An estimated 4.8 million roadway users in the US sustained severe injuries in crashes in 2020. Those incidents cost the nation’s society approximately $474 billion.
Those are already staggering figures, but they don’t include unreported crashes and injuries. According to a previous study, about 1 in 3 road incidents go unreported.
If you’ve been in a car accident yourself, report it to the police, even if you don’t have wounds. After all, some injuries can have unapparent, delayed symptoms that can become chronic.
We’ve outlined the potential long-term impact of car accident injuries below, so be sure to read on.
Injuries With Delayed and Chronic Symptoms
Researchers estimate that 90% of rear-end crash injuries in the US are neck injuries. Whiplash injuries, in turn, are among the most common type of neck trauma. They can result from rear-end impacts at speeds of under 15 miles per hour.
Whiplash injury symptoms may not appear immediately, such as pain, stiffness, and headaches. Instead, they can develop days or even weeks after in people injured in a car accident.
Up to 66% of whiplash injury patients may also continue to experience symptoms half a year later. Many others suffer from the effects of the crash several years from the date of their injury. Almost half may even develop permanent residual symptoms.
Crashes can also cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) with late-onset symptoms. They’re among the worst types of personal injuries, causing physical and emotional disability. At the very least, they may lead to delayed and chronic headaches, drowsiness, and fatigue.
Mild TBIs often resolve on their own after a few weeks or months. However, moderate injuries only have a positive recovery rate of 60%. That means 40% may not fully recover, with about 25% even developing some degree of disability.
Lasting Impact of Chronic Car Injuries
Chronic pain syndrome is one of the potential long-term effects of car accidents. It’s a condition with symptoms beyond pain; for instance, it can lead to anxiety and depression. It can also cause sleep problems, persistent fatigue, and chronic irritability.
All those can affect your overall health and even your professional and social life.
Dealing With a Car Accident’s Aftermath
Not all car accidents require the involved to call and report to the police. For example, under Florida law, you only have to file a report in case of death, injury, or property damage of over $500.
However, it’s still best to call the police since car crash injuries may have delayed symptoms. Then, visit the nearest emergency room or hospital as soon as possible after the incident. That can help your doctor discover any injuries the accident may have inflicted on you.
If your check-up reveals you have injuries, you can use the police report as a piece of evidence. For instance, your insurer may require you to provide that, along with your medical report. You can also use both as proof to legally pursue the other driver who may have caused the crash.
Never Underestimate Car Accident Injuries
As you can see, even a minor rear-end car accident can already cause lifelong pain and suffering. That’s why it’s never a good idea to belittle a crash, even if you don’t experience symptoms immediately.
Instead, contact the police and visit a doctor right after the incident. It’s also best to call a lawyer for expert car accident advice, especially if the crash wasn’t your fault.
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