According to 2017 crash statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 7,500 people are hurt every day in automobile accidents. These accidents can result in injuries that range from minor to serious and even fatal.
Car accidents are known for inflicting quick and severe injuries. Following a collision, broken bones, burns, lacerations, and spinal cord damage can occur.
Sometimes, even after a vehicle collision where there should have been injuries, the person(s) involved feel fine. You'd think they'd be in a lot of pain, yet they go about their business as if nothing has occurred. This is because of our bodies' response to trauma. Our body immediately releases adrenaline after an accident to help us deal with whatever injuries we may have received.
So, even if you don't feel any pain right after an accident, it doesn't imply you weren't hurt at all. You may not experience pain for hours, days, or even weeks following an accident. That is why it is critical to be aware of any delayed symptoms that may arise after a crash.
In some cases, you may want to pursue legal action. If you, you'll want to have all records on hand when you contact an experienced car accident law firm.
Watch out for these delayed symptoms after a car accident
Below is a list of delayed symptoms to look out for after you've been involved in a vehicle accident.
Headaches
Many people feel headaches following a vehicle collision, although not usually immediately. Maybe you feel alright right after the accident, but the following day, or even days later, you wake up with a pounding headache.
Following an automobile collision, headaches can be caused by:
- Whiplash
- Tension in the neck or shoulders
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
If a headache occurs at any point following your vehicle accident, consult your doctor as soon as possible to ensure all is fine.
Neck And Shoulder Pain
Whiplash, one of the most common injuries resulting from a vehicle collision, causes pain in the neck and shoulders. This pain can be caused by nerve and soft tissue damage, as well as injuries to the muscles, joints, and tendons. If your discomfort isn't caused by whiplash, it might be a spinal injury that requires immediate attention.
Back Pain
Back pain that develops days after an accident might be a sign of a ruptured disc, a soft tissue injury, a sprain, a spinal injury, or whiplash. It's possible that numbness or tingling in your back is the consequence of a pinched nerve.
Seek medical treatment as soon as the symptoms occur since these disorders can cause significant pain and mobility issues.
Abdominal Pain
It may take a few days after your mishap before you experience abdominal discomfort, but if you do, get medical help right away. Internal bleeding has symptoms that include large patches of deep purple bruises, dizziness, a belly that's hard to the touch, pain, and fainting.
It's possible that internal bleeding can go undetected for hours or even days. It's a serious condition that should be examined and treated as quickly as possible by emergency medical personnel.
Numbness
A loss of feeling or sensation in your extremities might indicate a whiplash-related condition. This type of delayed-onset numbness is commonly caused by nerve injury in the spinal cord.
Behavioral Changes
A change in your personality or how you act might indicate concussion-related brain damage. A brain injury can cause issues with thinking or memory, mobility, visual or hearing impairments, depression, or personality changes.
Changes in Mood
Emotional distress is another typical symptom occurring after a vehicle collision. Following the accident, you may have heightened anxiety, mood swings, or depression. Concussions can also induce mood changes following a car collision.
PTSD
It's normal to feel distressed, fearful, or anxious at the scene of an accident, but if those feelings persist long after the accident, it might be an indication of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks, anger, and a refusal to ride in vehicles are among the other symptoms.
See a doctor right away
Even if you didn't feel pain at the collision site, it's always a good idea to see a doctor if you notice any symptoms following the accident. It's possible that an undiagnosed disorder will worsen. Visiting a doctor will also help you document your injuries in the event you need to file a lawsuit.
Contact an Orange County car accident lawyer today
If you or a loved one had been hurt in a vehicle accident in Orange County and suffering from delayed-onset injuries, the attorneys at Barrios & Machado can assist you with your insurance and legal claims. To schedule a free case evaluation, please call (714) 515-9696 or email us.
