Each year, throughout the U.S., millions of car accidents occur. These result in serious injuries, thousands of dollars in property damage, and a significant loss of life.
While the injuries sustained in a car accident can vary greatly depending on the type of accident that occurs, some are seen more commonly than others.
It doesn’t matter how you were hurt; if you are involved in a car accident caused by another party, you should retain the services of an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney.
For most people, it can be beneficial to know about common injuries that can occur.
Table of Contents
1. Whiplash
An extremely common type of auto accident injury is whiplash. It occurs if your head is jerked forward and backward quickly.
This fast movement can cause damage to the discs, tendons, ligaments, facet joints, and all the muscles in your neck.
Some of the most common symptoms of whiplash after a car accident include:
- Neck stiffness or pain
- Pain that gets worse when you move
- A limited range of motion in the neck
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headaches
While whiplash can occur in almost any auto accident, it is common in rear-end collisions, accidents that occur at higher speeds, and when a person’s head is far away from the headrest at the time of impact.
2. Brain Injuries
If you experience whiplash and the force that caused this injury is strong enough, it may lead to a concussion. This is a type of TBI (traumatic brain injury) caused by internal damage or a blow to the head.
Symptoms that you may have a concussion after a car accident include the following:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Tinnitus
- Nausea
- Inability to remember the crash
It is possible to have a concussion even if you don’t lose consciousness. If this happens, you may not even know you have experienced this injury for several days or weeks. This is an example of why you need to seek medical treatment immediately after any accident.
3. Back Injuries
It may not be apparent if you experience an injury to your spine in a car accident. It is best to assume the worst and get checked out for a back or spine injury as soon as possible after the accident.
If bleeding or swelling develops around your spinal cord, it can lead to paralysis or numbness that impacts your ability to move and function over time. You may also experience strained muscles that cause chronic back pain.
4. Soft Tissue Injuries
Any area of your body where you have soft tissue can be injured in a car accident. This includes your upper and lower body; like many other injuries, they may not start hurting immediately.
If you experience a delayed response, you may not immediately relate pain from different parts of your body to your car accident.
5. Internal Injuries
Cases of internal bleeding aren’t always obvious immediately. However, this is one injury you need to have treated as quickly as possible since it can be life-threatening. Unfortunately, the symptoms and signs of this may not be evident until you are already in a serious or life-threatening situation.
Getting medical treatment right away will ensure that any hidden internal damage is found and treated.
Don’t Wait to Hire a Chicago Car Accident Attorney to Help with Your Case
If you are involved in a car accident, make sure you act fact. Seek medical treatment and then contact an experienced and reputable Chicago car accident attorney for assistance. They can help ensure you get the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.
