When a car crash happens in Ohio, many drivers look for signs of injury at the scene and then move on. Yet some injuries resulting from a crash may not show up for days or weeks after the accident occurred.
According to KTAR News, internal bleeding is oftenn not visible following an accident, but it can be deadly. If there is dark purple bruising, swelling or a person experiences fainting in the hours or days following a car crash, emergency medical attention should be sought. Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries can also be fatal if left untreated, so if a person appears to have had a significant change in personality, suffers from memory loss or difficulty understanding, or is newly suffering from headaches, he or she should consult with a doctor. Impaired hearing or vision can also be signs of a concussion.
Although not a physical injury, post-traumatic stress disorder can be the result of a car crash that makes managing daily life very difficult. As the Journal Sentinel explains, PTSD can be treated very effectively, but only if a person realizes they should seek help from a doctor. Commonly associated with those returning from war, car accidents and other traumatic single events can also bring on the disorder. Symptoms include avoiding activities that may be associated with the event, trouble sleeping, flashbacks, depression and new stress responses like sweating or increased heart rate. These symptoms normally begin to occur in the weeks and months following a car crash, and avoidance is one of the largest problems associated with PTSD because it can increase the stress a person feels, which is why treatment is so important.
