Car accidents in Philadelphia are an all-too-common occurrence. In fact, a survey 
performed by car insurer All State in 2011 ranked Philadelphia as the 6th most car accident-prone city in the country.
Yet many injuries resulting from these accidents don’t manifest until well after the incident. Here are the most common injuries to look out for after a car accident.
Brain and Head Injuries
This category covers everything from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries. Oftentimes, the affected person doesn’t know about the injury until after he/she has recovered. Many people suffering from brain or head injuries after a car accident just attribute their condition to stress or exhaustion. They think it’s only a fog that will lift after a time.
Unfortunately, a short-term recovery may mask a serious condition.If left unaddressed,it can cause major health issues memory loss, hearing loss, balance deterioration, and many more ailments later in life.
Neck Injuries
Whiplash, strains, disc injuries: these painful injuries can start small and grow into debilitating conditions. They can prevent you from getting to work or performing your best while on the job.
Back Injuries
Like neck injuries, back injuries can take time to diagnose. The discomfort after an accident can be tremendous, yet many people think the pain will go away if they get the proper amount of rest and recovery.
Many times, however, it doesn’t work that way. The most common back injuries sprains, strains, fractures, disc injuries, thoracic spine injuries, lumbar radiculopathy, and lumbar spine injuries don’t heal without expensive physical therapy.
Facial Injuries
A person’s face is exposed to several dangers in a car accident: the steering wheel, dashboard, windows, and air bag can all do major damage. Small burns and scrapes are common, but so are expensive dental injuries and jaw bone breakage.
Psychological Injuries
People involved in serious car crashes can have injuries that go beyond the physical. Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) can develop, especially if the accident resulted in severe physical pain or loss of life.
Once again, the diagnosis is tricky and may take a while to reach. All too often, people assume these afflictions will just go away with time. Yet in many instances, the reverse occurs and their psychological injuries grow into depression and debilitating situations.
Two Important Tips about Car Accident Injuries
- See a doctor no matter what: The days and weeks after an accident are not the times to try and prove your toughness. See a doctor within 24 hours of the accident. Not only will you have the best chance of catching a problem before it grows, but you’ll also be validating the extent of your injuries. This will be extremely helpful if you have a claim.
- Take pictures of your injuries: Just like taking pictures of your vehicle’s damage, taking pictures of your injuries as soon after the accident as possible is a smart move. Insurance companies will have no choice but to believe your injury claims. Also, your car accident attorney can use these photos to your advantage if you make a claim against another party involved in the accident.
If you live in the Philadelphia area and have been involved in a car accident through no fault of your own, my law firm can help you recover fully from any injuries you’ve suffered. Call (267) 627-4JOE (267-627-4563) or visit www.joemitchellattorney.com to schedule your free initial consultation.
