Not all injuries caused by car accidents are apparent right away. The symptoms of some injuries may not develop until days after the crash. However, they can be just as serious and long-term as injuries that require immediate medical care.
To protect your claim for compensation from the negligent driver, it is best to be examined by your doctor within a day or two after the collision. Here are four common injuries that you may not realize were caused by your accident that you should watch out for.
Whiplash
Whiplash is caused when the neck is violently jerked back and forth during the crash. This can cause the muscles and tendons in the neck to be stretched, strained, and extended. Some of the symptoms to look for include:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck, lower back, head, or shoulders
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty sleeping
- Tinnitus, which is ringing in the ears.
While some accident victims make a full recovery with treatment, you could suffer long-term injuries that cause chronic pain and require expensive medical care.
Concussion
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused when there is a jolt to the head or violent motion that causes the brain to strike the skull. Headaches, nausea, loss of balance, mood swings, and sensitivity to light and sound are a few of the symptoms of a concussion. You could also suffer a more serious traumatic brain injury that causes permanent changes to your vision, mobility, memory, reasoning, and more.
Back Injuries
Back injuries are often caused in T-bone and rear-end collisions. In the days after the accident, you could experience pain in the back or shoulders, numbness, limited mobility, loss of bladder or bowel control, problems with balance, or difficulty breathing.
Psychological Trauma
Being involved in a car accident can be a terrifying experience, and it can be traumatic to deal with your injuries. It may take weeks or longer to realize that you suffered psychological trauma due to your collision. If you experience depression, mood swings, nightmares or flashbacks, or anxiety, you may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or another psychological condition.
What Should You Do If You Suffered a Delayed Injury?
If your injury did not develop until days after your auto collision, seek prompt medical treatment. You should also retain an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. To learn about your options and how our legal team can help, call our Norfolk office to schedule a free consultation today.
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