When a Car Accident Injury is More Serious Than You Thought  

Even with the advanced safety technology that most cars are equipped with today, car accidents continue to happen, causing significant property damage, injuries, and fatalities across the country. According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, approximately 2.4 million people are injured in car accidents each year. Some of these injuries are minor, requiring little to no medical care. However, sometimes an injury that seems minor is actually more serious. This can be particularly dangerous if the victim does not seek proper medical attention for a hidden injury that, if left untreated, can result in more severe injuries, permanent impairments, and even fatality.

Examples of Common Undetected Injuries

When you are in a car accident, the body releases adrenaline, so you may not feel the effects of the injury until hours, or even days later when your body has had the chance to relax. The following are examples of hidden injuries that often go unchecked, but can cause more serious, even permanent damage down the road.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Anytime there is trauma to your head, either from hitting it against another object or from being whipped back and forth, it can impact your brain. It is not uncommon for a person that is involved in a wreck to assume that they have only suffered from a mild concussion or whiplash, only to find out that they have a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can cause long-term brain damage. Symptoms of TBIs can include mood swings, forgetfulness, personality changes, as well as headaches and vision changes. Car accident victims who are experiencing any of these symptoms after hitting their head must seek immediate medical attention.

Knee Injuries

The knee is vulnerable to injury in the event of a car accident. Sometimes, a knee injury may not seem serious at first, but if there is torn cartilage, it can lead to even more serious conditions like a torn meniscus or chondromalacia, which often requires surgery to repair. Other subtle injuries may take time for enough inflammation to develop. Unfortunately, by the time this happens, the injury may have progressed to something more serious.

Shoulder Injuries

When someone is involved in a car wreck, the shoulder often absorbs a great deal of impact. The can cause a range of injuries to the shoulder, including deep bruising, strains, and severe ligament tears that require surgery to repair. If these injuries are not diagnosed and treated in a timely fashion, they can become worse, often leading to chronic pain and discomfort. Shoulder injuries should be taken seriously and treated by a medical professional.

Psychological Injuries

Car accidents can be extremely traumatic, especially if there were serious injuries or fatalities involved. Some people experience psychological injuries, like depression, anxiety, and a fear of driving or even being in a car. Anyone suffering from emotional trauma should see an experienced psychologist who can provide tools and techniques to work through their issues.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Advocate for Those Injured in Car Crashes

If you have been injured in a car accident, it is in your best interest to contact the experienced Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will determine the best legal course of action, ensuring that your rights are protected at all times. We will seek the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. For a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.