What Are The Signs of Delayed Car Accident Injuries?
Some people may feel like they have walked away from a crash unscathed because they feel fine and dandy. However, the human body has different trauma reactions that can delay its response to an injury. The adrenaline rush during and after a crash can distract you from injury symptoms following a car accident.
If you’ve been in a car crash, be on the lookout for these delayed symptoms that may indicate you have been injured. Depending on the specific injury you’ve sustained, your symptoms may not manifest for hours, days, or several weeks after your accident.
Headaches
Headaches are the most common complaints after car accidents. They are usually not severe and go away within an hour or two. Sometimes, however, they can signal something more serious going on, like a concussion, neck or head injury, or a blood clot in your brain.
Keep in mind that head injuries from car crashes may pose a risk of brain injuries because the brain may be banged against the skull, causing bruising and bleeding in the brain. If you hit your head in an accident, you must get medical attention ASAP.
Back Pain
The impact of another car hitting your car can cause whiplash, herniated disc, soft tissue damage, or spinal cord injury. All these can cause back pain that’s uncomfortable or downright excruciating. A car crash can likewise cause spinal misalignments, which can lead to pressure on the nerves surrounding your spinal cord. In turn, this can result in a pinched nerve, tingling, and numbness.
Neck Pain
Even minor car crashes can cause whiplash. Because the head is whipped rapidly back and forth in a collision, it can cause headaches, swelling, pain, blurred vision, soreness, stiffness, or limited mobility. If the symptoms are not due to whiplash, it could indicate a more serious injury, such as damage to the spinal cord.
Abdominal Pain
If you feel pain in the abdomen following a car crash, it could indicate internal bleeding, which is potentially fatal and requires prompt and proper treatment. However, you may not notice this for several hours or days following your accident. Fainting, dizzy spells, or purple bruising can likewise indicate internal bleeding. If you’re experiencing any signs of internal bleeding, head to the hospital immediately.
A Crucial Note on Mental Health Disorders After Motor Vehicle Accidents
Traumatic incidents like a car crash, especially if someone’s negligence caused it, can significantly affect not just your physical and financial health, but your emotional and mental health as well. Mental disorders, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression, are common after motor vehicle crashes. These disorders and their symptoms can manifest weeks or months after the accident.
Seek Legal Advice From a Seasoned St. Pete Car Accident Lawyer
Watch out for the signs of delayed car accident injuries mentioned above, see your doctor right away if you feel any of them, and then reach out to Tragos, Sartes & Tragos for legal guidance. To discuss your case with our St. Pete car accident lawyer, please send us an online message or call 727-441-9125.