Undiagnosed injury after car accident can reduce quality of life

Victims of Pennsylvania crashes can suffer physical and mental trauma, even in minor collisions. Sometimes, even a low-speed car accident can cause severe injuries, depending on factors such as where the passengers were seated and whether they wore their seat belts. While cuts and scrapes that are caused by shattered glass or other flying objects in the car are typically not severe, some other major injuries can be missed if not diagnosed immediately after the crash — often causing long-term health problems.

Front seat passengers frequently suffer chest, back and neck injuries, which can lead to movement restriction and chronic pain that could impact a victim’s quality of life if not detected and treated. Trauma to the head and brain is common, and it could be anything from a concussion or bruise to a fractured skull and traumatic internal brain injuries. Depending on the location of the injury to the brain, long-term damage could include vision or hearing loss, nerve damage or another permanent disability.

Bones can be crushed and the impact of a collision can damage joints. Furthermore, dislocations, severe bruising, ligament tears and sprains are not unusual consequences of car accidents. Other often-missed injuries are damage to internal organs such as the spleen, lungs, liver, kidneys, heart and bowels. Sometimes, the damage is caused by fractured ribs. Along with all these physical injuries, victims can be emotionally scarred, and psychological stress can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.

Any of these injuries can have long-term consequences — not only physical but also financial. Anyone who is a victim of a car accident that was caused by the negligence of another party is typically entitled to pursue financial relief through the Pennsylvania civil justice system. To ensure all past and future losses are included in documented claims, it might be a good idea to seek the support and guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney.