7 Injuries to Look for After a Car Accident

It’s not uncommon to feel fine immediately after a car accident. Adrenaline can mask symptoms, and some injuries take time to appear. But in the hours or even days that follow, persistent pain or discomfort can be signs of more serious injuries after a car accident.

Here at Southern Maryland Law, we have helped countless victims recover compensation for the devastating disruptions a car accident can cause. Our experience spans over 60 years, making us Waldorf’s oldest law firm and one of the most trusted in Southern Maryland.

To discover everything you need to know about personal injury cases and car accident cases in Maryland, see our Free Legal Guide to Car Accident Cases in Maryland now. You can learn a lot in just 15 minutes. Know your options and be informed before you make big decisions about your car accident case.

Use this guide to learn about seven injuries to watch for after a car accident in Maryland so you know what to look for and when to seek help. Then contact our Waldorf personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation. 

1. Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries happen in most accident cases. Even at low speeds, a car accident can put severe strain on your neck, shoulders, and back. Whiplash, a neck condition caused by sudden back-and-forth head movement, is one of the most common injuries after a car accident. It can stretch and tear soft tissue, leading to:

• Neck stiffness;
• Headaches that come and go;
• Limited range of motion; and
• Pain in the upper back or shoulders.

While these auto injuries may seem minor, they can interfere with daily activities and worsen without proper care. Getting evaluated early can help speed up recovery and create a clear record for your injury claim if you choose to pursue a claim.

2. Concussions and Brain Injuries

A crash can cause the brain to shift inside the skull, even without a direct blow to the head. This movement may result in a concussion or other brain injury, whether or not you lose consciousness.

You might notice:

• Confusion or difficulty focusing,
• Headaches that come and go,
• Nausea or dizziness, and
• Feeling unusually tired or irritable.

Symptoms can take hours or days to appear. During that time, it’s easy to dismiss them or mistake them for stress. If you’re experiencing mental fog or just don’t feel like yourself, don’t ignore it—these could be signs of a traumatic brain injury.

3. Back Injuries and Spinal Cord Damage

Back pain is one of the most common and serious conditions after a crash. That’s because the spine takes the brunt of the impact, even in slower collisions.

Pay attention to:

• Numbness,
• Tingling, 
• Muscle weakness, and
• Shooting pain down your legs.

Without proper treatment, spinal and back injuries can cause permanent damage. Don’t wait; see a medical professional for a diagnosis as soon as possible.

4. Chest Injuries and Internal Trauma

Seat belts save lives, but collisions can still injure the chest and internal organs. When your body slams forward, the restraint can press hard against your ribs and abdomen, potentially leading to cracked bones, bruised lungs, or internal bleeding.

Watch for signs like:

• Chest pain,
• Shortness of breath,
• Bruising,
• Painful breathing,
• Nausea, and
• Swelling or tenderness in the abdomen.

You might feel winded or sore without realizing how serious the situation is. Direct contact with the steering wheel or a rapidly inflating airbag can cause deeper internal damage.

5. Knee, Leg, and Foot Injuries

Your lower body is in a vulnerable position during a crash. Front-seat passengers face added risk because there’s so little space between their knees and the dashboard.

You may experience:

• Pain or swelling in the knee, leg, or hip;
• Difficulty putting weight on one side; and
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion.

Lower-body injuries like these can interfere with daily routines, from commuting to work to handling stairs or standing for long periods. What feels like a sprain or bruise could turn out to be a fracture or ligament damage that takes longer to heal. 

6. Nerve Injuries

Sudden impact during a crash can stretch, compress, or damage nerves throughout the body. Depending on where the force was concentrated, these injuries often affect the hands, arms, legs, or face.

Signs of nerve damage include:

• Tingling or pins-and-needles sensations,
• Numbness in fingers or toes,
• Muscle weakness, and
• Pain that radiates along a limb.

Unlike a bruise or sprain, nerve symptoms don’t always fade. Some people notice lingering discomfort or a drop in strength, making everyday tasks harder. Recovery may involve testing, physical therapy, or both, primarily when the injury affects how you move or use your hands and feet.

7. Psychological Trauma

A car accident can affect more than just your physical health. Many people experience mental and emotional changes in the aftermath of a crash, sometimes for weeks or months. This is the psychological trauma of a car accident. 

Be aware of:

• Flashbacks,
• Panic attacks,
• Anxiety behind the wheel,
• Sleepless nights, and
• Depression.

These symptoms can disrupt your everyday routines and may indicate conditions like acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress. If emotional distress is interfering with your recovery or daily responsibilities, it may be factored into your personal injury claim. In Maryland, you can recover compensation for emotional distress as part of noneconomic damages—but only if a physical injury is shown to accompany it.

What to Do After a Car Accident Injury in Maryland

To discover everything you need to know about personal injury cases and car accident cases in Maryland, see our Free Legal Guide to Car Accident Cases in Maryland now. You can learn a lot in just 15 minutes. Know your options and be informed before you make big decisions about your car accident case.

Also, read our post describing the road map of a personal injury case.

Recognizing symptoms is only part of protecting your health after a crash. Once you’ve identified signs of whiplash, head trauma, or other common car wreck injuries, the next steps matter, both for your recovery and any claim you may need to file.

Start by getting medical care, even if your symptoms seem minor. A doctor can document auto injuries in a way that connects them directly to the crash. That documentation becomes a critical part of your case if an insurance company later tries to question the severity of your injuries or deny coverage.

You should also avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer. These interviews often happen before your injuries are fully diagnosed, and anything you say could be used against you later. Instead, it’s wise to talk with a Waldorf car accident attorney who can guide you through the claims process and work to protect your rights from the beginning.

Seasoned Advocates Marylanders Trust

We know how frustrating and painful auto injuries can be. At Southern Maryland Law, we’ve handled car accident cases for more than 60 years, helping people across Charles County and beyond get the support they need to move forward. When you contact us, you’ll speak directly with an experienced Maryland car accident attorney. 

Call or message us today for a free consultation. Let’s talk about how we can help.