Car accidents in Ohio can range from a low-speed parking lot bump to a high-impact highway crash, but injuries can still occur even when the damage looks minor. Some injuries are not immediately obvious and may be masked by adrenaline or take time to develop. Understanding common car accident injuries can help you watch for symptoms, get proper medical care, and decide when it may be time to talk with a lawyer.
You don’t have to face recovery from your car accident injuries alone. The Ohio car accident lawyers at Gervelis Law Firm can help you through the aftermath of an accident, find the care you need, and understand your legal options. We serve clients statewide and can meet you where you are, with offices in Columbus, Canfield, Akron, Toledo, and Warren.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries
The force of a collision can cause the head and neck to move suddenly back and forth, leading to whiplash—a soft tissue injury affecting the ligaments, muscles, and tendons in the neck. Whiplash can cause pain when moving your head, headaches, stiffness in the neck and shoulders, and sometimes nerve or muscle damage in the neck and back.
Back and Neck Injuries
Back and neck injuries from a car accident can include fractures, sprains or strains, herniated discs, nerve damage, or compression fractures. Symptoms of back injuries, such as herniated discs or fractured vertebrae, may include limited mobility, weakness, severe pain when moving or bending, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, and difficulty moving. Neck injuries often have similar symptoms and may also cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and Concussions
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries happen when the head is suddenly and violently thrown, or is hit, causing an impact and making the brain move in the skull. Concussions and head injuries are a serious concern and can have a range of symptoms.
Common symptoms of a brain injury or concussion after a car accident are a loss of consciousness, trouble concentrating, slurred speech, headache, pressure in your head, nausea or vomiting, and mood swings. Other symptoms might develop over the days following the accident, including trouble sleeping, fatigue, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and dizziness or balance issues.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Victims of car accidents often suffer broken bones and fractures from the impact of a collision, or if body parts are crushed during a crash. These injuries can range from small cracks in the bone to severe breaks that puncture the skin. While some fractures can heal with rest, injuries requiring surgery after a car accident may lead to a longer recovery, increased medical expenses, and more time away from work.
Common injuries include fractured or broken ribs, collarbones, arms or wrists, and the pelvic bone. Broken limbs can be more obvious, as they often become visible externally, even when the pain is delayed due to shock.
Chest and Internal Injuries
The force of a collision can cause drivers to violently hit their steering wheel, be injured by the seatbelt holding them in place, or be hurt by the force of an airbag. Accidents can lead to serious injuries, and some chest or internal injuries can cause additional problems, such as a fractured rib puncturing a lung. Crashes can also result in internal injuries like punctured or collapsed lungs, bruised or damaged organs, or internal bleeding.
Chest and internal injuries should be taken very seriously, and you should see a doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, stomach pain, or severe bruising.
Cuts, Bruises, and Lacerations
Lacerations, cuts, and bruises can happen during a car accident due to broken glass, loose debris, or metal fragments. Burns may also be a concern if a car fire starts after a crash. Usually, these injuries are minor, but some can cause significant blood loss or damage. Certain cuts or lacerations, especially those on the face, may leave scars or disfigurement. These injuries are typically visible, rather than internal, but bruising can take time to develop.
Psychological and Emotional Injuries
Car accidents can cause more than just physical injuries; they can also have psychological and emotional impacts on the victims. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression can all develop after an accident, especially if you suffered serious physical injuries.
Some victims also develop a fear of driving or riding in a vehicle. These mental health effects are real injuries, and they may be part of the damages you seek in an injury claim when they are properly documented.
Delayed Symptoms After a Car Accident
Victims of a car accident should seek medical attention as soon as possible, whether through an emergency room or an urgent care facility. Some injury symptoms may not be immediately obvious after a car accident and can develop over the hours or days that follow.
Collisions are traumatic events that can cause people to experience shock or a surge of adrenaline. Adrenaline triggers your fight-or-flight response, which masks pain and helps you handle dangerous situations. However, this can hide serious symptoms temporarily, making it very risky if you don’t seek medical care after an accident and assume you’re okay.
If you received initial care after your accident but new symptoms develop in the following days, return to the doctor. Not seeking care after an accident can cause injuries and symptoms to worsen or lead to additional health issues. Even if symptoms are delayed, you can still seek compensation after a car accident for your injuries, as long as medical records or bills support them.
Why Proper Medical Documentation Matters
Documentation of your medical care for injuries related to the accident is critical if you pursue a car accident claim. Medical records, doctors’ notes, diagnostic tests, treatment plans, and medical bills can all be used as evidence to prove the extent of your injuries and losses. Beyond risking your injuries worsening, waiting to seek medical treatment can hurt your case. Waiting to see a doctor can make it more difficult to prove your injuries are directly caused by the accident, giving insurance companies an excuse to deny or minimize your claim.
Working with an attorney can protect you from insurance companies trying to minimize your payout, as our team at Gervelis Law will gather and organize your medical records to advocate for you, support your claim, and handle negotiations.
If You’ve Been Seriously Injured in an Accident, Gervelis Law Firm Will Help
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you might be entitled to compensation. Car crash victims can receive a free consultation and case review from our attorneys, providing a clear understanding of their rights, legal options, and ways to pursue compensation. Once we’re on your case, we’ll have our Rapid Investigation Team on site within 24 hours to begin investigating and collecting evidence to support your case.
Gervelis Law Firm is proud to serve injury victims across all of Ohio and we know what it takes to achieve successful results for our clients. With years of experience representing victims injured in car accidents, our team will support you during your recovery and fight to secure you the compensation you deserve.
Contact Gervelis Law Firm today for a free consultation or call (866) 792-2728.