Ever been involved in a car accident but thought you were okay since you didn’t feel any immediate pain? Then you wake up the next morning ready to get your day started, only to discover that your body is too stiff to move?
The shock and adrenaline of a car crash can mask the symptoms of an injury. Sometimes many hours or days pass before victims realize that they have been severely injured. Many people do not fully understand what to do after a car accident injury. It’s important that you visit a doctor after any wreck—even if you feel fine.
Subtle symptoms of a car crash injury, such as a mild headache or abdominal discomfort, can indicate a serious problem. A fast diagnosis may shorten your recovery time and improve the outcome of your treatment. Also, if you put off a medical evaluation and decide to make a personal injury claim, it might be difficult for your lawyer to tie your injuries directly to the collision.
To avoid festering injuries and complicated personal injury claims, read on to learn what to expect physically after a car accident and six early signs that you were injured in a car crash.
Neck and Shoulder Pain
It is not uncommon for a person’s head to jolt forward and back abruptly in a wreck. This can cause whiplash—one of the most common car accident injuries.
Rear-end accidents are the leading cause of whiplash. However, the early symptoms of whiplash from rear end collision are often subtle, causing this to also be one of the most common late appearing car accident injuries. Many victims put off medical treatment, even when experiencing pain after car accident, assuming their condition will heal on its own. Although minor cases of whiplash usually do not require medical intervention, you should still visit your doctor to evaluate the extent of your injury.
Symptoms of a neck injury include:
- Not being able to move the neck
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Persistent headaches
- Fatigue
- Feeling dizzy
- Numbness
- Inability to sleep
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Headaches
Headaches are often a minor symptom of a major problem. In the US, car accidents are the #1 cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) deaths. This happens when people don’t wear their seatbelts and their heads hit the windshield, side mirror or a projectile within the vehicle.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you notice these TBI and concussion symptoms:
- Nausea
- Feeling dizzy
- Changes in vision
- Memory issues
- Abnormal sensitivity to light
Reduced Sensory or Cognitive Abilities
A headache is not the only symptom of a brain injury after a car accident. You should also be concerned if you notice impaired sensory or cognitive abilities. Visit a doctor if you are having trouble remembering events or processing information, and especially if you have trouble seeing or hearing.
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Abdominal Discomfort
Internal bleeding and organ damage can be deadly. The first sign of these injuries is usually abdominal discomfort, or stomach pain after car accident. You should pay special attention to abdominal bruising and dizziness.
Numbness and/or Tingling
The spinal trauma and severe whiplash symptoms can vary, but most victims notice tingling or numbness in one or more limbs.
Other symptoms of a spinal injury include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Trouble moving your limbs
- Insensitive to cold or heat
- Not being able to control your bladder
- Slow reflexes
Back Pain
An injury to the vertebrae, nerves, or muscles of your back can cause intense pain and can also be the cause of neck pain. Most people are sore after car accident and putting off medical treatment could cause these symptoms to worsen.
Have You or Someone You Love Been Injured in a Car Accident?
If you were injured in an accident, contact us for a free car crash injury claim evaluation. We will work with you on a contingency-fee basis to gather this evidence and prove your case. You may be eligible to file a car accident injury claim for medical costs, emotional distress and further damages.
Fill out our free case evaluation form to see if you are eligible for a claim. An experienced accident attorney at Morris Bart will assist you in the evaluation process. Initial consultations are free.
We have office locations throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas. Call us at 1-800-537-8185 today.
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