Are Delayed Symptoms Common After a Car Accident?

After a car accident occurs, many injuries are obvious right away. However, that is not always the case. There are times when the signs and symptoms of car accident injuries are delayed by hours or even days after the incident occurs. This is not uncommon, which is why it is crucial for crash victims to seek immediate medical treatment to help uncover these potential hidden injuries.

Common Delayed Injuries After a Car Accident

After the initial shock of an incident wears down and the adrenaline fades away, it is not uncommon for individuals to start feeling pain after an accident. However, delayed injury symptoms after a car accident can show up as much as a day or so after the incident occurs. Some of the most common injuries associated with delayed symptoms after a car accident include the following:

• Whiplash – Neck pain and stiffness caused by the rapid forward and backward or side-to-side motion of the head during the collision.
• Concussion – A mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump or blow to the head or body that can lead to symptoms like headaches, confusion, dizziness, and memory problems.
• Soft Tissue Injuries – Damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons may result in delayed pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
• Back Injuries – Symptoms like lower back pain, muscle spasms, or herniated discs may manifest days or weeks after the accident.
• Internal Injuries – Injuries to internal organs such as the spleen, liver, or kidneys can have delayed symptoms, including pain and internal bleeding.
• Fractures – Stress or hairline fractures may not be immediately apparent and can cause pain and limited mobility later on.
• Nerve Damage – Numbness, tingling, or weakness in limbs may result from nerve injuries and become evident after the accident.
• Delayed Inflammation – Inflammation in various parts of the body may cause pain, stiffness, or discomfort in the days following an accident.

In addition to these physical injury signs and symptoms, car accident victims should also be aware of delayed symptoms of psychological trauma or even post-traumatic stress. It is not uncommon for crash victims to feel long-lasting symptoms of fear, stress, and anxiety even after their physical symptoms heal.

Going to a Doctor is Crucial

If you or somebody you care about has been involved in a vehicle accident, it is crucial to go to the doctor right away. By going to a medical professional soon after an accident occurs, you are ensuring your health and Wellness are the number one priority. A doctor can conduct a complete evaluation and be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of any injuries that may have occurred, even one you may not be aware of yet.

Additionally, by going to the doctor soon after a crash, you are establishing a strong link between any injuries that do arise and the incident. This will be important to show when insurance carriers begin discussing settlement options. It’s harder to deny a claim when a person goes to the doctor for an evaluation right after an incident occurs.

You may need to speak to a skilled personal accident attorney who can assist you with this process and help you determine the next steps moving forward to recover the compensation you are entitled to.