There is no question that wearing your seat belt is the most effective way to prevent death from an auto accident. However, while a seat belt may save you from wrongful death, it can also cause serious injuries. It is advisable to seek medical attention right away after a collision, even if you do not appear to have sustained injuries. This is because some injuries caused by seat belts may not be immediately apparent. Yet, establishing a medical record is important in the event that you consult a car accident lawyer near Mableton, GA, about filing a personal injury lawsuit. A car accident lawyer can help you demand compensation to cover medical expenses for the following health problems.
Abdominal Pain
During a car collision, a seat belt can exert a tremendous amount of pressure on the driver and passengers. This may sometimes lead to kidney damage. Often, the first indicator of kidney damage is pain in the abdominal region. Kidney trauma can range in severity from minor kidney bruising to shattering of the organ. Kidney damage can also cause bloody urine and it may lead to long-term complications, including hypertension, abscess development, and loss of urinary control. Your car accident lawyer is more likely to obtain significant damages on your behalf if you are expected to suffer from long-term health consequences.
Neck Pain
One of the most common types of seat belt injuries is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the head is abruptly forced in one direction, and then the opposite direction, which leads to damage of the soft tissues of the neck. Whiplash can cause neck pain and stiffness, loss of range of motion, headaches, and tinnitus. In some cases, victims of car crashes may suffer from chronic pain.
Respiratory Difficulty
The kidneys aren’t the only organs that may sustain damage because of the pressure exerted by a seat belt during a crash. If the heart or lungs become damaged, breathing may become difficult.
Weakness
Seat belt injuries may affect the nerves, such as those in the lower back. If these nerves sustain damage, it is not uncommon for the car crash victim to report weakness in the legs. Additionally, car crash victims may suffer from general weakness and dizziness, which can indicate internal organ damage or shock.
If you have questions or are in need of an auto accident attorney, contact Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., in Douglasville at 678-905-7503.
