Car accidents happen every day in Virginia Beach. In most cases, the victims walk away injury-free, but in some cases, they suffer from obvious and life-altering injuries. The worst kind of injuries, however, can be the ones that don’t appear right away.
There are many instances of individuals wrongly assuming that they’ve escaped their auto collisions without a scratch when in fact they’ve suffered from a ‘covert’ car accident injuries that appear later — during the days following the collision.
Here are two examples of injuries that might not present themselves for several days:
Concussion
A concussion — i.e., a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) — can happen without the victim exhibiting any outward signs. A doctor might even examine a concussion victim and not make the appropriate diagnosis. However, a concussion victim could begin suffering from memory difficulties, concentration problems and severe headaches that won’t readily go away. It’s important to pay attention to these symptoms and seek medical attention immediately.
Whiplash
We’ve all heard stories of whiplash injuries following a car crash, but did you know that whiplash symptoms are not always immediate? It could take a few days before someone starts to experience the severe neck pain, back pain, arm pain and headaches that often accompany the strained and torn muscles and ligaments associated with whiplash.
If you experience any ‘covert’ medical conditions that develop in the days following a traffic accident, it’s important to get medical attention immediately. You may also want to investigate your legal rights and options for pursuing financial compensation from the at-fault party responsible for your collision and injuries.