The thought of a traffic accident usually conjures up broken glass, airbags, and perhaps a dramatic and flashy type of injury such as broken bones or lacerations. However, many common injuries do not immediately present after an accident and can have delayed effects.
It is always a good idea to receive medical attention following an accident since shock and adrenaline can often mask the pain of immediate injuries. These injuries can present much later than the initial accident, even weeks or months later. The delay can often make proving their connection to the accident difficult and can complicate litigation.
Common Types of Delayed Injuries
When involved in a motor vehicle accident, certain injuries may not manifest immediately. Understanding the common types of delayed injuries and their potential impact on your health is essential for ensuring comprehensive medical evaluation and appropriate legal action.
- Whiplash: Whiplash is not only one of the most common accident-related injuries but also one of the ones most likely to present with delayed symptoms. Most often caused by the side effects of seatbelts and airbags, whiplash is a straining of the ligaments in the neck from severe and abrupt back-and-forth motion. The adrenaline of an accident may easily cover up the stiffness or pain in the neck. Some people only discover they have whiplash days after the accident occurred.
- Concussions/Brain bleeds: Head injuries are also likely to be delayed and not easily noticed. Anytime someone hits their head, they should be aware of the risk of concussions and seek a medical examination as soon as possible. Symptoms can include dizziness, headache, lack of focus, memory loss, and other cognitive impairments, but sometimes these symptoms don’t show up right away.
- Back and Spinal Issues: In addition to neck problems, an accident can often lead to damage to the vertebrae, spinal cord, or the musculature and ligaments in the back. You may notice pain and discomfort in the back or tingling in the limbs many hours or days after the crash. Due to the importance of the spinal column, all back issues should be taken seriously and examined immediately.
- Internal Hemorrhage: Accidents and blunt force trauma often cause internal bleeding or organ damage. Internal damage is often unnoticed until symptoms like abdominal pain or dizziness present hours or days later. Any deep bruising or abdominal pain should be reported immediately to a doctor.
- Emotional and Psychological Disorders: Accidents cause emotional and psychological damage beyond the mere physical pain experienced. Anxiety and depression or symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder might appear in the days or weeks following the accident and may not subside without professional assistance.
By being well-informed and proactive, you can protect your rights and health following an accident, ensuring you receive the necessary support and compensation.
All accidents should be taken seriously and reported to the necessary authorities and all involved parties should seek medical attention. Delayed injuries can be serious and life-threatening if not caught early, and documentation is necessary to link your injuries to the accident. A Phoenix car accident attorney can assist in determining if you have an actionable case and negotiate on your behalf with the related parties. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
