Oftentimes, those involved in Oklahoma car crashes rely on insurance to help them cover their expenses. In some cases, they may also need to explore filing a personal injury lawsuit. The pursuit of compensation is typically easiest when people take prompt action following a crash.
Unfortunately, it is quite easy for people to have a delay in their diagnosis and treatment because they don’t notice car crash injuries at first. What potentially serious injuries do people sometimes overlook immediately after a wreck?
Stable or hairline fractures
Broken bones can be painful and debilitating, but not every fracture is the same. Some broken bones are immediately painful and cause functional limitations that people cannot overlook. Someone with a broken leg, for example, may not be able to walk away from the crash after it occurs. A stable fracture may not be particularly painful, especially after a crash where someone experienced a stress response.
A hairline fracture may not even fully break the bone. It may only be when secondary trauma or intense exertion moves the broken bone that they recognize their injury. A previously stable fracture may require setting and immobilization when symptoms worsen. People may go eight weeks or longer unable to use a body part after a fracture.
Traumatic brain injuries
A brain injury is one of the most serious medical issues that could arise after a car crash. It is also an injury that someone could potentially fail to notice at first. Brain injuries tend to slowly worsen over time, producing more severe symptoms as the pressure within the skull increases. People may not notice traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) initially. In some cases, people might go weeks without receiving proper care until their condition worsens and produces different symptoms.
Internal bleeding
Bleeding in the abdomen or torso is a very dangerous medical condition that could result from a car crash. Internal bleeding doesn’t necessarily have any immediately obvious symptoms. It may only be when someone notices bruising, swelling or symptoms of extreme blood loss that they realize something is wrong.
The more violent a crash is, the more important it may be for the people in the vehicles to undergo a professional medical evaluation, even if they don’t immediately feel hurt. A physician can identify otherwise invisible injuries and recommend the right course of treatment. Identifying injuries is crucial for the protection of those involved in Oklahoma car crashes. Those who understand that symptoms are not always immediate and obvious can more effectively seek the care and financial compensation they deserve after a wreck.