Drivers Vigilant To Spot Post-Accident Injuries

Adrenaline and stress hormones flood the body immediately after an accident. The chemicals dull the sense of pain, and create an illusion of health. Often, drivers who seek a car accident lawyer in Chicago won’t understand the extent of their injuries for several days after an accident. In a rush to put the accident behind them, victims overlook the symptoms of hidden injuries that can cause intense pain and discomfort.

An auto accident case should never be settled until the victim has had time to check for signs of:

Whiplash

Whiplash happens when the muscles in the neck move forwards, then backwards in a quick, jerking motion. The sudden movement strains the muscles in the neck, while exerting additional tension on the vertebrae and disks.

In most cases, whiplash takes at least 24 hours to become apparent. Victims will notice a steadily stiffening neck, unexpected headaches, and pain in the shoulders or upper back. Doctors may need to conduct CT scans or MRIs to investigate the extent of the damage.

Concussion

The human skull provides ample room for the brain to move, but in certain circumstances, the movement can be harmful. In an accident, sudden movement of the head in any direction can cause the brain to slam into the bone.

Immediately after an accident, victims feel dizzy and disoriented. When the dizziness doesn’t go away, a car accident lawyer in Chicago can make a case that the accident caused a concussion. Symptoms of a concussion come on slowly for some people, and they can reoccur for hours or weeks.

Bruising and Swelling

Drivers suffer from bruising and swelling in any accident where part of the body comes in contact with a hard surface in the vehicle. The steering wheel is the most common culprit, and can leave an ugly bruise for weeks after an accident.

The initial bruise may not show up for 48 hours or more, depending on the force of the trauma and the location of the bruise. If a car accident lawyer in Chicago can show the bruising and swelling have had a negative impact on the victim’s ability to work or enjoy life, the lawyer may be able to win compensation for the victim.

It can take several days for accident victims to show signs of injury. With the help of a car accident lawyer in Chicago, victims are better able to seek the compensation they deserve.