Delayed Car Accident Injuries: Causes, Treatment, And Compensation

delayed car accident injury It is normal for some injuries to show their symptoms hours or days after a car accident. Many people have walked away from car accidents seemingly unscathed. But this does not guarantee that they are free from any car accident injuries.

Some injuries may exhibit delayed symptoms days after the auto accident. It is important to seek medical attention immediately for a thorough examination to ensure that these injuries are detected and addressed immediately.

How Long After a Car Accident Can Injuries Appear?

Symptoms of car accident injuries can manifest themselves in seconds, hours, or even days after the crash. However, there are even delayed symptoms that show themselves weeks or months after the auto accident.

There is no fixed amount of time when car wreck victims will experience symptoms of auto accident injuries. A person involved in a car accident should proceed to the emergency room for proper medical diagnosis and treatment.

What Causes Delayed Injury After a Car Accident?

A motor vehicle accident is a traumatic event where the body may experience a huge number of endorphins and adrenaline. This masks the pain that the person should feel due to his injuries.

It is important to seek medical attention after a car crash, even if the person involved feels fine. Delayed injuries can be life-threatening if not detected as soon as possible and are left untreated. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding, also do not manifest their symptoms immediately after a car accident.

What Makes Auto Accident Injuries Serious?

Auto accident injuries can lead to body impairments that can affect the victim’s quality of life and ability to support himself. Some of the most serious car accident injuries include herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

Symptoms To Look For After An Auto Accident

Here are the symptoms that people involved in a car accident should be on the lookout for.

What Are The Common Delayed Symptoms After a Car Crash?

It is also important to know that a person involved in a car accident can experience delayed injury symptoms. Some of the common auto accident injury symptoms to watch out for include the following:

  • Headaches
  • Tingling or numbness
  • Speech and cognitive impairment
  • Neck Pain and stiffness
  • Shoulder and back pain
  • Abdominal pain or bloating
  • Anxiety and mood swings

Most Common Life-threatening And Serious Delayed Injuries

Here are some common injuries that often have delayed symptoms.

Whiplash

A sudden and forceful back-and-forth movement of the head can happen in a car accident, especially in rear-end collisions. This neck injury is commonly known as whiplash. Its symptoms include neck pain, shoulder pain, and headaches.

Concussion

When the brain hits the inside of the skull, it leads to a concussion. It is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention. Delaying treatment can be life-threatening. Also, concussions have no outward signs that there is an internal injury. Once its common symptoms are observed, the injury can only be confirmed by scans and tests.

Spine Injuries

The impact of a traumatic car accident can lead to a spinal injury. Spinal injuries can include nerve damage, herniated discs, or a soft tissue injury. It can also refer to a spinal cord misalignment, which can lead to pinched nerve pain, a tingling sensation, or a feeling of numbness. The resulting back pain can affect the victim’s range of motion, so it is necessary to seek medical attention once symptoms occur immediately.

Internal Bleeding

The impact and blunt trauma brought about by a car wreck can lead to internal injuries. While seatbelts are mainly designed to save lives, they deliver blunt force that can injure the victim’s lungs, kidneys, and other internal organs. Common symptoms of internal bleeding include abdominal pain, blood in stool or urine, leg weakness, and vomiting blood.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries, or concussions, are among the most serious auto accident injuries. Concussion symptoms include dizziness, headaches, light and sound sensitivities, blurred vision, and disorientation. Early diagnosis and medical care can help prevent the long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury.

Neck Pain And Neck Injury

One of the most common complaints or pains after a car accident that a victim might have is neck pain. Neck injury caused by whiplash depends on the severity of the car’s sudden impact.

Unlike other muscle strains, the pain brought by whiplash cannot be ignored. The victim may experience symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, stiff neck muscles, and muscle fatigue.

Blood Clots And Hematomas

When the head suffers a traumatic blow during a car wreck, it can lead to a blood clot and a hematoma. If left untreated, blood clots can cause permanent brain damage and, worse, death.

Certain injuries require immediate medical attention, and blood clots are one of them. In addition, these accident injuries can lead to life-long brain injuries if not detected early.

Internal Bleeding And Hemorrhagic Shock

Internal bleeding can lead to hemorrhagic shock. It refers to a condition where the body cannot deliver enough blood and oxygen to the organs and cells. With hemorrhagic shock, it is essential to stop the bleeding. Internal injuries, however, are not visible, and the victim may experience delayed pain and symptoms.

Numbness And Tingling

As common as they may seem, numbness and tingling should not be ignored, especially if the patient was involved in a car accident. They are symptoms that the patient may have incurred nerve damage and is experiencing pinched nerve pain. They are one of those delayed injuries that may take time to develop and show symptoms.

Back Pain And Back Injuries

A car accident can cause the back muscles and ligaments to stretch beyond their normal range. They can also be caused by whiplash and may have delayed symptoms, hours or even days after a traumatic event has occurred. Back injuries can include spinal cord injuries, lumbar sprains, disc herniation, and spinal cord stenosis.

Spinal Injuries

According to a study, the possibility of sustaining a spinal cord injury after a car accident is high. People who have spinal cord injuries experience debilitating and chronic pain. Common spine injuries include herniated discs, fractures, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis.

Delayed Neck Pain And Stiffness

One of the prevalent delayed injuries caused by a car accident is neck pain and stiffness. Neck injuries, such as whiplash, can result in a reduced range of motion, swelling, pain, and blurred vision. Neck pain can also be a symptom of a spinal injury. Seeking medical attention is a must so its cause can be diagnosed and treated immediately.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder | PTSD

Some car accident victims may experience non-physical injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Some victims may feel a wide range of emotions after being involved in car accidents, such as fear, anger, and anxiety. PTSD can be a delayed injury whose symptoms may show months or years after a traumatic event.

Soft Tissue Damage

Sadly, soft tissue damage is one of those injuries often overlooked by car accident victims. Types of soft tissue injuries include soft tissue sprains, strains, contusions, cerebral concussions, and MCL tears.

What Should I Do If I Experience Symptoms Of Delayed Injuries?

A victim should immediately visit the emergency room and seek medical attention once he shows symptoms of a delayed injury. Most delayed injuries, such as internal bleeding, may lead to more severe problems if left untreated.

How Long Do I Have To Claim Compensation For Delayed Injury?

The Statute of Limitations of Michigan states that the victim has three years to apply for a personal injury claim. However, the rule has certain exceptions, and an experienced personal injury lawyer can help establish the case.

Contact a Trusted Law Firm To Know Your Rights And Legal Options.

A reputable car accident lawyer can help you establish the link between a delayed injury and a car accident you were involved in. As soon as you experience delayed injury symptoms, seek legal advice so you can recover the compensation that you rightfully deserve.

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