Four Common Types Of Injuries in ‘Minor’ Car Accidents That Can Have Major Impacts On Your Health

Not all car accidents involve major crashes. Often, a relatively minor collision will occur between two drivers, resulting in minimal property damages. In these cases, it may be tempting for those involved to dismiss the incident and any injuries they suffer as nothing serious. Unfortunately, this is extremely dangerous. ‘Minor’ car accident injuries often have major impacts on your overall health.

Take The Proper Precautions When Any Type of Car Accident Happens

When a minor car accident occurs, the driver at fault may downplay the situation and urge the other to avoid the ‘hassle’ of involving the police. While the Florida Statutes do not require written police reports for accidents that result in no major property damages or personal injuries, not notifying law enforcement in this situation is a mistake.

Minor car accidents can result in major injuries, with symptoms that may not fully appear until days, weeks, or months afterward. Not reporting the accident could jeopardize your rights in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. It could also threaten your health, both now and in the years to come. Common types of injuries suffered in minor car accidents that could cause serious complications further down the line include:

Muscle or Tendon Strains and Sprains

Muscles help to support the body, aiding in movement, and helping to maintain proper blood flow. Tendons connect the muscles to bones. The Mayo Clinic warns that any stretching or straining of these soft tissues can result in pain, swelling, and limited mobility.  While strains and sprains typically heal on their own with only minimal medical treatment, recovery typically takes long months. Not adequately resting the injured site or reinjuring it again during this time could result in permanent disabilities.

Back Injuries

Back problems are one of the most common types of personal injuries and are a leading cause of disabilities. While symptoms may not occur immediately, problems with the discs or the vertebrae can become debilitating and typically require ongoing treatment, including diagnostic testing, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

Whiplash

Whiplash involves sudden strains and sprains of the neck, often due to the jerking motion that occurs when another vehicle strikes you. As in the above cases, symptoms of whiplash often take time to appear. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) warns that when left untreated, neck pain can develop into a chronic condition, affecting other areas such as the legs, arms, and hands.

Concussions

One of the most serious types of personal injuries, concussions occur due to any type of bump or blow to the head. Even a seemingly minor blow can have long-lasting impacts on memory, thinking, communication, and personality. Once a concussion has occurred, any subsequent head injuries can result in permanent brain damage.

Our Bradenton Car Accident Attorney Is Here To Help

At the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely, we help victims in all types of car accidents get the compensation they need to recover. Contact our Bradenton car accident attorney and request a consultation to discuss your case today.

Resource:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscle-strains/symptoms-causes/syc-20450507

https://www.lavelylaw.com/seven-important-types-of-evidence-in-your-car-accident-claim/