According to the CDC, in 2009, over 2.3 million people went to the ER because they were involved in a motor vehicle crash. The CDC further reports that the economic impact of these kinds of accidents is immense. These accidents cost drivers and passengers over 70 billion dollars.
Despite the large numbers of people going to the ER, the number of people seeking liability claims for their injuries following a car accident is much lower. Of course, in cases where the driver was himself or herself at fault, there would be no recourse to seek compensation. However, in cases where the other driver was liable for the accident due to speeding, failure to obey traffic signals, distracted or drunk driving, or for reckless driving, going to a Chicago car accident lawyer about making a liability claim may be in order. The law affords injured individuals the right to claim money for pain and suffering and to cover medical expenses due to injuries. Even if you have recently been in an accident and think you left the accident unscathed, you may want to think again. Sometimes, injuries are difficult to diagnose, or may be under-diagnosed. You may be suffering in silence for injuries that can be diagnosed and treated.
The following three injuries are commonly under-diagnosed, misdiagnosed, and under-treated. In many cases, patients do not even know they have these injuries until they seek the help of a doctor or personal injury lawyer.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury symptoms can be severe to mild. Severe traumatic brain injury often leads to a visit to the ER. In this case, the victim may lose consciousness, may experience nausea, or vomiting, be confused, lose coordination, or experience slurred speech.
Mild traumatic brain injury can be a little harder to diagnose. Mayo Clinic lists the symptoms as the following:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sleeping more often
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes
- Depression
If you have experienced any of the above symptoms following a car accident, you may be suffering from a personal injury and not know it. Contacting a doctor and a personal injury lawyer in this case would be an important first step to ensuring that you are properly treated and that those responsible for your injuries properly compensate you if you are suffering.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Another frequently under-diagnosed psychological injury following a car accident is post-traumatic stress disorder. This is a mental health disorder that arises due to a triggering event. According to Mayo Clinic, people suffering from this disorder may experience flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and obsessive thoughts about the triggering event. These psychological symptoms can often be debilitating and they should not be under-estimated.
This disorder is also not apparent immediately following an accident. Symptoms of PTSD usually manifest in the weeks and months after.
If you have experienced the symptoms above, it is important that you seek proper medical treatment. Speaking to a healthcare professional is advised as they will be able to recommend a suitable treatment plan, whether that’s talking to a trained therapist or seeking a CBD brand you can trust to help reduce the symptoms of stress. Furthermore, you may want to contact a personal injury lawyer who can help you seek compensation and reimbursement for your pain and suffering and injuries.
Back Pain and Neck Pain
While back pain and neck pain is often noted following a car accident, many people do not seek medical treatment for these injuries. Even if you have not suffered broken bones, you still can seek rehabilitative care for muscle and tendon injuries that might not be detected by a typical X-ray. For example, if you’re experiencing lower back pain after a car accident, contact a chiropractor low back pain to talk about treatment options and physiotherapy. You shouldn’t have to suffer in silence and it’s always best to get things treated as soon as possible!
If you are suffering from chronic back or neck pain after you experienced a car accident you should seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer can help you seek proper medical treatment and ensure that those liable for your injuries are brought to justice.
The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino is a firm of personal injury lawyers in Minneapolis, Minnesota determined to ensure that victims of car accidents receive the maximum compensation allowable under the law for their injuries. If you have suffered a personal injury, contact us today for a free consultation.
Have you been involved in a car accident in Tennessee and become injured as a result? If so, it might be a good idea to speak with Morristown Car accident lawyers to see about moving forward with your claim.