Delayed Injury Symptoms After A Car Accident: What To Watch Out For

Delayed Injury Symptoms After A Car Accident: What To Watch Out For

If you or somebody you care about has been involved in a car accident, the most prudent course of action is to seek medical assistance immediately. Even if a person involved in the accident does not feel much pain in the immediate aftermath of the incident, that does not mean that there is nothing to worry about.

The reality is that the signs and symptoms of many car accident injuries may not become apparent for hours or even days after the crash occurs. Here, we want to discuss delayed injury symptoms after a car accident and what you need to look out for. Note – If you were involved in a car accident (after you seek medical care), we recommend you talk to a Orange County car accident attorney to make sure the insurance companies treat you fair.

The aftermath of a crash often masks symptoms

When a vehicle collision occurs, even one that happens at a slower speed, adrenaline will begin pumping. Car accident victims may not feel any pain right away, even for more severe injuries that can occur.

This adrenaline can certainly cover up other non-life-threatening injuries, particularly those that have no outwardly visible signs. Unfortunately, this leads many people who are involved in car accidents to believe they are not injured at all.

Many people refuse medical treatment at the scene of a crash when the reality is that they should most certainly see a doctor right away.

What are the signs and symptoms of a delayed car accident injury?

There are various signs and symptoms you should never ignore in the aftermath of an accident, even if it has been hours or days after the incident occurred.

Please seek medical assistance if you experience any of the following:

• Headaches or dizziness. Various types of car accident injuries could result in headaches and dizziness, including concussions, blood clots, neck injuries, or whiplash. A delayed headache or sudden dizziness could indicate that there is a serious problem that needs immediate medical care.
• Back pain. Delayed back pain in the aftermath of a car accident could indicate a minor bruise or muscle strain, but this could also be indicative of spinal cord injury, herniated discs, or another severe soft tissue injury. All of these conditions can cause debilitating pain and mobility challenges.
• Pain in the shoulders or neck. Shoulder and neck pain could be an indication of a spinal cord injury, herniated disc, or other significant neck or spinal injury.
• Tingling or numbness. Tingling or numbness anywhere on the body after a vehicle accident could mean a variety of injuries have occurred. This could include a herniated disc or pinched a nerve as well as a significant spinal cord injury. Left untreated, these issues can lead to significant long-term complications.
• Abdominal pain. If you or a loved one experiences any kind of stomach pain in the aftermath of a car accident, this could indicate that there has been an internal injury or internal bleeding. Internal organ damage can cause stomach pain hours or days after the accident occurs, and victims should seek immediate medical care if stomach pain develops.

Continue all medical treatment after a car accident

After you seek medical care for your car accident injuries, it is crucial that you continue all treatment plans prescribed by your doctor. This includes going to all follow-up visits, using any devices recommended to aid in mobility, going to physical therapy and rehabilitation, and more.

You should continue to follow your doctor’s orders until you have reached maximum medical improvement. Failing to do so could jeopardize your chance of receiving full compensation for your injuries.