Seven Delayed Symptoms To Watch For Following An Auto Accident
Brian O Sutter
Traffic Accidents
Auto accidents cause serious force impact. Even if you are only hit by a vehicle going 25 MPH, you are still being impacted at around 5,000 lbs per inch. This brute force can cause severe injuries. However, often times the shock and adrenaline rush following an accident can disguise these injuries. Many people walk away from a crash thankful they weren’t hurt only to find out days, weeks, or even months later, they sustained a serious injury.Be Aware Of Your Accident Injuries
After you’ve been in an accident, it’s really important that you get checked out by a physician to make sure you weren’t hurt. You also need to be aware of the symptoms that could be signs of a larger injury and seek medical attention immediately if any of these symptoms appear. Here are seven symptoms that you need to look out for following the months after an accident:
Headaches
Persistent headaches that develop after a vehicle accident are pretty common. The force of the impact can be rattling to our systems. However, headaches can also be a sign that there is something far more serious going on like a blood clot, concussion, or other traumatic brain injury (TBI). If you have headaches after an accident, absolutely see a medical professional.
Back Pain
Back pain after an accident is also very common after accidents. Back pain can start as a minor ache and over time develop into severe pain. Back pain, especially in the lower back, can be a sign of injury to the muscles, nerves, or ligaments of the back. Back injuries are very difficult to treat when they’ve been exacerbated, so the sooner you seek medical attention the better.
Neck Or Shoulder Pain
Though whiplash is commonly made fun of in the media as a fake malady, there is nothing fake about this injury. Whiplash is a serious soft tissue injury that often does not appear until weeks after the accident. Neck and shoulder pain or stiffness is a sign that you may have whiplash, so you should seek medical attention immediately.
Numbness Or Tingling
Numbness or tingling, especially in the extremities like the arms and legs are a sign of a variety of injuries including whiplash and damage to the neck or spinal column. If you feel tingling, numbness, or “pins and needles” through your body, definitely get checked out by a physician. This symptom is typically always connected to a larger medical issue.
Pain In The Abdomen
The symptoms of internal injuries are often delayed. In fact signs may not show up for days, but internal injuries extremely serious and you need to get medical attention immediately. If your stomach hurts or is swollen, you may have internal bleeding. It’s a good idea to also watch your abdomen for any bruising as well.
Changes In Personality
Personality changes like mood swings, memory loss, or any kind of cognitive changes can be a sign of TBI. TBI is known as the “silent illness” because the symptoms are usually very subtle. However, TBI is a very serious ailment and you need to seek treatment immediately from a medical professional if you suspect you have TBI.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is not a physical ailment but it is a mental health issue. Often times victims of an auto accident develop PTSD and it can be a serious barrier to their lives. The signs are heightened anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and nightmares. If you have any of these symptoms, seek treatment from a mental health professional.
All of these symptoms can be a sign that your injuries are more severe than you initially believed. It is imperative that you monitor yourself for these symptoms because many of these injuries can worsen over time without proper diagnosis and treatment. If you are worried about paying for these injuries, talk to the experienced attorneys at All Injuries Law Firm. We have helped hundreds of people just like you with delayed symptoms get the compensation they deserve for their injuries. To learn more call us at 1-941-265-HURT for a free consultation.