In one terrifying moment, a motor vehicle accident can change your life and that of your loved ones. Millions of people get hurt in car accidents each year, causing wide-ranging injuries. Some signs and symptoms of injury are immediate, but others may not arise until several days or weeks following the accident.
The following is a list of three common auto-accident related injuries that may not be apparent for a few days or even weeks after an accident.
- Whiplash
A whiplash occurs when the head and neck are suddenly and forcefully pushed forward and backward. This commonly occurs in rear-end accidents. The rapid motions damage soft tissues in one’s neck muscles and ligaments. If not treated, whiplash can lead to chronic pain and reduced range of motion in the neck. Symptoms include pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulder, lower back, hand or arm. Dizziness, headaches, blurred vision and sleeplessness can also be experienced. These symptoms may occur immediately following the accident or several days or weeks later. It is important to see your doctor and follow through with treatment recommendations, which may include medications, physiotherapy, chiropractic care and massage therapy.
- Concussion
A concussion may occur when the head is thrown back and forth as in whiplash injuries, even if your head didn’t hit anything. Immediate symptoms may include: headache, head pressure, temporary loss of consciousness, seeing “stars,” feeling dazed, dizziness, or ringing of the ears. Thereafter, symptoms may develop over time and are likely to include some or all of the following: headache, nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to light and/or noise, difficulty focusing or concentrating, short term memory loss, confusion and severe fatigue. A possible concussion is not to be taken lightly so if you’re having any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.
- Back and Spinal Cord
Injuries in this region include muscle and ligament strains/sprains, herniated discs, bulging discs, spinal cord damage and nerve impingement with resulting pain, stiffness, radiating nerve pain and limitation in movement in the lumbar (low back) and thoracic (mid back) spine. You may feel fine at the scene of the accident, but days or weeks later experience pain, limitation of your activities.
These symptoms do not always present themselves immediately after the accident and may take several days or weeks to fully develop. If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Conclusion:
No matter the seriousness of the accident or extent of the injuries, you and your loved ones need not suffer alone. Accident benefits are available through the auto insurer for medical and rehabilitation services not covered by OHIP, and income loss. You may also be eligible for compensation for your pain and suffering and other losses arising from your accident related injuries.
Contact us
With decades of experience at Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP, we have a proven track record of advocating on behalf of motor vehicle accident and other personal injury victims. For more information or to have a free consultation, please contact Renee Vinett rvinett@hshlawyers.com – 416-361-7560.
