5 Common Late-Appearing Car Accident Injuries & Their Implications
When someone is involved in a car crash, their brain floods their body with adrenaline as a coping mechanism to deal with shock. The effects of this adrenaline can last for hours or even days after an accident occurs, masking the pain associated with many common car accident injuries. Here are five common car accident injuries that are often diagnosed days after a crash:
Whiplash. Whiplash is a very common soft-tissue injury that occurs upon impact when your head is suddenly and violently jerked back-and-forth. Whiplash injuries that go undiagnosed and untreated can have neck and shoulder pain that continues to worsen, creating severe discomfort and loss of mobility. Physical therapy and prescription medication is often required for a whiplash injury to heal.
Concussion. Sometimes the impact of a collision can jolt your body and cause you to violently hit your head on something. This can cause you to suffer a concussion, a dangerous brain injury that may not display symptoms immediately. Some of the late-appearing symptoms of a concussion are trouble concentrating, clouded thoughts, blurred vision, headaches, nausea, and loss of energy. If you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident, it is important to seek medical help immediately.
Back Pain. Late-appearing back pain is common after a car accident. Back pain is an indication of many different back injuries, such as damages to vertebrae, muscles, and nerves. Early signs of a back injury are stiffness and poor range of motion. Back pain follows later and may become severe. Back pain that is left untreated can worsen steadily and alter your ability to complete your everyday activities.
Abdominal Pain. Abdominal pain and swelling after a car accident can be a sign of internal bleeding. Deep bruising and purplish skin, headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting are other signs. Internal bleeding left untreated can be life-threatening. It is important to seek medical attention right away if any of you appear to have any of these symptoms after a crash.
Numbness. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in limbs can be a sign of a herniated disk. A herniated disk can press on spinal nerves and causes symptoms that affect not only the area of injury but the limbs as well. A herniated disk will continue to worsen without treatment. Early physical therapy treatment may be able to prevent you from having to undergo surgery in the future.
It is important to seek medical attention immediately following a car crash to diagnose these injuries and begin critical medical treatment right away. Document your treatment and do not accept a settlement too quickly as late-appearing injuries can have ongoing and mounting medical expenses. A Milwaukee car accident lawyer can help you build a case to ensure that you receive the financial compensation you need to pay for your recovery.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident in the state of Wisconsin, particularly in the city of Milwaukee, the experienced legal team at Urban & Taylor, S.C. can help. Contact us today for a free, zero-obligation consultation of your case.
