Three Hidden Auto Accident Injuries You Should Know About
BOISE and NAMPA, Idaho. Car accident injuries bring to mind scenes often seen in popular medical shows like Grey’s Anatomy: doctors rushing frantically in the ER to usher a car accident victim into surgery or frantic efforts to stop bleeding. While many car accident injuries are serious and require immediate medical attention and can result in life-altering injuries, some car accident injuries are not always diagnosed in the hours or even days after a car accident occurs. Hidden car accident injuries can be devastating because they can have an immense impact on victims’ lives and the lives of families and caretakers. Have you recently been in a car accident in Boise or Nampa, Idaho? If you have been in a crash, here are some of the hidden personal injuries that sometimes go undiagnosed.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2010, 2.5 million people suffered traumatic brain injury. Mild traumatic brain injury may be less serious than traumatic brain injuries, but the effects can be long-lasting and can leave a lasting impact on victims’ lives. Symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury may not be immediately apparent in the days and weeks after an accident takes place. Yet, if you’ve been in an auto accident and have been experiencing headaches, dizziness, have had trouble sleeping, have experienced memory or concentration problems, experienced mood changes or mood swings, or have been experiencing depression or anxiety, your symptoms may be linked to your car accident. If you believe you’ve been hurt in a crash, contact the personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of Johnson & Lundgreen today.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A traumatic experience like a car accident can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. Not everyone who suffers a traumatic event like a car accident will suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, but a car accident can lead to PTSD in some people. According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms of PTSD include recurring memories, reliving the event, bad dreams, anxiety, and avoidance of situations where the event occurred. If you find yourself avoiding driving or cars, feeling emotionally numb, or lose interest in things you previously enjoyed, you may be experiencing PTSD. PTSD can lead to hopelessness and can lead to difficulty in relationships. It can also interfere with work life. If you’re suffering from these symptoms after a crash, a personal injury lawyer may be able to assist you in getting a recovery for your medical and rehabilitation expenses.
Whiplash: While whiplash may not be the most serious injury one can suffer in a car accident, the long recovery period can affect your ability to work, to play, and to take on family responsibilities. If you experience a stiff neck, have neck pain, or have difficulty moving your neck, you may be suffering from whiplash. Other symptoms include headaches.
The hidden injuries associated with car accidents can take an immense toll on victims and families. PTSD and mild traumatic brain injury, when properly treated, can result in good outcomes and healing. However, many victims never get a proper diagnosis. If you’ve been in a car accident in Boise or Nampa, Idaho, it is important to seek appropriate medical care. A personal injury lawyer may also be able to assist you in getting the recovery you may deserve. Visit johnsonandlundgreen.com to learn more.
