neck isn’t the only part of the spine that commonly gets injured in car accidents. Problems like slipped and herniated discs and damage to surrounding nerves are often experienced by car accident victims. Some symptoms of a spinal injury include pain and soreness, numbness, weakness in limbs, and muscle spasms. 

Internal Bleeding

In some cases, the force of the car crash can cause damage to internal organs and result in internal bleeding. Often, this includes damage to the stomach, lungs, and kidneys. Internal bleeding can become apparent through problems like coughing up blood, bruising, dizziness and fainting, and problems breathing. 

Contact a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer

Even if it takes time to become aware of an injury, you may still have legal options. One of the best things you can do after a car accident is contact a car accident lawyer so that you can have someone on your side who knows the law and can fight on your behalf. Insurance companies love to try and avoid paying out claims when it comes to delayed injuries, but a lawyer may be able to help. At Goodwin & Scieszka, we’re experienced in handling a wide range of motor vehicle accident cases in the state of Michigan. Contact us and find out how we can help you.