Delayed Injuries Symptoms After a Car Accident
Not uncommon to feel no pain or very little pain right after a vehicle accident occurs, even if you actually do have injuries. Sometimes, even visible injuries don’t cause a lot of pain right away, but that’s our body’s natural response to going through a traumatic incident. The adrenaline starts to pump, and we may not respond appropriately in order to ensure our well-being. However, if you have been involved in an accident and start to notice any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical treatment and make sure to contact a Seattle car accident lawyer.
1. Headaches or Migraines
One of the most common delayed symptoms after a car accident is headaches. While it is easy to dismiss headaches as stress-related, they could indicate a more serious underlying condition. Headaches that appear days after an accident could be a sign of a concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or even a blood clot in the brain. If you begin to experience headaches after an accident, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out more severe injuries.
2. Neck or Shoulder Pain
Neck and shoulder pain are typical indicators of whiplash, a common car accident injury. Whiplash can have long-lasting effects and occurs when the head is jerked forward and backward quickly, straining the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck and upper back. Whiplash symptoms may take hours or even days to develop and symptoms include stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion.
3. Back Pain
Back pain is another injury symptom that may not be immediately noticeable after a car accident. Delayed back pain could be caused by a herniated disc, spinal cord injury, or soft tissue damage. If you experience pain, numbness, or tingling in your back or extremities after a car accident, it is essential to get a thorough medical exam promptly to determine the extent of the injury.
4. Abdominal Pain or Swelling
If you develop abdominal pain or swelling in the days following a car accident, this could be a sign of internal bleeding. Internal injuries may not present obvious symptoms immediately, but they can be fatal if a victim doesn’t receive prompt care. Symptoms to watch for include deep bruising, dizziness, and fainting. These signs should prompt immediate medical attention.
5. Numbness or Tingling
Numbness or tingling in your arms, legs, hands, or feet can indicate a more serious injury, such as a pinched nerve or spinal cord damage. These sensations may develop slowly after an accident, as inflammation around the injured area increases. Delayed numbness or tingling should not be ignored, as it may signal nerve damage or other complications that need to be addressed by a healthcare provider.
6. Emotional and Psychological Symptoms
Auto collisions can take a toll not just on your body but also on your mental well-being. It is common for individuals to experience emotional and psychological symptoms days or weeks after a car crash. This can include anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of PTSD may include flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulty sleeping. If you begin to experience these symptoms, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional.
7. Difficulty Concentrating or Memory Loss
If you notice that you are having trouble focusing or remembering things after a car accident, this could be a sign of a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion. Even if the accident seemed minor, brain injuries can have long-lasting effects if not properly treated. Other symptoms of a TBI may include dizziness, nausea, and mood swings.
If you are dealing with delayed injuries from a car accident, the Seattle personal injury attorneys at Washington Injury Law are here to help you navigate the legal process. By filling out our contact form or calling us directly, you can get a free consultation of your situation.