Car accidents have the potential to cause injuries that take time to appear. Even a seemingly low-impact crash can result in injuries that cause a victim pain and suffering for many weeks or months following the collision.
Some of the most common injuries in car crashes include whiplash and bruising from the seat belt. While these might not seem very serious, they can cause complications.
Whiplash and its impact
Whiplash is typically an injury that affects the neck. At low speeds, whiplash isn’t always severe. However, if the head whips forward and back at any time, there is a potential for the tendons and ligaments to become strained. At high enough speeds, the brain may impact the inside of the skull.
Whiplash causes pain, stiffness and immobility in some people. Dizziness, tenderness and headaches are also signs.
When the brain suffers an injury because of whiplash, the patient may suffer from memory problems or trouble concentrating.
Seat belts cause problems, too
Seat belts also cause problems. It’s important for the seat belt to be placed across the pelvic bones, not the abdomen. If the belt is in the wrong position, it can bruise or cut into the organs in the abdominal cavity, leading to internal bleeding, bruising and other problems.
With both whiplash and seat-belt injuries, it may take time for the injuries to appear. Many people don’t go to the hospital, because they believe that they aren’t hurt. If you are in a crash, always call 911 and go to the hospital. These injuries may be hidden, but early treatment can help you recover faster.