When car accidents occur, they often cause a variety of injuries. These days, many of us are so used to driving and riding in vehicles that we do not always realize just how dangerous these collisions can be, even collisions that seem relatively minor.
At the same time, our bodies use many complicated defenses to keep us safe in traumatic experiences, often hiding injuries from us. Many significant injuries that may occur in car accidents do not cause pain or discomfort at first, although these injuries are still quite harmful.
If a person experiences a car accident and does not go see a doctor for a full medical examination, they may have one or several delayed pain injuries that do not receive important treatment. Untreated delayed pain injuries can cause lasting pain and discomfort, and, in some cases, can turn fatal.
Hidden medical emergencies
Two of the most dangerous delayed pain injuries are internal bleeding and partial organ damage. An internal bleeding injury not only threatens a victim with dangerous blood loss, it may also develop an infection. If an internal infection grows strong enough, it can spread to other parts of the body through the circulation system, and may even reach the victim’s brain. The victim may only feel pain once the infection begins spreading and poisoning their body.
Similarly, if a victim suffers partial organ damage, they may not feel any differently than they did before the accident, at least for a while. Inside, their body works to repair the damaged organ and the organ may continue to function for some time. However, the victim’s body is not always able to heal itself, and if the organ does not recover, the body eventually shuts the organ off completely. Once one of a victim’s organs fail, their other organs typically also fail, which is a lengthy, painful way for anyone to die.
Protecting yourself after a car accident
After experiencing a car accident, your first priority should be your own safety and the safety of any other individuals in your vehicle. Even if you do not believe that you suffered injuries, it is always wise to see a doctor for a complete medical examination as soon as possible. This examination can help identify delayed pain injuries and treat them, avoiding lasting pain and discomfort, and potentially saving your life.
Whether you feel your injuries immediately after an accident or not, car accident injuries are a serious personal and legal matter. If some other person is responsible for your car accident, a personal injury claim may be appropriate. Building a strong personal injury claim ensures that your rights remain secure and allows you to save your time and energy so you can focus on your treatment and recovery.