Hello Folks, Attorney Paul Samakow here,
Today’s blog is about the type of injuries that can occur in a car accident.
You may be thinking, Paul, isn’t this one a bit obvious?
Well maybe, but maybe not.
If you’re in an auto collision and the ambulance must take you from the scene because you’re bleeding from your head or have a bad fracture and an obviously broken bone, then yes. These injuries are obvious.
But if, on the other hand, you are involved in an auto accident, and after the wreck you see no broken bones, there is no sign of blood and you feel you’ve no need of an ambulance, your injuries may not be quite so obvious and you may benefit from hearing what I’ve got to say.
You know what adrenaline is? Adrenaline is a hormone and neurotransmitter produced by the adrenal glands that participates in the sympathetic nervous system’s “fight-or-flight response” (or “acute stress response”) to situations that are high-stress, dangerous and/or physically exhilarating. Translation: it prohibits pain signals from reaching your brain until you “calm down.” And by calm down, I don’t mean mentally. Your body will take it’s time to calm down. You may not feel pain until the next morning.
So, for a moment, for the sake of clarity, I will briefly mention the obvious. Broken bones are common injuries in car accidents, especially when high speeds are involved. Fractured bones can require surgery and months of therapy to heal.
Traumatic brain injuries are also common. And sometimes they are instantly obvious, and sometimes, not so much. If an ambulance is called to the scene. Let them check you out they know how to check for potential head injuries. And if you have any onset of headache, dizziness, blurred vision or difficulty thinking or concentrating, get medical attention right away. An untreated head injury can turn lethal fast.
Spinal cord injuries, again, these injuries can sometimes be obvious, and sometimes take days or weeks to rear their ugly heads. If you suspect a back or neck injury, get in front of a medical professional right away. An untreated spinal injury can spiral into a life changing disability if left untreated for too long.
Internal injuries can be serious and life threatening, but they may not be immediately apparent. This is why it is so important to be thoroughly examined by a medical professional if you’re ever involved in a an auto collision. Organ damage, and internal bleeding can be lethal. See a doctor. It’s not worth the risk.
Whiplash. This is the expression given to the dynamic of your neck moving back and forth, or forward and back quickly. This is where adrenaline often kicks in. This is a common injury after a car accident, and it is common not to feel this one after a wreck. Whiplash often isn’t felt until the day after an auto collision, once again thanks to that surge of adrenaline your body lends you when it senses you’re in a crisis or stress situation.
The bottom line, an auto collision often results in injuries. And whether you think those injuries are big or small, you owe it to yourself to get checked out by a medical professional, and make sure that a perceived small injury doesn’t morph into a life changing disability later on. And it may not be life changing. But muscle injuries can be very painful. Why not find out and then get medical help, so you’re not needlessly suffering for much longer than otherwise if you didn’t get help?
If you or someone you love is ever involved in an auto collision, I strongly recommend you call my office immediately 703-854-9288 or 301-298-8383.
We can help you with your personal injury claim, help you get the medical care you need for your injuries and see to it the at fault party pays for your pain and suffering and property damage.
Until next time,
Please be safe, and NEVER text while driving!
Paul Samakow
Attorney Paul Samakow