Delayed Injuries After a Car Accident

Even if you feel fine right after the accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention to document your condition. Delayed injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may take days or weeks to show symptoms, and having early medical reports can establish a baseline. These records are vital for proving that any symptoms or injuries that arise later are linked to the accident.

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries that occurs after a car accident, especially in rear-end collisions. It happens when the neck is forcibly thrown backward and then forward, causing strain on the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

While some people may feel immediate pain, many won’t experience symptoms until hours, days, or even weeks after the accident. Common symptoms of whiplash include neck stiffness, headaches (especially at the base of the skull), dizziness, blurred vision, and even memory or concentration issues.

Whiplash not only affects the neck but can also extend to the back and shoulders. Pain in these areas can worsen over time, sometimes leading to chronic conditions if untreated. The muscles in the upper back and shoulders might tense up, resulting in limited mobility and discomfort.

Initially, the body’s response to trauma – through adrenaline and endorphins – can mask the pain, allowing it to only surface later when the body relaxes and swelling sets in.

Concussions

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that results from a blow to the head or violent shaking, such as in a car accident. Though you might not lose consciousness, concussions can have delayed and serious effects on brain function.

Concussion symptoms can appear hours or even days later. They include headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, memory issues, and difficulty concentrating. Some individuals also experience emotional disturbances like irritability or anxiety.

Untreated concussions can lead to prolonged symptoms, also known as post-concussion syndrome. In severe cases, repeated concussions or not addressing a single concussion can lead to more serious brain injuries, affecting cognitive function, mood, and overall health. Delayed diagnosis increases the risk of complications, so medical attention is critical.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries include damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, such as sprains, strains, and tears. They are among the most common injuries sustained in a car accident.

Often, the pain from soft tissue injuries does not become apparent immediately. Bruising, swelling, and stiffness may only develop after the body’s initial shock wears off. As the swelling increases and inflammation sets in, the pain can intensify, sometimes becoming chronic if not treated properly.

These injuries can be easily overlooked in the immediate aftermath of an accident because they don’t always involve visible wounds or broken bones. However, they can lead to limited range of motion, muscle weakness, and ongoing pain if not addressed early.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are among the most serious and potentially life-threatening delayed injuries after a car accident. These injuries can involve damage to organs, internal bleeding, or other trauma.

Signs of internal injuries often develop slowly and may not be immediately recognizable. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, dizziness, deep bruising, nausea, or fainting. However, there may be no visible symptoms in some cases until the injury becomes critical.

Internal injuries, such as damage to organs like the spleen or liver, or internal bleeding, can quickly become life-threatening if not detected. Seeking medical evaluation after an accident, even if you feel okay, is crucial because some internal injuries may not show symptoms until it’s too late to intervene effectively.

Back Injuries

Back injuries are also common after car accidents, particularly in cases of whiplash or forceful impacts.

Back injuries can manifest as delayed pain or stiffness in the days following the accident. Symptoms may include aching, sharp pain, limited mobility, or radiating pain into the legs or buttocks, which could indicate a herniated disc.

Injuries to the spine, including disc herniation or spinal misalignment, can cause chronic pain and mobility issues. Even minor misalignments can result in nerve compression, leading to pain or numbness in other body parts.

Much like whiplash, the full extent of back injuries may not be clear right away. Swelling and inflammation in the spine or surrounding tissue can take time to develop, and the stress from the accident may cause issues to worsen over time without treatment.

Your Recovery Starts With the Right Legal Support

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, don’t wait for delayed injuries to worsen your condition or complicate your claim. Protect your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact Brumley Law Firm today for expert legal guidance from a Tacoma car accident attorney. Call us at (833) 832-2727 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation. Let us fight for you while you focus on your recovery!