A car crash can change your life forever. After the first moment of chaos and confusion, your mind races with questions about what comes next. The first one is: how badly hurt am I? The adrenaline rush will mask some of your initial symptoms. So, how long after a car accident can injuries show symptoms?
Some injuries may not be obvious right away, and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. Also, while you are healing, let an experienced Palm Springs car accident attorney help you recover the compensation you deserve
What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accident Injuries?
The most prevalent injury after a car crash is whiplash. This occurs when your head and neck jerk forward and backward abruptly upon impact. Whiplash can cause pain, stiffness, headaches, and restricted movement in the neck area.
Other frequent injuries in car accident victims are:
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Neck and head injuries (including traumatic brain injury.
Also, according to Mayo Clinic, car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries across the US.
Common Symptoms Immediately After an Accident
After a car accident, your body goes into immediate shock. Adrenaline rushes through your veins, making it difficult to fully comprehend the situation. However, as the initial shock subsides, you will start to experience various symptoms.
One common symptom is pain or discomfort in different parts of your body. This can range from mild to severe, depending on the impact and the force of the collision. You may feel soreness in your neck and back due to whiplash or other spinal injuries. Headaches are also a frequent complaint after an accident.
Bruising and swelling are another set of symptoms that may appear immediately after a crash. These visible signs can indicate internal bleeding or soft tissue damage beneath the skin’s surface.
In addition to these, you may experience:
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light.
Pain and Symptoms Could Appear Days Later
Whiplash is a common example of an injury with delayed symptom onset. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, it may take several hours or several days for whiplash symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, and headaches to become apparent.
Other types of injuries that may show delayed symptoms include concussions, soft tissue injuries, and spinal cord damage. These injuries can have serious long-term consequences if left untreated.
This is why you must go to the hospital promptly after any car accident, regardless of whether you feel immediate pain or not. A delay in treatment could worsen your condition. It will also make it more difficult for your car accident lawyer to prove that the crash caused your injuries.
Delayed Onset Injuries Can Show Symptoms Weeks or Months Later
After a car accident, it’s not uncommon for some injuries to remain hidden until weeks, or even months later. These are known as delayed onset injuries. While you may feel fine immediately after the crash, it’s important to remember that your body can take time to fully manifest symptoms of injury.
One common delayed onset injury is soft tissue damage. This includes injuries to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues in the body. It’s not unusual for symptoms such as swelling, bruising, and limited mobility to emerge several days after an accident.
Some individuals may also experience psychological trauma following a car accident. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop over time as memories of the traumatic event resurface or trigger anxiety. Symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, and increased irritability may appear weeks or even months later.
It Is Crucial to Seek Medical Attention Immediately After the Crash
After a car accident, seeking medical attention should be your top priority. Even if you feel fine and have no visible injuries, it is crucial to get evaluated by a healthcare professional. As a car crash attorney knows, this is the best course of action both for your well-being and for your chances of recovering damages.
The first report prepared by an examining physician will start the chain of documents proving the cause of your injuries. This documentation will be vital when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action later on.
Don’t Wait to Call a Palm Springs Accident Lawyer!
Car accidents can cause significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. From immediate injuries to delayed onset symptoms, the aftermath of an accident can have long-lasting effects on your well-being. It is essential to take action promptly and seek medical attention immediately after a crash.
By working with a top accident law firm in Palm Springs you can navigate through complex legal processes with confidence. They will assess the details of your accident, gather necessary evidence, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and fight tirelessly to secure fair compensation for your damages.
Crockett Law Group has won millions of dollars for injured clients in California. Contact us at [phone] to schedule a free case review!
