Being involved in a California car accident is not just traumatic but can also have serious, even permanent physical consequences, as well. In the days and weeks that follow a collision, it is important to closely monitor a recovering victim’s health condition. If he or she is not feeling a bit better with each passing day, additional medical care may be needed, especially if new symptoms arise.
Impact in a collision causes sudden trauma to many parts of the body
The physiological implications of blunt force trauma from a car accident are complex. For instance, being suddenly thrust forward then back because of the force of a rear-end collision causes trauma to various tendons, muscles and nerves in the body. Whiplash is a common but also potentially serious condition that may result from crash.
Hitting the head on a dashboard or being hit by an airbag can also cause severe physical injuries. Seeking medical attention is always a top priority in the immediate aftermath of a collision, even in circumstances where the accident victim initially believes all is well. As days pass, any of these symptoms would suggest a need for further medical examination:
- Confusion or dizziness
- Head pain or discomfort in facial area, especially jaws
- Nausea or abdominal discomfort
- Vomiting
- Bruising, swelling or inflammation
- Tingling, numbness or throbbing pain
- Back or neck discomfort
- Lack of mobility because of pain
- Mood swings or other neurological symptoms
Each of these symptoms may accompany underlying collision-related injuries, such as concussion, skull fracture, herniated disc, torn tendons or spinal cord trauma.
Tell a doctor that symptoms have occurred after a collision
If a person seeks medical care, it is imperative that the doctor consulted be alerted to the fact that the patient was recently involved in a motor vehicle collision so that he or she knows what specific tests to perform to rule out brain injuries and other issues.
Medical care is expensive; however, many recovering accident victims are able to offset their expenses by seeking restitution for damages in a civil court when there is evidence to show that another person’s negligence was a direct cause of the injuries suffered.