6 Delayed Injuries to Look For After a Car Accident

You may assume you are unharmed if you walk away from a car accident without obvious injuries. However, some injuries have delayed symptoms, so car accident lawyers recommend a doctor visit after a collision. Below are six delayed injuries to watch out for following an auto accident.

1. Whiplash

Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end auto accidents. When your body has sudden, back-and-forth movements, this places extra strain on the neck and head, often resulting in soft tissue damage that isn't always apparent.

Neck pain is usually the top whiplash symptom, though it may not kick in for a few days after the collision due to adrenaline. You may also experience swelling and inflammation and need prompt treatment to prevent future complications.

Your whiplash symptoms may require various interventions to manage pain and restore range of motion. For instance, you may need physical therapy and prescription medications.

2. Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are severe, but symptoms may take a while to appear. Concussions are common car accident injuries, where a blow to the head affects normal brain function.

You can get a concussion while still conscious, so seek immediate medical care after an auto collision. Watch out for headaches, confusion, inability to recall the accident, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea, which are common concussion symptoms.

3. Herniated Disc

Many people involved in car collisions experience back pain, but it doesn't always signal something serious. Your back pain may go away with rest, over-the-counter medications, and other home remedies. However, unrelenting back discomfort may indicate that you have a herniated disc.

Discs are cushion-like pads that sit between each vertebra in your spinal column. When a disc between two vertebrae ruptures due to a car accident impact, the vertebrae grind against each other, resulting in worsening back pain. Without treatment, the herniated disc continues to move out of place, and your symptoms only dissipate when you see a doctor.

4. Shoulder Injuries

Whiplash often causes shoulder pain and inflammation, but your shoulder can also get injured in other ways. For instance, the seatbelt can cause twisting and bruising on one shoulder as it keeps you in place to prevent severe injuries.

The way your body responds to the impact may strain the shoulder joint and surrounding ligaments and tendons. A torn rotator cuff from strained muscles and ligaments is a typical car accident injury that results in a reduced range of motion. The pain may worsen when you lift or move the shoulder in a certain direction, and medical attention is necessary to prevent loss of mobility.

5. Knee Injuries

The knee is prone to injury during a car crash. For instance, you may shutter your kneecap when your knee hits the dashboard or suffer cartilage damage from impact.

After the accident, check for cuts and bruises on the knee and pain and stiffness that prevents you from resuming your normal activities. Inflammation and swelling also indicate serious knee injuries that require medical care. Knees get you where you need to go, so don't ignore knee discomfort after a car collision.

6. Internal Injuries

Your internal organs, like the liver, lungs, and heart, can suffer injuries due to the sudden impact of a car accident. While life-threatening, internal bleeding and other organ injuries don't always present obvious symptoms.

You will often be in a critical condition when symptoms appear, as your internal organs will have experienced significant trauma. So, see a doctor immediately after an auto collision to ensure your organs are in good condition.

Even if you feel fine after an auto accident with a negligent driver, you may have hidden injuries that appear days or weeks later. Contact us today at Frank W. Thompson Attorney At Law to recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries.