When Symptoms Arise Following a Car Accident

Injuries stemming from a car accident can take time to surface. This is called delayed onset injury, or the “silent injury” because symptoms may present days, weeks or even months after the crash. It is important to be aware of these types of injuries, so you can get proper treatment and care if needed.

Seek Medical Care After a Car Accident

It is advisable for anyone involved in an auto accident to seek medical attention immediately, even if no visible injuries are present. This will help rule out any delayed onset injuries that could become more serious as time passes. A medical professional can also provide a comprehensive assessment of the injury and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.

Addressing Potentially Serious Injuries Early

If you do experience any pain or discomfort after being involved in a car accident, it is important to keep track of your symptoms and seek medical attention right away. Diagnosing the problem early on can increase recovery rates and help minimize potential long-term effects of the injury. Additionally, speaking with a lawyer may be beneficial if your accident was caused by another person’s negligence. An attorney can review your situation and advise you on how to pursue legal action for damages.

Delayed Symptoms After a Car Collision and What Injuries They Can Indicate

Following are common injuries caused by a car collision that may present with delayed symptoms:

  • Headaches: This is a common symptom of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion. A person may experience headaches at any time after the accident, and they can become worse later. It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience persistent headaches after a car accident, as they could indicate that something more serious is going on.
  • Neck pain: If you have suffered whiplash, it can take days or weeks for the pain to appear. Whiplash injuries can cause neck stiffness, severe pain and limited range of motion in the area. Seeking immediate medical care for neck pain is important to avoid long-term complications.
  • Back pain: Back pain after an auto accident can be a sign of anything from muscular issues to more serious spinal problems. It is important to visit your doctor as soon as possible after an accident if you experience back pain, as it can be indicative of a more serious injury.
  • Abdominal pain: If somebody experiences abdominal pain after an auto crash, it may indicate trauma to the internal organs or damage to the spine. Internal injuries such as lacerations, organ contusions and abdominal bruising can all lead to delayed symptoms and should not go untreated.
  • Numbness/tingling: This symptom could indicate nerve damage or a herniated disc in the neck or back that has been caused by the trauma of an auto accident. Numbness or tingling may start in the extremities such as hands and feet but can spread to other areas if left untreated.

No one should have to experience delayed onset injuries after a car accident. Being aware of these types of injuries and taking steps to seek medical care immediately and returning to the hospital or doctor if your symptoms worsen are important for your long-term health and well-being.

Olinde Law Firm 

The Olinde Law Firm can help you recover your losses such as medical expenses, wages and others after a traffic accident caused by another person’s negligence. You deserve compensation, and we work hard to get it for you. Please contact us by calling (800) 587-1889 or (504) 587-1440 here in New Orleans. Alternatively, you can contact us online to find out about your options for recovering compensation and arrange a free case evaluation.