Being involved in a motor vehicle accident on an Atlanta roadway can be a traumatic experience. Even seemingly minor car collisions involve a lot of force, and when that force is applied to the human body, serious injuries can occur. For a variety of reasons, some injuries are not always immediately apparent to an accident victim.

Some of the most common car accident injuries that have delayed symptoms include:

Concussions

A concussion occurs when the head and brain move rapidly back and forth, causing damage to the brain. The symptoms of a concussion are:

  • Headache
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • “Brain fog” and confusion

These symptoms can start anywhere from hours to days after an accident.

Soft tissue injuries

Soft tissue injuries occur when muscles, ligaments or tendons are damaged. Whiplash is a common injury caused by car accidents and is caused when the head is forced forward and then back in quick succession. The symptoms of whiplash, which overlap somewhat with the symptoms of a concussion, include:

  • Pain in the neck and shoulder, upper back or arms
  • Inability to move the neck, or pain exacerbated with movement
  • Headaches
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue

It is not only the neck that is prone to soft tissue injury. Motor vehicle accidents can cause soft tissue damage anywhere in the body. Sprains, strains and contusions may not be apparent right after the accident because it takes time for the inflammation and bruising to develop.

Spinal injury

The spinal cord is a delicate system of nerves and protective tissue that forms part of the central nervous system. All up and down the back are a series of spinal discs, which can become torn or knocked out of place by the force of a car accident. While the most common symptom of spinal injury is neck or back pain, it can also cause numbness, tingling and a feeling of weakness to radiate down the arms or legs.

Mental health disorders

Most people experience significant trauma during and after a car accident. It is not uncommon for an accident victim to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) weeks, months or even years after the incident. Furthermore, the accident itself and dealing with the injuries it caused can lead to episodes of depression and/or anxiety.

After an accident occurs, our bodies produce adrenaline and endorphins, which are hormones that, in part, block the sensation of pain. In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, with adrenaline and endorphins rushing through your body, you may not feel any pain, even if you are seriously injured. Even if you believe you are unharmed, it is wise to get medical attention right away after an accident. You should also contact an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Jason & Bradley, LLC, located in Atlanta, Georgia, represents clients who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents. Call us at 404-297-9933 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Our office is in Stone Mountain, but if you cannot meet us there, we will come to you.