Car Accident Delayed Injury Lawyer Louisville

When it comes to car accidents, not all injuries are immediately obvious. Some won’t even appear that same day. Yet, they are still injuries that are sustained because of a car accident and will need to be addressed as such, or you risk them becoming worse as time passes. Many types of delayed injury can be lethal, but remain unseen until their effects start to become obvious to the individual. This is just one reason it is so important to be sure to visit a medical professional for a thorough examination immediately after you have been involved in a car accident.

Numbing Shock

Even if you aren’t hurt at all, the sudden trauma of a car accident can cause the body to go into shock. Shock occurs when the body senses danger and diverts all of its focus to the internal organs. The first and foremost goal of the body is to stay alive. Limbs and appendages are not necessary to stay alive, but the organs are, so the brain works to protect those organs. When the body focuses all resources on the organs, it may prevent you from feeling pain, but may cause you to feel cold, especially in your hands, feet, arms, and legs. While shock isn’t the most dangerous delayed injury, it can mask other injuries and make you feel as though you don’t need medical attention.

Internal Injuries

External injuries are usually fairly obvious. Even if you are in shock, you know you are injured when you see yourself bleeding. Internal injuries and even broken bones aren’t always obvious. In fact, one of the most common injuries is whiplash, which you may not be aware of until the next day. Internal injuries can be some of the most dangerous because since they aren’t seen, they go untreated. For example, the impact of the car accident could have fractured a rib and caused the fracture to pierce an organ like the heart.

Psychological and Emotional Injury

Another type of delayed injury is psychological. Although you may feel scared and worried immediately following a car accident, you could experience depression and anxiety whenever you drive, years later. These types of injuries can affect your life drastically and keep you from being able to drive to and from work or enjoy hobbies you once enjoyed. Because so many things happen at once in a car accident, there’s a good chance you will have no clue of the extent of the damage for years afterward.

The Importance of Immediate Medical Care

If you do experience a delayed injury as a result of a car accident, be sure to see your doctor immediately. You should always make a visit to the hospital right after an accident to prevent injuries that aren’t visible right away from becoming worse. Even if you just experience a bit of discomfort, it could be a sign of a severe injury.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, we can help you make sure that even delayed injuries are addressed. Contact Harville Law Offices online or call us at (502) 245-2333 immediately.