The intricacies of a motor vehicle collision can be likened to the intersection of physics and biology—an intricate, unpleasant, and painful meeting. Describing pain, on the other hand, is a challenging task in itself. While being part of a car accident is universally emotionally taxing, the ensuing pain is inherently personal, varying from one accident victim to another.
Each of us has a unique threshold for pain, yet even a minor accident imparts substantial, pain-inducing forces upon the body. Post-accident trauma manifests as pain, an unwelcome and uncomfortable sensation.
Various Ways an Accident Inflict Pain Bodily Discomfort Following a Car Crash
In a car, unsecured items may become projectiles, glass may shatter, airbags might deploy, and chests could collide with steering wheels. The force of impact can lead to bone fractures, excessive bleeding from puncture wounds, and even ejection from the vehicle, causing painful and often life-threatening situations.
Types of Pain
Whether resulting from a motor vehicle collision or a fall, post-accident pain can be sporadic or persistent, localized or radiating, bearable or life-altering. In all cases, if the pain stems from someone’s negligence, it may be subject to compensation.
- Acute Pain: Acute pain serves as the body’s alarm for injury. It typically arises suddenly, is intense, and has a specific, treatable cause.
- Chronic Pain: Chronic pain persists over time, often regarded as a medical condition and affecting one in five American adults. It stems from an underlying issue and is frequently challenging to diagnose. Symptoms may include appetite changes, muscle tension, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and delayed onset.
Describing the Sensation of Pain
Those enduring pain may describe it as burning, throbbing, searing, sharp, aching, dull, cramping, gnawing, shooting, or a sensation of heat. Regardless of its intensity, pain is not a normal state.
What Occurs to the Body During a Collision
Referring to Newton’s laws of motion, when a car traveling at a certain speed suddenly stops, the occupants (and unsecured items) continue moving at that speed. Anything they collide with, or is colliding with them, can cause damage to flesh and bones—and inevitably, pain.
Numerous variables influence the severity of injuries and the resulting pain:
- The vehicles involved: Larger, heavier cars provide more protection than smaller ones.
- Vehicle speed: Scientific data indicates that higher speeds correlate with a greater likelihood of catastrophic injury.
- Type of accident (head-on, rear-end, T-bone, side swipe)
- Occupant’s position in the vehicle.
- Seatbelt usage: Research shows that correctly strapped-in individuals suffer less physical harm.
- Airbag deployment.
- Age and health of the victims: Children and the elderly may sustain more severe injuries.
The Moment of Impact
Motor vehicle accidents don’t just happen—they are caused by something or someone, and most of them are preventable. However, the aftermath of an impact often unfolds differently. Vehicles deform and passengers endure force exertion on their bodies. Immediately following the accident, conscious victims may experience disorientation.
Role of Adrenaline and Endorphins
Despite the body’s vulnerability in an accident, it has a protective mechanism to cope temporarily with stress. Adrenaline, a hormone stored in the adrenal glands, floods the bloodstream, reallocating the body’s resources. This response can manifest as a rush of energy, increased oxygen flow, heightened strength, elevated heart rate, awareness, focused senses, reduced pain sensitivity, and the release of endorphins—natural painkillers.
However, accident victims may not realize they are injured during this phase.
Potential Shock Response
Accident trauma is sudden and perceived as life-threatening, triggering an autonomic physiological or psychological shock response.
Physiological shock, often linked to excessive bleeding, burns, and internal organ damage, can exhibit symptoms such as a rapid pulse, cold clammy skin, faintness, shallow breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, and more.
Psychological shock may cause disorientation, confusion, hysteria, depression, anxiety, fear, exhaustion, poor concentration, agitation, restlessness, and changes in mental state.
Injuries Requiring Immediate Attention
Incapacitating injuries necessitate immediate medical assistance from first responders at the accident scene. These injuries include loss of consciousness, severe lacerations, burns, broken limbs, traumatic amputation, head injuries, back injuries, and chest or abdominal trauma. Victims unable to leave the scene without help should receive on-site treatment.
Symptoms to Watch for After an Accident Not all accident-related injuries manifest immediately; some may take days or weeks to develop. Delayed symptoms can encompass headaches, visual disturbances, dizziness, light or sound sensitivity, behavioral changes, nausea, memory issues, concentration problems, tinnitus, fatigue, sleep disturbances, swelling, limited mobility, back pain, stiffness, numbness, emotional distress, and stress.
Common Injuries Associated with Delayed Symptoms
- Whiplash: Damaging neck muscles and ligaments, often occurring after a rear-end collision. Symptoms may include chronic neck and shoulder pain, dizziness, hearing problems, jaw pain, numbness, visual disturbances, insomnia, memory issues, and concentration problems.
- Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries can lead to cognitive impairments, mobility issues, speech impediments, and permanent disability. Symptoms may include mood changes, agitation, anxiety, depression, fatigue, chest pain, and organ damage.
- Spine Injuries: Back pain following accidents can result from soft tissue damage, herniated discs, whiplash, or spinal cord injury. Severe spinal cord injuries may cause incontinence, bladder infections, sexual dysfunction, pressure sores, and muscle spasms.
- Concussions: A blow to the head may lead to a concussion, often presenting as dizziness, memory loss, emotional changes, disorientation, headaches, and nausea.
- Chest Pain and Organ Damage: Seat belt restraints can cause chest pain, bruises, rib fractures, internal organ damage, and cardiac problems.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition affecting limbs following an injury, marked by intense pain, temperature sensitivity, skin changes, joint stiffness, and swelling.
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A common response to severe accidents, causing symptoms like fear of driving, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, social isolation, irritability, sleep disturbances, depression, hypervigilance, and physical symptoms.
The Importance of Timely Medical Care
Delaying medical attention after an accident can jeopardize one’s health and ability to seek full compensation. Adrenaline may mask hidden injuries, making early medical evaluation crucial. Regardless of the accident’s severity, prompt medical care and documented evidence are vital for understanding the impact of pain on an individual’s life and pursuing compensation.
How to Get Help After a Florida Car Accident
Wolfson & Leon, situated in Miami, Florida, is a distinguished personal injury law firm exclusively dedicated to handling a wide range of accident, injury, and wrongful death cases. As a boutique firm, we prioritize individualized attention for each client, guiding them through every phase of injury and wrongful death claims, from initial investigation to trial and appeals. Unlike some firms that may resort to external counsel, we possess the capability to see cases through to completion independently. However, when necessary, we readily engage expert resources to bolster our representation.
At Wolfson & Leon, our fee structure operates on a contingency basis, ensuring that clients only pay if a recovery is obtained. We transparently outline the terms of engagement in a contract provided prior to retention, along with a statement delineating client rights. Moreover, we cover costs on behalf of our clients, encompassing expenses such as record orders, filing fees, expert retention, and depositions, understanding that these are eventually recouped from any settlement obtained.
Understanding the challenging and emotionally taxing nature of seeking legal recourse, we approach each case with sensitivity and empathy. Our commitment extends beyond legal representation; we strive to alleviate anxieties by providing clear communication, promptly addressing inquiries, and offering personalized consultations.
When you choose Wolfson & Leon, you’re not just securing legal representation; you’re partnering with dedicated attorneys committed to your cause. We pride ourselves on direct, one-on-one consultations, ensuring that every client receives the attention and support they deserve. Whether by phone or in-person meetings, we prioritize accessibility and clarity, endeavoring to demystify the legal process and empower our clients.
For a confidential discussion regarding your case, reach out to us via phone or submit your inquiries online. We understand the urgency of your situation and are ready to assist you in navigating the complexities of your legal matter.
Wolfson & Leon has offices throughout Florida including the cities of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Hialeah, Cape Coral and Fort Myers. You can reach us anytime at 305 WOLFSON (305-965-3766) or at 305-285-1115.