When a motor vehicle strikes another automobile from behind, it is often more concerning than Norman, Oklahoma, crash victims believe. They may feel fine in the moments, days or weeks after the collision but are all the while living with an unrecognized accident injury.
It seems unlikely that a person could have an injury without knowing it, but it happens, especially in rear-end motor vehicle accidents. The reason is that the injuries commonly associated with rear-end accidents are notorious for not causing victims much pain initially.
These injuries typically arise in rear-end accidents
You may be familiar with whiplash, a common injury linked to rear-end motor vehicle accidents. In many cases, the signs of whiplash take several weeks to manifest. Other rear-end accident injuries that may come with delayed symptoms include:
- Herniated discs. These injuries typically cause the victim to suffer extreme pain that can affect their mobility, life enjoyment and ability to work. The cost of treatment can pose significant financial hardships.
- Head and brain trauma. Traumatic brain injury from a rear collision nearly always affects victims physically, psychologically and financially on a long-term basis.
- Wrist and arm damage. When the victim has their hands on the steering wheel, the force of a rear collision can result in severe injuries to the arms and wrists. Victims face a lengthy recovery and typically cannot work until they heal.
- Muscle strain. These injuries are almost always treated lightly by victims. However, the recovery associated with accident-related muscle strain can take a long time and comes with substantial medical expenses.
If you recently experienced a rear-end accident and are starting to feel its effects, it is wise to learn more about injury and accident law in Oklahoma. Doing so gives you the information you need to seek financial compensation for your harm.