Car Accident Injuries You Might Not Notice Immediately

In Australia, 1266 people died in road traffic accidents in 2023, one of the country’s deadliest years on the road. Hundreds more experienced injuries, many of which went unnoticed. 

A lot of people walk away from car accidents without realising they’re injured, skipping a trip to the hospital because they feel fine. Even when the adrenaline wears off, it can take time for certain injuries to surface. 

Common Delayed-Onset Car Accident Injuries 

Whiplash

You are more likely to experience whiplash after being rear-ended. 

While a stiff neck is the most obvious symptom, you may experience headaches, dizziness, and pain. Some people develop symptoms within hours of their accident, others won’t feel it until days later. 

Back and Spinal Injuries 

The initial collision can trigger a back or spinal injury that doesn’t manifest until much later. 

Head-on collision injuries include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spinal fractures, and spinal cord injuries. While, if you were in a rear-ending, a lumbar injury is more likely. 

If you notice tingling, numbness, back pain, or leg pain there is likely an underlying injury.  

Concussion

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury after a blow to the head. Concussions are graded on a scale of one to four, depending on severity. If you lost consciousness during or after the accident, you likely have a concussion.

Confusion, difficulty concentrating, nausea, and headaches are common symptoms and can surface immediately or in the days following an accident. 

Internal Injuries

Of course, an internal injury isn’t necessarily immediately noticeable to you, whether organ damage or internal bleeding. 

This is something emergency services should pick up on if they attend the scene. However, if you have trouble breathing, abdominal pains, blood in your stool, or blood in your vomit, you should seek medical attention immediately. 

Soft Tissue Injuries

You lose control of your bodily movements in a car accident, which is why soft tissue injuries are widespread. Unfortunately, that initial rush of adrenaline after an accident often masks the symptoms and you likely won’t notice until the pain kicks in after the fact. Sprains, strains, and tears are common.

When To Seek Medical Help 

Pain

If you have been in persistent pain, you should visit the doctor, especially if it’s any of the typical car accident hotspots like your neck, head, back, or limbs

Headaches and Dizziness

Headaches and dizziness could be down to whiplash or due to a concussion. Regardless, get it double-checked, and again, create more documentation for your motor vehicle accident lawyers in Sydney. 

Vision Problems

Head injuries and vision problems go hand in hand. If you are experiencing double vision, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision, visit the doctor. 

Memory Loss or Confusion 

Head injuries are often accompanied by confusion and memory loss. If you don’t remember your accident or struggle with the details of the surrounding events, you should visit the doctor. Likewise, if you’re experiencing a general sense of confusion, you should seek medical advice. 

Stiffness and Reduced Mobility 

If you have trouble moving, whether it’s stiffness in your neck, back or limbs, it may indicate a soft tissue injury, visit the doctor. 

Sleep Problems

Many people have trouble sleeping following traumatic events. 

Whether you have a problem with falling or staying asleep, it’s wise to speak to your doctor because you may need to speak to a mental health professional depending on the severity of the problem. 

Emotional Distress

Emotional distress following a road accident is common. 

Whether you are fearful about getting in a car as the driver or passenger or experiencing general anxiety, it’s normal. 

However, it’s not something you should ignore though because it could grow worse if you don’t deal with it.  

The Importance of Documentation 

Seek Medical Attention 

If you have been in a motor accident, follow up with your doctor immediately. It doesn’t matter if you think you’re fine, starting documentation of your accident is important should you need to file a motor vehicle accident compensation claim later. 

Report the Accident

Always file a police report after a car accident, no matter how serious. 

Collect Information 

Collect information from everyone involved, from other drives to the witnesses who saw it unfold. The more information you have, the easier it is for the motor accident lawyers to fight your case when filing a claim. 

Take Photos 

The more photos you have of your scene the better, whether it’s vehicle damage, visible injuries, or tyre marks on the road. Motor vehicle accident lawyers can fight your claim more effectively with more evidence and documentation. 

How AJB Stevens Can Help 

If you want to make a motor vehicle accident claim, AJB Stevens can serve as your motor accident lawyer in Sydney. 

Motor vehicle lawyers can make your motor vehicle accident claims more robust to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. There are time limits involved in successful claims, and it’s important to compile all of the supporting evidence to streamline the process. A lawyer can ensure you meet the necessary criteria to maximise your compensation.