Delayed Injury Symptoms to Watch Out for After a Car Accident

When someone is hurt in a car accident, they’re typically aware of their injuries right away. But some injuries may not be obvious for hours, days, or even weeks after. These injuries can be quite severe, and it’s essential that you seek treatment as soon as you notice any possible symptoms.

Not only will prompt medical attention reduce the risks of your injury getting worse, it will also help you if you ever have to file a personal injury claim.

Here are some potential injuries to watch out for.

Internal Bleeding

The force of an accident can damage your organs or cause internal bleeding. The signs of this type of injury may include: 

• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Purple bruises on the abdomen
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Headaches
• Blood in urine or stool

If any of these symptoms appear in the weeks following your accident, go to a hospital immediately. Internal organ damage can be extremely dangerous if left untreated.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury occurs when the head is struck or shaken violently enough to injure the brain. The most common form of traumatic brain injury is a concussion.

If you hit or rattle your head during an accident, you could suffer a traumatic brain injury without even realizing it. But in the hours or days following, you may begin to notice various symptoms, such as:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Loss of balance
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Sensitivity to bright lights or loud noises
• Insomnia
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Difficulty seeing or hearing
• Changes in behavior

Head injuries are always serious. If you experience any of these symptoms after an accident, don’t hesitate to get medical attention.

Whiplash

Whiplash happens when the muscles and nerves of your neck are strained by a sudden, sharp motion. If a vehicle collision jerks your head backward and forward suddenly, it can cause whiplash. Worse still, the symptoms may not appear for some time after the accident.

These symptoms may include:

• Shoulder pain
• Back pain
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Numbness in your arms and hands
• Ringing ears

If you notice any of these warning signs, consult a doctor immediately. Even if you don’t have whiplash, these symptoms could point to a spinal injury, which will need to be treated right away.

Unfortunately, many insurance companies try to downplay the severity of whiplash. But the effects of whiplash can be debilitating, so make sure you’re compensated fairly for your injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to help you get the financial support you need after an accident.

Psychological Trauma

Not all injuries are physical. Psychological trauma is a valid form of pain and suffering and can have a real impact on your quality of life. The emotional and mental strain of a car accident can cause:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Difficulty concentrating
• Anger issues
• Persistent fear
• Lack of purpose or motivation

Of course, this type of injury is often harder to identify than physical pain. But if left unchecked, it can cause just as much harm in the long run.

Seek help for any psychological trauma or emotional distress that you suffer after a car accident. A medical professional may be able to recommend appropriate treatment to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

Just because you walk away from an accident without obvious injuries doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Many serious injuries may not become apparent until hours or even days later.

If you experience any of these symptoms after an accident, don’t ignore them. By delaying treatment, you could make the situation worse. Plus, the sooner you’re aware of a potential injury, the better your chances of winning compensation through a personal injury claim.

At SiebenCarey, we’ve spent nearly 70 years helping injury victims get the financial support they deserve. We’ve won countless legal battles for our clients, and we’re ready to win yours next.

Just contact us, and we’ll explain your rights to you, build a strong case on your behalf, and make sure you get every dollar you’re entitled to.

Click here for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.