It is not uncommon for someone injured in an automobile or motorcycle accident to start experiencing severe symptoms several days after an accident. Even when a car accident seems minor, there is more force involved in a collision than many people realize.
Many who have been injured in an accident start developing painful symptoms not on the day of the crash, but several days afterward. These symptoms often require medical attention, treatment and months of physical therapy.
That’s why it is so important to seek medical care after any accident and to speak with an attorney if you believe the accident was the result of someone else’s negligence. When the medical bills start piling up, you’ll want to have someone on your side dealing with insurance companies and making sure your rights are protected.
Adrenaline Impacts the Perception of Pain
The shock of a car accident, even a minor one, can drastically increase your sense of excitement and adrenaline. In this state, you may not feel any pain at all and may experience a heightened level of energy. Several hours or even several days later, the pain may start to set in.
Concussion and Head Injury
Concussions are the most common form of traumatic brain injury. And while concussions are considered the least severe type of TBI, the effects can last a long time. In fact, researchers still don’t know the long-term impacts of a concussion, but have connected the injury to Alzheimer’s and dementia later in life.
A concussion happens when the brain is literally jolted inside someone’s skull as the result of an impact. This sort of injury will range in severity. People may experience a number of symptoms:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
Experiencing any of these issues after an accident could be an indication of a concussion. You should contact a physician immediately.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that is common in auto accidents. Like other injuries, this one may not manifest itself for hours or days after an accident. This injury impacts tissue and muscles in the neck when an impact forces the head to be thrown forward and jerked back.
Severe pain and swelling take hold over the course of several days, along with a reduction in mobility. Treatment often requires pain medication along with physical therapy.
Other Delayed Injury Symptoms
It’s important to be aware of other symptoms that may show up days after an automotive accident. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away, as it could be a signal of a larger medical problem.
Headache: While it is not uncommon for a headache to surface several days after an auto accident, this symptom should not be ignored. In some cases, headaches may be the result of a serious problem, such as a brain or neck injury, or even a blood clot.
Abdominal Pain: Abdominal pain or swelling could be a sign of internal bleeding. Internal bleeding can be life threatening if left untreated. If you notice deep bruising and dizziness, seek emergency treatment right away.
Numbness: Experiencing numbness in the arms or hands could be indicative of a spinal or back injury. This should always be checked out by a medical professional.
Paying for Your Treatment after an Accident
Whether you suffered a severe or minor car accident, paying for treatment can cause a severe financial hardship. Many people find their lives are turned upside down in the aftermath of a crash. There’s the physical pain, emotional distress and the financial hardship.
Even if you think you may not have suffered serious injury, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident. A skilled lawyer will negotiate on your behalf and make sure you are treated fairly.
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