A car accident is traumatic. It comes with huge losses ranging from loss of properties to injuries and sometimes loss of lives. Yet, some people walk away from accidents seemingly unscathed, and others barely survive with their lives.

People are affected by accidents in diverse ways. However, you must note that while some people claim to have no bodily injuries at first, it does not mean that there can be no injuries subsequently. The human body can be affected in different ways by the trauma caused by car accidents.

No matter how minor an accident, the safety features of a car, or the precautions taken by a driver, if accidents occur, chances are high that there will be injuries. The human body cannot absorb the trauma of a high-impact accident because of the amount of force it receives. As a result, while some people escape car accidents with only minor bruises and aches, others sustain injuries that last throughout their lifetime.

Given that injuries differ from person to person, it’s essential to know what to expect physically after an accident. Moreover, if you sustain injuries from an accident due to the negligence of another motorist, you may be eligible for compensation. If that’s the case, it’s best to get in touch with a Maryland car accident attorney.

What You Should Expect Physically Following a Car Crash

Here’s a breakdown of what you are to expect physically after an accident:

• Soft Tissue Injuries

The bones in the human body get supported by ligaments, tendons, and muscles (soft tissues). The force of impact from an accident places strain on these soft tissues, leading to wear and tear. The easiest way to identify a symptom of mild tissue injury is pain that radiates down your arms or legs.

A type of soft tissue injury is a herniated disc. A herniated disc is an injury that results mainly from whiplash. This is when the neck and back suffer strain after a car accident. Due to the force from the collision, the tissue between the lower vertebrae can rupture or shift, resulting in a herniated disc.

Herniated disc causes very severe pains, loss of control of muscles, and feeling, especially in the arms and legs. Soft tissue injuries sometimes do not become apparent till weeks following an accident. However, they can lead to disability if not caught early and treated.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries

During a car accident, the head is usually jerked forcefully in continuous forward and backward motion. Sometimes this motion brings the head in contact with an object which might have a forceful impact, thus resulting in a traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries are often severe and can cause long-term disabilities.

Injuries from head traumas after a car accident are prevalent. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control show the United States recorded about 61, 000 TBI-related deaths in 2019. Most traumatic head injuries take months or even years before they get noticed. You must get thoroughly examined by a medical professional if you get involved in a car accident. Also, a car accident attorney will make sure you get adequately compensated if another motorist caused the accident.

• Knee Injuries

During most car collisions, the drivers get thrown forward, causing their knees to strike the dashboards. There is a direct impact on the knees when this happens, resulting in injuries like shattered knee caps or torn cartilage. Also, when a driver forcefully jams the break to avoid a crash, the knee can become forcefully compressed, leading to injuries. Knee injuries cause severe pains and often require surgeries.

• Shoulder Injuries

Another injury to expect after a car accident is a shoulder injury. Because seat belts get worn across one shoulder, the impact of collision during an accident is usually on that one shoulder. In addition, you could suffer bruises, strain, and sometimes tear to the ligament of the shoulder that requires surgical repairs. Shoulder injuries can become chronic and worsen over time. Therefore, you need to get checked out after an accident.

• Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are caused by trauma to the neck or lower back. These injuries result from severe car accidents, but sometimes they can come from minor car crashes. According to the Shepherd Center, there are approximately 17, 700 new SCIs every year, most of which are caused by automobile accidents and falls.

You Can Get Legal Help for Your Injuries

Car accidents are amongst the most traumatic experiences most people will ever have. You have to bear the pains and suffering from the injuries, mounting medical bills, and probable job loss. However, you can get a Maryland car accident lawyer at Pinder Plotkin, LLC, to get you compensation after a car accident. Schedule a free consultation with us today.