Delayed Symptoms of Car Accidents

Posted in Car Accidents on March 13, 2024

One of the biggest mistakes individuals make after a vehicle accident is ignoring the possibility of delayed car accident injury symptoms. Yes, many vehicle accident injuries are obvious right after the incident occurs, but that is not always the case. It is not uncommon for the signs and symptoms of vehicle accident injuries to show up hours or even more than a day after an incident occurs. To seek compensation for these injuries, contact a Seattle car accident lawyer.

Common Car Accident Delayed Injuries

After the initial shock of a vehicle accident wears off, the adrenaline begins to fade. Unfortunately, this is when individuals often start feeling pain caused by the incident. Delayed injury symptoms may show up within a few hours after a crash, but it could take a few days to notice any pain. Some of the most common delayed injuries and symptoms associated with vehicle accidents in Washington include:

  • Whiplash – These injuries can cause extensive pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back area. Whiplash injuries are caused by the rapid side to side or forward and backward motion of the head and upper body caused by a collision, similar to the cracking of a whip.
  • Concussion – Anytime someone sustains a bump or blow to the body or head, they can sustain a concussion. Concussion injuries are common, but the symptoms must be taken seriously. These are considered traumatic brain injuries, and failing to seek prompt medical care after a concussion could cause the concussion to become a more severe TBI. Some of the main symptoms associated with concussions after a vehicle accident include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and memory problems.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries – vehicle to various soft tissue injuries that can affect ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Some of the main symptoms associated with soft tissue injuries include reduced mobility, swelling, and pain that arise within hours or days after the incident.
  • Back Injuries – Delayed back injury symptoms can include muscle spasms, pain anywhere along the back, and even injuries as serious as herniated or ruptured spinal discs.
  • Internal Injuries – Internal injuries are easy to miss soon after an incident occurs because they are typically not as visible or noticeable. However, the insides of our bodies can sustain the same types of injuries, including bruising and bleeding.
  • Fractures – Sometimes fractures are noticeable right away, but not always. Hairline or stress fractures may not be noticeable for days or even weeks, but they can certainly cause significant pain and limited mobility.
  • Nerve Damage – Individuals can experience weakness, tingling, or numbness in the limbs that could occur as a result of vehicle accident injuries. Nerve damage may be noticeable right away, but the full extent of nerve damage may not be known for months after an incident happens.
  • Delayed Inflammation – Swelling can occur as a result of various types of injuries that happen due to the accident. Any inflammation can cause significant discomfort for an individual in the days following the accident. Sometimes, inflammation does not signify that there is an underlying more severe injury, but we encourage any person who experiences pain after a crash to let their doctor know right away.

Seek Medical Care Promptly

When an accident occurs, we encourage those involved to seek medical care right away. If the emergency medical professionals come to the scene of the incident, make sure they conduct an initial evaluation and help you determine whether or not you should go to the hospital. However, even if you do not go to the ER, we encourage you to go to your doctor or an emergency clinic the same day the incident occurs. Seeking prompt medical treatment accomplishes a few goals. First, this helps ensure doctors can conduct an evaluation and possibly notice any injuries you are unaware of. Secondly, immediate medical care establishes a strong documentation link between the incident and the injuries, something that will matter when it comes to making your insurance claim. Medical bills can quickly add up as a result of these injuries that a Seattle personal injury attorney can help you receive compensation for.