Vehicle injuries are one of the most terrifying experiences that can leave you traumatized or even paralyzed. After an accident, you’ll be preoccupied with concerns over what the next step you need to take is. Sadly, you might experience memory fog, which makes it almost impossible to think straight or concentrate. In addition to emotional disorientation and mental trauma, victims are also left with physical damage that in most cases isn’t noticeable until a few days after the crash. For those who have recently been involved in a car accident, here are common symptoms that you may experience days or even weeks after a collision.
1. Headaches
If you feel a headache developing several days after your crash, don’t just dismiss it thinking that it will go away on its own. Headaches that are a result of car crashes can be detrimental to your long-term health. Severe headaches can result in blood clots or permanent brain damage. Not only will you be dealing with a severe headache, but neck pain usually accompanies these kinds of headaches. There’s even the possibility of ending up with a serious concussion.
2. Whiplash
Whiplash is the most common delayed injury after a car crash. This results in a stiff neck and immobile shoulders, and it doesn’t take a severe collision to end up with whiplash. Loss of feeling in your hands and arms is also another common result of whiplash, which can be caused by a fractured neck or spinal column. Most cases of whiplash injuries occur as the result of rear-end collisions at speeds of less than 14 miles per hour. These injuries can be serious, and sometimes you’ll require x-rays or MRIs for proper diagnosis.
3. Back Pain
Back pain that appears after a car accident may be caused by injury to the muscles, nerves in the back or ligaments, and in extreme cases, vertebrae damage. Lower back pain is found in over half of the victims who experience rear-end collisions, and in over 75% of all side-impact crashes, according to the Back & Neck Pain Center.
4. Abdominal Pain or Swelling
If you’re experiencing sharp abdominal pain or swelling, you’ll need to go to your doctor immediately. These are some of the main symptoms of internal bleeding. Other symptoms of internal bleeding include dizziness, fainting spells, and dark purple bruising. Unfortunately, internal bleeding can go undetected for days or even weeks. Worst of all, this is one of the most damaging predicaments that victims of car collisions can end up in. This could result in life-threatening conditions such as organ failure, slipping into a coma, or even death.
If you were recently involved in a car accident that left you with severe injuries, contact an experienced injury attorney. You may be eligible for compensation. At Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton, we understand how stressful and overwhelming car accidents are. Our team of veteran injury lawyers is here to help you through this strenuous time. Schedule a free consultation with us today.