A car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. While some injuries are immediately apparent, others may take days or even weeks to manifest. Delayed injury symptoms are not uncommon after a collision, leaving accident victims uncertain about how to proceed.
After a car accident, it is crucial to be vigilant about any potential injuries, even if they don’t seem severe initially. Symptoms may not immediately arise due to shock or adrenaline, and some injuries can take time to appear.
Common delayed injury symptoms
- Pain: Persistent or recurring pain in various body parts should not be ignored.
- Stiff neck or shoulders: This could be an indication of whiplash or a spinal injury.
- Tingling, numbness or weakness: These sensations in the arms or legs might suggest nerve or spinal cord damage.
- Difficulty or pain when moving: Trouble with mobility could indicate various injuries, including soft tissue damage.
- Recurring headaches: Headaches that persist or worsen over time may be a sign of a more severe condition.
- Memory problems: Cognitive issues could indicate a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Vision or hearing issues: Changes in vision or hearing may be linked to head or nerve injuries.
- Constant fatigue: Unexplained fatigue could be a sign of an underlying medical issue.
- Nausea: Persistent nausea may point to a brain injury or internal organ damage.
Injuries that present delayed symptoms
Various injuries can have delayed or persistent symptoms, including:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Brain injuries can lead to long-term cognitive and neurological issues.
- Post-concussion syndrome: Concussions may have lingering effects that become evident over time.
- Spinal cord injury: Damage to the spinal cord may result in delayed symptoms like numbness or weakness.
- Soft-tissue injury: Whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries may cause pain and stiffness days after the accident.
- Internal organ damage: Internal injuries may not always present immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Bone or joint injuries: Fractures or joint injuries might not show symptoms until swelling subsides.
If you experience any post-accident symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention promptly, even if your injuries seem minor. Visit a doctor within 72 hours of the accident, as insurance companies typically consider this a reasonable timeframe for seeking medical attention. Failing to do so might raise questions about the severity of your injuries and potentially weaken your compensation claim.
Consult with an Ohio personal injury attorney today
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your personal injury claim. If you or a loved one were injured due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (800) 556-4769 so that I can evaluate your case right away.