When you get in a car crash, you will have a lot going through your mind. You will want to make sure that you are ok, and you also need to ensure that everyone in the car is unscathed. Vehicle liability aside, you need to be sure you and any passengers aren’t injured. Unfortunately, even minor car crashes can lead to significant injuries like whiplash.
You might not think that a simple fender bender can damage your body, but it can. Low-speed crashes can cause serious injuries, and as a result, you always need to be paying attention when you are driving.
The injuries you can get from minor car accidents can be life-altering. Below you will find information about some of the most common injuries from minor car crashes.
Injuries to the Head
If you get in a car crash, head trauma is the most significant concern. Brain injuries are common in big crashes, but even minor accidents can result in brain or head injuries.
Many people think you cannot get a concussion or head injury if you do not lose consciousness, but that is not the case. You can get a concussion or brain injury from any impact on your head.
As a result, you need to be aware of the symptoms. Symptoms of a brain injury include, but are not limited to:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Ringing in ears
- Increased irritability
- And more
Should you experience any of those symptoms after a minor crash, seek medical attention immediately. Do not wait for them to worsen because your headache is only minor. A headache may progress to something much worse if it resulted from a head injury.
If the other party is at fault, be aware that your medical treatment can impact a personal injury claim.
Whiplash
The other dangerous injury you can get from a minor car crash is whiplash. Whiplash is the straining of tendons and ligaments in your neck from a sudden jolt forward. You can get whiplash from car crashes at speeds as low as five miles per hour.
Your neck is one of the essential parts of your body and is also one of the most sensitive. As a result, any minor injury can progress into something much worse. So, if you develop symptoms associated with whiplash, you should see your doctor.
Some of the symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain and soreness
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Dizziness
- Decreased mobility
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- And more
Other Injuries
You can get other injuries from a minor car crash, but they are less likely. If you are not wearing your seatbelt, it is not uncommon to fracture ribs or other bones as you slam into the steering wheel. You can also tear muscles and ligaments or experience other structural damage to your body.
So, while brain injuries and whiplash are the two biggest things you need to worry about in a minor car crash, you should be conscious of your whole body. As a result, it is a good idea to check your entire body to see if you have any injuries.
Remember, you might not feel pain immediately because of the adrenaline pumping through your body. So, make sure to perform a check an hour or so after the crash.
See Your Doctor for Any Injury
Following any car crash, you are likely to have minor injuries, but you might not have anything major. However, you should still see your doctor. You may believe it is a waste of time to go to a doctor because of bumps and bruises, but you should see them anyway.
Injuries that appear minor can develop into major issues quickly. There is also a significant risk of internal bleeding after injuries from impact like a car crash, so you should seek medical attention.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
If you get an injury that requires medical attention, you should contact a personal injury attorney. They can help you get your medical expenses covered, and possibly a bigger payout depending on the cause of the crash. If the other party was at fault, you may be due compensation.
Getting in a car crash is scary, even if it’s minor. You can get some significant injuries from minor car accidents. However, you might not realize the extent of your injuries immediately after the crash.
The most significant injuries you need to worry about following a crash are whiplash and brain injuries. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, seek medical attention immediately.
If you’re ready to speak with one of our talented personal injury lawyers about your car accident case, contact Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law today!
