Types of Late-Appearing Injuries after a Car Accident: Whiplash, Concussion

Injuries after a car accident aren’t always evident immediately following a crash. This may be the result of shock from the accident, or a delay in the appearance of symptoms. Other times injured persons dismiss aches and pains after a car accident, assuming they will get better with time.

The problem with late-appearing injuries is that if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence and a claim has already been settled, additional compensation may not be recoverable. Before settling claims, accident victims should review their prognosis with a doctor, and discuss their legal claim for serious injuries with a Colorado auto accident lawyer.

Whiplash Injury after a Car Accident

Soft tissue injuries are fairly common injuries after a car accident that are not detected right away. That’s because they involves ligaments, muscles and tendons. So unlike a laceration, for example, it may not be obvious save for discomfort or pain after the car accident that some may believe will go away.

One of the most common types of soft tissue injuries in a car accident is whiplash, also known as neck strain or sprain. It is the result of the person’s head snapping back and forth with force, which is oftentimes associated with rear-end accidents.

The following are symptoms of whiplash:

  • stiffness/pain in neck;
  • blurred vision;
  • ringing in ears;
  • headache;
  • shoulder pain (or between shoulder blades);
  • dizziness; and
  • reduced range of motion.

Soft tissue injuries don’t show up on X-rays. Imaging through an MRI or CT scan may detect whiplash.

Treatment may include the use of a soft collar around the neck, chiropractic care or physical therapy. It can also significantly interfere with work and completing everyday tasks. Not to mention the pain after the car accident.

Concussion Injuries after a Car Accident

Another common type of late-appearing accident injury is a concussion. This is generally considered a mild type of traumatic brain injury. However, it can also be much more serious and cause a variety of problematic symptoms.

It may occur when there has been a blow to the head. It could happen in an accident where the person’s head hits something inside the vehicle or in a more serious crash, going through a windshield and hitting cement.

The following are symptoms of a concussion:

  • headache;
  • confusion;
  • nausea/vomiting;
  • blurred vision;
  • slurred speech;
  • irritability/aggression;
  • memory loss;
  • difficulty concentrating;
  • sensitivity to light and noise; and
  • loss of balance.

Sometimes there is a loss of consciousness with a concussion. The severity of the injury will depend on this, along with any symptoms of amnesia and loss of balance. A neurological exam or CT scan may help in diagnosing a concussion. Treatment may include observation or medication to treat pain.

Protecting the Value of a Car Accident Claim

The value of physical and/or emotional injuries suffered in a car accident will depend on the severity and impact on an injured person’s life. Since it can take a few days or even weeks before symptoms of some injuries become apparent, it’s a good idea to make sure a full medical evaluation has been given.

A claim for an injury after a car accident can be protected by knowing not only what the current medical expenses are, but future ones as well. And if there is the chance of missing work later on, this needs to be considered.

Refusing to settle a claim too quickly can also protect its worth. It’s important to make sure that all financial, emotional and physical losses are addressed when filing a claim with an Arvada, Colorado auto accident lawyer to recover damages related to an injury after a car accident.

D.J. Banovitz’ career has always concentrated on trial practice and he has litigated hundreds of cases. His passion and sole career focus has been to seek justice for people suffering from personal injuries as the result of someone else’s negligence. The hallmark of the Law Office of D.J. Banovitz, is the total commitment to professionalism, quality, and personalized care of your injury case. D.J. has dedicated his professional life to helping those most in need and is a proud and active member of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association. His experience includes volunteering for Colorado Rural Legal Services in Montrose, the Colorado Aids Project, consumer law, family law, criminal defense, and Alternative Defense Counsel for juveniles in Denver.