An estimated 8,000 people are injured each day due to reckless driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Car collisions can vary from minor to severe, and most victims don’t feel their injuries until days or weeks after the accident.
Below are the most common causes of car accidents in the U.S.
Leading Causes of Car Accidents
The primary causes of car collisions in the U.S. are:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Ignoring speed limits
- Reckless driving
- Driving in poor weather
- Driving past red lights
- Driving at night
Driving carefully is crucial because the second you take the wheel, you’re responsible for your passengers’ lives. Still, many individuals and families suffer a significant amount of loss due to these accidents.
Continue reading to learn about the most common physical symptoms after a car collision.
Headaches
Most people experience headaches after an accident, and some don’t feel them until weeks after. For instance, you might be feeling well for a few days, only to wake up to a migraine one morning. The following can trigger severe headaches after a car accident:
- Whiplash
- Neck or shoulder tension
- Traumatic brain injury
- Concussion
- Anxiety or PTSD
A headache can range from a small annoyance to an underlying symptom of a more serious condition.
Shoulder, Neck, and Back Pain
You might experience shoulder, neck, and back pain after an accident. Unfortunately, these pains may suddenly impact you, even after you thought you fully recovered. Moreover, these pains may trickle down to your arms and legs. Some of the causes of these pains include:
- Stress
- Muscle tension
- Injured joints, tendons, or muscles
- Tissue or nerve damage
Bruising
Most bruises appear after experiencing damage to your capillaries, which are the microscopic blood vessels under your skin. You won’t be able to see the full damage immediately because it takes a few days for these vessels to reach your skin’s surface.
Fortunately, most bruising heals on its own; however, severe car collisions can damage internal organs so that you may need medical attention. Consult with your doctor if you’re experiencing bruising, tenderness, and discoloration that won’t go away.
Abdominal Pain
If you wore a seatbelt at the time of your crash, there’s a chance it harmed your stomach. A tight seatbelt coupled with the impact of a collision can bruise or cause other physical trauma to your stomach. If you’re experiencing nausea, you may have internal bleeding. Visit your doctor immediately.
Swelling
Swelling is common after experiencing bodily trauma, and you might be experiencing it due to tissue damage, pulled muscles, sprains, whiplash, and more. Swollen body parts can result in stiffness, making it a challenge to get out of bed. Fortunately, you can remedy your swelling by elevating the area (if possible) and icing it. However, if this symptom persists, you may need to visit a physical therapist.
Trouble Concentrating
The stress, shock, or head injuries from a car accident can leave you feeling hazy, making it difficult to remember things. If you’re experiencing confusion or are unable to stay focused, you should see your doctor to find out if you have any mental health issues they must address.
Why Do Some Symptoms Show up Late?
A person must process shock after a car accident, but unfortunately, they might not give themselves time to think about their feelings. Many of them immediately think about how to handle the situation, typically resulting in stress about finances.
Furthermore, most people’s “fight or flight” hormones activate after a crash. These hormones can help you stay alert, but they might also suppress your pain. You might not feel your physical pain until your stress hormones balance back out. It’s crucial to monitor yourself for worsening pain weeks after the accident.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery time depends on the severity of the accident and your injuries. It can take someone days, weeks, months, or even years to heal fully. You can improve your recovery time by doing the following:
- Seeking treatment right after your crash
- Sticking to your doctor’s advice
- Looking into physical therapy
- Getting eight hours of sleep per night
- Eating a healthy diet packed with nutrients
- Reducing stress
Flicking Satterfield & Bolton is Here for You
If you were recently involved in a car accident that left you with injuries, you might be eligible for compensation. Dealing with an insurance claim while you’re trying to recover will be a lot to take on. You can work with an experienced personal injury attorney from Flicking Satterfield & Bolton, who can help ensure you receive damages. Schedule your free case evaluation today.