Can Injury Symptoms Be Delayed After a Motor Vehicle Accident?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) figures show that an estimated two million people in the US are injured in car accidents each year. In many cases, any serious injuries you suffer during a car accident will be apparent soon after the crash. You would likely notice broken bones, burns and lacerations right away. Some injuries may not be noticeable until hours, days or weeks after your accident. Delayed injuries after a car accident could still have extremely negative effects on your health. Five common delayed injuries after a car accident include:

1. Whiplash injury: The impact force from a car accident could cause you to suffer a whiplash injury, a nickname for a type of musculoskeletal injury after a car accident. According to the Mayo Clinic, you may feel pain and stiffness in your neck. You could also experience shoulder, upper back and arm pain.
2. Post-concussive effects: Concussions are very common after a car accident. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists dizziness, confusion, vomiting, memory loss, balance problems, drowsiness and headaches as possible concussion symptoms. Anxiety, problems concentrating, depression, irritability and insomnia could linger for weeks or months. Post-concussive syndrome is where dizziness or other symptoms linger for weeks or months.
3. Internal bleeding: Symptoms of internal bleeding may go unnoticed after a car accident. Abdominal pain, dizziness or headaches might be symptoms of internal bleeding. Any type of internal bleeding is a life-threatening emergency. Bleeding between the skull and brain could cause swelling, which may lead to death or permanent disability.
4. Spinal injury: Tingling, pain or a loss of sensation in the limbs could be symptoms of a spinal injury, such as a herniated disc. You could also suffer from a bulging disc after a car accident. These injuries can compress the nerves in the spinal cord.
5. PTSD: The Department of Veterans Affairs claims that an estimated 9 percent of motor vehicle accident survivors among the general population develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a debilitating mental health condition that may cause flashbacks, depression, panic attacks, irritability and nightmares.

Texas Personal Injury Lawyers Explain What to Do After a Car Accident

You may not realize the extent of your injuries after a motor vehicle accident. It is crucial to seek medical attention right away. If you are injured, any medical services you receive could help establish the extent of your injuries. Your medical records could be very useful for settlement negotiations, or even a lawsuit if it becomes necessary.The Texas personal injury lawyers at Mike Love & Associates, LLC could discuss your possible legal options for recovering compensation after a car accident.