The injuries we see most often after a crash are whiplash and other neck and back damage, concussions and head injuries, broken bones, and soft-tissue strains and sprains. Some show up right away. Others take days to surface, which is one reason it pays to get checked out even if you feel okay at the scene.
On San Diego roads, the type of collision often shapes the injury. A rear-end tap on the 5 during rush hour tends to produce neck injuries and whiplash. Higher-speed freeway wrecks and rollovers can mean back injuries, spinal damage, or fractures. Head injuries and concussions are common when there's any impact to the head, and they can be serious even when you never lose consciousness.
Here's the part people miss. Adrenaline hides pain. You might walk away thinking you're fine, then wake up two days later barely able to turn your head. Get medical attention quickly and keep going to your appointments. Those records tie your injuries to the crash, which matters a lot if you file a car accident claim later.
This is general information, not legal advice, and every case is different. California gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, but some deadlines are much shorter, so don't wait to ask.
If you were hurt in a crash, call Joe Crudo at (858) 622-7280 or reach out through our contact page. The consultation is free and confidential.