Delayed Car Crash Symptoms That May Mean a More Serious Injury

Posted on behalf of RizkLaw on Mar 23, 2021 in Auto Accident

After a car crash, most people experience shock and a rush of adrenaline. Unfortunately, this can mask pain, and without any visible injury, an accident victim may decide to skip any type of medical treatment. This decision could be a serious or even fatal mistake.

Learn more about the signs and symptoms to watch for after a car crash and why you should always seek medical care immediately after an accident.

Were you injured by a negligent or reckless driver?

Call Rizk Law today for a free case review. You may be eligible to pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses.

What Accident Victims May Commonly Experience After a Car Crash

Once the initial shock wears off, accident victims may feel some general aches and pains. This does not necessarily mean you have a serious injury. However, the opposite is also true. You may still be hurt even if you cannot see a wound or feel pain right away.

In the beginning, you may experience some emotional upset. As the days go by, most people begin to feel more normal again. However, the fear of getting behind the wheel of a car and driving may last a bit longer. This is something you can discuss with your doctor if it continues beyond a few days.

Symptoms That May Mean a More Serious Injury

More than just general muscle soreness, these signs could indicate a serious medical condition.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Abdominal Pain Could Signal Internal Bleeding or Other Injuries

With or without bruising in the abdominal area, nausea, pain or dizziness could indicate internal organ damage, internal bleeding or other serious injuries.

These symptoms could be life-threatening if not treated immediately.

Headache – Ongoing and Accompanied by Nausea – Could Mean a Serious Head Injury

Severe head pain that does not go away could be a sign of a serious head or neck injury – such as a brain injury or blood clot.

Never ignore a head injury of any kind. Delaying medical care can mean the difference between permanent or fatal damage and preventing long-term problems.

Changes in Mood, Function or Personality Could Indicate a Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be mild to severe. Accident victims who become unusually moody, irritable, sleep excessively, suffer memory loss and cannot concentrate may have suffered a TBI.

Neck and Shoulder Pain Could Indicate a Spinal Injury or Whiplash

Many people may believe whiplash is only a minor injury, however, that is not always the case. Whiplash injuries can be severe – what you think is only a neck injury may turn out to be a spinal cord injury.

Back Pain

The back often gets injured in car crashes, and some of the first symptoms you may experience, besides pain, are numbness or tingling. Sometimes these sensations can travel down one or more legs. These symptoms could indicate a serious back or spinal injury, such as a sprained back or herniated disc.

Tingling and Numbness

Numbness and tingling in your legs, arms or hands after an accident may indicate you suffered a head, neck or back injury. To find the root cause, you will need to have an MRI or other diagnostic test.

Excessive Tiredness and Sleeping

Some accident victims suffer from severe anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder after an accident, especially if they also suffered a severe or life-altering physical injury.

Why You Should Seek Medical Care After a Car Crash

Waiting to see a doctor until these symptoms occur is not ideal for two reasons:

You Need to Put Your Health First

Seeking immediate medical care may sometimes mean the difference between life and death. For others, it may help them achieve a better, faster recovery.

To help your doctor better understand how you may be hurt, be clear about:

• How the accident happened
• What part of your body struck an object or felt impact when you crashed
• Any out-of-the-ordinary symptoms you have experienced since the accident

Your doctor did not see the accident, so providing this information helps him or her to be able to make a more accurate diagnosis.

Protecting Your Claim

If you do not get medical care after an accident, there will be no record of your injuries on the day of the car crash. Even if you go later, you have now provided the insurance company, and the at-fault driver, with a loophole. With no medical record to link your injuries to the accident, the other side can argue:

• You could have been hurt somewhere else
• Your injuries are not as serious as you claim

The result of this situation is often an outright claim denial or an extreme reduction in the amount of compensation the insurance company offers for your damages.

Our Law Firm is Ready to Help

At Rizk Law, we are prepared to help accident victims in Oregon who were injured because of the careless or negligent actions of another driver.

Learn if you may have a case and get the advantage of years of experience and a dedicated legal team. Our knowledgeable car accident lawyers in Portland are ready to fight for a maximum recovery on your behalf.

A free case review carries no obligation to hire our firm. If we represent you, there are no upfront costs or fees to pay. We do not get paid unless you do.