Some road accident injuries are so obvious that they can’t be missed – but there are some very serious injuries that can be overlooked at the moment only for delayed symptoms to kick in some time down the line.
You may need medical attention fast, and you may be out of action for some time to come. If you’re the innocent victim of an accident, you can claim compensation from the guilty party, but as Injury Lawyers point out: time is of the essence.
So, for health and financial reasons, be alert for the following symptoms of road accident injuries with delayed-action symptoms. Take care of your health first, and if you can’t reach out for legal help, ask a family member to do so in case your recovery may be a long one.
A Headache Could Be the Symptom of a Brain Injury
After the accident, you felt fine, but some time later, you started getting a headache. While it may not be cause for concern, it could also be the first warning sign that you’ve sustained a traumatic brain injury.
Since this could prove to be life-threatening, don’t delay seeing your doctor. With some luck, it’s nothing serious, but if it is, getting medical attention fast could be a life-or-death matter.
Pain in Your Neck and Shoulders May be Caused by Whiplash or a Spinal Injury
The sudden movement that jerks your head back and forward during a crash can cause damage to the bones, ligaments, muscles, and nerves in your neck. How serious it depends on the extent of the injury, and the only way to find out is to get medical help.
You might expect an injury this serious about showing symptoms right away, but it’s not unusual for people to only start experiencing discomfort hours, or even days, after the accident. Once again, you shouldn’t delay seeing a doctor. If he or she suspects whiplash, you will probably be sent for X-rays or an MRI scan to determine what your injuries are and how you should be treated.
Injuries with Delayed Symptoms
As with whiplash, the symptoms of a spinal injury can take days to show up. It could just be a soft tissue injury, but it could also be a symptom of a herniated disc or a whiplash-like injury. If your pain is accompanied by numbness or tingling, there may be a pinched nerve to add to your woes.
If you have one of these injuries, you’re likely to experience a lot of pain and you may have trouble doing ordinary things you usually take for granted. See your doctor as soon after you notice these symptoms as possible to find out whether you have a serious injury and will need treatment.
Abdominal Pain Could be Caused By Internal Bleeding
If you notice that you have abdominal pain after a car accident, the symptom might point to something far worse than your regular tummy ache. If you’re feeling dizzy and weak or notice the development of very dark bruises, these are further symptoms that might indicate internal bleeding.
This could be an emergency situation, so get to your nearest emergency room as soon as possible. That piece of advice counts even if you only began to experience symptoms a few days after your accident. The issue may have taken time to notice itself, but that doesn’t mean you have lots of time to waste before getting treatment.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
There’s no denying that a bad accident can be a traumatic event, and if you experience its symptoms, you may be in for a long-haul recovery. If you are experiencing constant feelings of tension and nervousness, are having nightmares or have difficulty getting a good night’s sleep, or have noticed mood changes that make you feel as if you don’t know yourself anymore, get help as soon as possible.
Although we all like to feel that we’re mentally strong enough to navigate a crisis, PTSD is not a “fault.” It can be long-term and is not a sign of personal weakness. Reach out for help as soon as possible.
Hidden Injuries
After a bad accident, you are justified in feeling thankful to have survived. But delayed symptoms could point towards very serious injuries of one kind or another.
Do take any symptoms you experience in the days following an accident seriously. You are not wasting doctors’ time if you have seemingly mild symptoms checked out. Instead, you could be averting life-threatening complications with far-reaching effects. Doctors will be glad to help you, and if your injury puts you out of action, lawyers can help you to get the compensation you need to survive financially.
How long after a car accident can symptoms appear?
Car accidents can be traumatic experiences that leave a lasting impact on the human psyche. In the immediate aftermath, it’s common to be overwhelmed with thoughts of safety and concern for others. However, it’s important to recognize that some symptoms may not manifest until days or weeks after the incident.
The length of time it takes for symptoms to surface can vary, depending on the type of injury sustained. Concussions, for example, can exhibit symptoms within minutes, whereas whiplash injuries may take days to appear. In any case, it’s crucial to consult a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Headache
Neck pain
Back pain
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Tinnitus
Fatigue
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of consciousness
Seizures
Bleeding
Bruising
Swelling
Numbness or tingling
Weakness
Pain that worsens over time
Injuries May Not Notice Until Later
Delayed symptoms can occur for several reasons. One explanation is the adrenaline rush that occurs during the accident, which can mask pain and other symptoms. Some injuries, such as brain damage from a concussion, may take time to develop. Additionally, specific individuals may have higher pain tolerance, leading to delayed recognition of symptoms.
It’s important to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop after a car accident. Doing so will ensure that any injuries are diagnosed promptly, and that treatment can be provided. Keeping track of your symptoms can aid your doctor in identifying the cause of your symptoms and the most effective course of treatment.
To prevent delayed symptoms, it’s essential to practice safe driving habits and avoid distractions while on the road. However, even the safest drivers may find themselves in accidents. In such cases, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is vital to receiving appropriate care and ensuring a healthy recovery.
It’s important to recognize that car accident symptoms can occur days or weeks after the incident. Prompt medical attention is crucial in such situations, as it can help diagnose and treat injuries effectively. By practicing safe driving habits and seeking medical attention when needed, individuals can prevent delayed symptoms and promote a safe recovery.
What are delayed onset injuries from car accidents?
Car accidents are among the leading causes of injuries in the United States. While some injuries manifest immediately after an accident, others may not appear until days, weeks, or even months after the incident. These are referred to as delayed onset injuries, which can result in long-term damage if left untreated. In this article, we’ll explore the various types of delayed onset injuries that can occur due to a car accident.
What are Delayed Onset Injuries?
Delayed onset injuries are injuries that do not manifest until days, weeks or even months after an accident. Such injuries can result from the sudden impact of a car accident, which can cause internal damage to the body that may take time to become apparent. Additionally, the adrenaline rush that occurs during an accident can mask pain and other symptoms, leading to delayed recognition of injuries.
Types of Delayed Onset Injuries
There are several types of delayed onset injuries that can occur as a result of a car accident. These include:
Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash injuries are among the most common types of delayed onset injuries resulting from car accidents. These injuries occur when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, causing damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
Concussions
Concussions are another common type of delayed onset injury. They occur when the brain is jostled within the skull due to sudden impact, causing a disruption of normal brain function. Symptoms may include headache, confusion, dizziness, memory loss, and sensitivity to light and noise.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries occur when the muscles, ligaments, and tendons are damaged due to a car accident. Symptoms may include swelling, pain, and stiffness in the affected area.
Injuries That Happen After a Crash
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can result from the sudden impact of a car accident, which can cause damage to the nerves in the spinal cord. Symptoms may include paralysis, numbness, and loss of sensation in the affected areas.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are injuries that occur to the internal organs due to a car accident. These injuries can be life-threatening and may require immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and internal bleeding.
Preventing Delayed Onset Injuries
Preventing delayed onset injuries requires preventative measures before and after a car accident. Here are some tips to help prevent delayed onset injuries:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine after a car accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away. Some injuries may not manifest until days, weeks, or even months after the accident, and prompt medical attention can help diagnose and treat injuries effectively.
Injuries You May Not Notice Until Later
Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations
After a car accident, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or other treatments to help you recover. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s recommendations to prevent delayed onset injuries and ensure a healthy recovery.
Keep Track of Your Symptoms
If you experience any symptoms after a car accident, it’s important to keep track of them. This can help your doctor identify the cause of your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment.
Practice Safe Driving Habits
Preventing car accidents is the best way to prevent delayed onset injuries. Practicing safe driving habits, such as wearing a seatbelt, obeying traffic laws, and avoiding distractions while driving, can reduce the risk of car accidents.
Wear Protective Gear
Wearing protective gear, such as a helmet when riding a motorcycle or a seatbelt when driving a car, can help prevent injuries in the event of an accident.
