3 Injuries to Watch for After a Car Accident
A car accident can change your life in an instant. Dealing with everything you have to do after you've been in an accident is stressful and time-consuming. Even more so, if you've or someone you care for has been injured.
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there have been over 163,000 accidents in Florida from the start of the year through July 14 with 101,765 injuries*. That is almost 832 accidents and 519 injuries every day here in Florida from crashes. If you have been unfortunate enough to be in an accident, there are injuries that can lead to long-term issues if not treated quickly and properly. Not all injuries you can suffer are immediately obvious. Some injuries may be masked by the soreness you feel after an accident and are not immediately obvious.
If you or a loved one has been in an accident, here are 3 injuries to watch for after a car accident.
3 Injuries to Watch for After a Car Accident
Whiplash
When the head is whipped back and forth violently during a collision, whiplash can result. The fast movement can overstretch and damage the ligaments in the neck. Loose or torn neck ligaments can cause neck pain, headaches, and decreased range of motion. A survey conducted on behalf of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that 50% of people suffering neck pain from a car accident continued to suffer pain a year after their accident**. Being evaluated immediately is critical after an accident. Symptoms of whiplash may not show up immediately and can sometimes take weeks or months to appear.
Brain Fog or Tiredness
Car accidents can be very overwhelming and stressful. Being "run down" and exhausted after dealing with auto insurance, towing companies, doctor appointments, attorney appointments, and the countless other things you deal with can be exhausting. A lifetime of problems could result from waiting too long for an evaluation. Emotional distress, confusion, brain fog and chronic fatigue all the time could be signs of a concussion, brain injury, whiplash, or other injuries caused by the accident. Diagnostic testing and proper evaluations are critical to understand the seriousness of the symptoms and prevent further damage.
Numbness and Tingling
Our bodies have an amazing way of letting us know that something is wrong. When there is numbness or tingling in the hands, fingers, legs or feet, it is a warning sign from the nerves that something is wrong! After an accident, the discs that are between each spinal bone, and the ligaments surrounding them, can become damaged. Imagine a hard bone pressing down on a soft nerve. When this happens, the pressure can cause numbness and tingling. Proper testing and examination should be done to determine how much pressure is being put on the nerve.
Evaluation at Complete Care
These 3 injuries to watch for after a car accident need to be evaluated quickly. Injuries can become permanent problems and if you miss the window of opportunity to use your PIP insurance, which is 14 days from the accident, you could forfeit your benefits. If you have been in an accident, a Complete Care provider can provide a thorough evaluation to help you determine the best course of action. You'll have the information you need to make the best decision for your future.
We have locations in 36 cities in 10 counties across Central Florida, Brevard County and West Florida. If transportation is an issue as it sometimes is after a wreck, we can provide transportation to and from appointments. Get an evaluation quickly after an accident. Early treatment can help prevent a lifetime of problems.
If you or a loved one have been in a car accident, complete the form below to request an evaluation or, if you can't wait, call us 407-974-6851. Our trained staff is here to help answer questions and and help you to determine the best course of action.
Contact us at Complete Care today!
* source: accessed on July 24, 2020.
** source: accessed on July 24, 2020.