Delayed Injuries after a Car Crash

February 29th, 2020

When a person is involved in a car accident, their focus is usually in recovering from injuries. Serious injuries, though, don’t always appear immediately after a car accident. Some injuries may take days, months, and even years before appearing. A car accident can be a stressful event and in stressful situations, the body produces adrenaline and endorphins. These chemical reactions can mask the immediate pain and delay recognizing the extent of serious injuries

The body’s natural healing mechanism also adds time to discovering injuries. For example, when the body tries to heal itself, it rebuilds tissue and attacks infections. This natural reaction can cause swelling and inflammation. The swelling or inflammation, however, doesn’t begin until much later. Also, the traumatic experience of being involved in a car accident can appear in phases and you may not even realize how emotionally hurt you are until a triggering event occurs long after the car accident.

Types of Car Accident Injuries That Develop Later

If you have been in a car accident, there are some symptoms that may develop after a car accident. Being mindful and aware of your body will ensure that you get proper medical attention, and that you also receive compensation for all your injuries.

Some common symptoms include:

• Headaches. A headache may be one of the most common symptoms people develop after a car accident. In some situations, it may go away on its own. In other situations, a headache can be a sign of a serious problem. Persistent and severe headaches can indicate blood clots to the brain, injury to the neck or head, and even a serious concussion. If you are experiencing headaches after a car accident, you should seek medical attention.
• Neck or shoulder pain. If you experience pain in the neck or shoulders, it can be a sign of whiplash, the most common symptom of a car accident. Whiplash can cause swelling and reduce muscle mobility. The symptoms can worsen as time progresses and so it may take some time before you experience pain.
• Back Pain. Often, back pain may not be immediately apparent. It may take time to develop and be caused by injury to the muscles, ligaments or nerves in the back.
• Numbness. Whiplash isn’t limited to just shoulder or neck pain. Whiplash symptoms can also include a lack of sensation, feeling, or tingling in your hands and arms. Statistics show that about 20 percent of people who experience rear-end car accidents suffer from symptoms of whiplash. Those symptoms may appear immediately or may be delayed.
• Abdominal Pain. Suffering from abdominal pain may be serious. It could indicate internal bleeding, which can go undiscovered for days. If you experience abdominal pain after a car accident, develop purple bruising, or faint, you should seek immediate medical attention as internal bleeds can be a life-threatening condition.
• PTSD. PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental disorder that occurs after a traumatic event. PTSD can worsen as time passes. PTSD victims can experience vivid and disturbing memories of the event.

Even if you don’t feel any pain following a car accident, it’s best to proceed with caution. Being evaluated by a medical professional can ensure that you receive proper treatment. It can also mean that your injuries are addressed in a personal injury suit.

If you have been injured due to the negligence of another person, contact our team of experienced personal injury lawyers at The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm. We will be your advocates and fight to get you the compensation you are entitled to.