After you’ve been involved in a car accident you may believe that you don’t have any injuries because there are no apparent injuries and you otherwise have no symptoms of injury. However, what you may not realize is that presentation of your injuries may just be delayed. Sometimes you may not feel any symptoms for a few days or even a couple of weeks. Although some of these symptoms may not be a big deal, the following are some symptoms that may indicate that you have a much more serious injury.
Abdominal Pain
While pain in your abdomen or torso may very well be nothing, sometimes it can indicate a life-threatening internal injury. Should you experience any pain of this type, it’s imperative that you seek medical attention right away.
Back Pain
Another common delayed symptom is back pain. Although it can be a result of whiplash, which is extremely common, sometimes it could be something more serious in nature such as a herniated disc. Also, be aware of any numbness (or tingling) in your back which may be due to a pinched nerve.
Numbness
Numbness, which can be indicative of a pinched nerve from whiplash, may also be associated with the spinal column. For this reason, it’s important to pay attention as to whether you experience any lack of sensation or any tingling in your arms and/or hands.
Neck & Shoulder Pain
Whiplash, which occurs upon impact, also often results in some bad neck and shoulder pain. If you experience any stiffness though, it can indicate a much more serious injury, such as a spinal injury.
Headaches
Perhaps the most common symptom after a car accident is a headache. Most headaches are harmless and will go away on their own in a relatively short period of time. However, sometimes they can be much more serious, indicating a brain injury or a blood clot. Headaches are extremely common after you have been involved in a car accident.
Behavioral Changes
Motor vehicle crashes are one of the top three most common causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Newly emerging issues with your vision, hearing, memory, or feelings of depression can indicate that you’ve experienced a TBI. Since changes in personality can also signify a TBI, it’s important that you ask others close to you to pay attention to whether your personality significantly changes.
PTSD
When we think about symptoms post-auto accident, we often think of severe physical injuries. However, one of the most invasive that can occur is a mental disorder called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Although this mental disorder may not seem too significant at first, PTSD commonly worsens over time if not treated. It can significantly impact your life so it is important to talk to your doctor to obtain the right course of treatment.
When in Doubt, Seek Medical Attention
Even minor pain post-car accident can be an indicator of a more significant injury. That’s why it’s best to seek immediate medical treatment if you experience any new symptoms after being involved in a car accident.
The Personal Injury Attorneys at Miller & Tischler, P.C. Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you should not have to pay for someone else’s mistakes. Injuries from crashes can be quite severe, often leading to chronic pain and long-lasting issues.
The Michigan car accident attorneys at Miller & Tischler, P.C. can help you to fight for the compensation that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!