What Are Some Delayed Injury Signs That I Should Be Aware of Following a Car Accident?

Not all car accident injuries are apparent right away. Many people make the mistake of refusing to seek medical attention immediately after a rear-end collision, simply because they feel fine or do not see any physical evidence of injury. Though it may seem inconsequential, neglecting to pursue medical attention following a rear-end car accident is a potentially dangerous mistake to make. Injuries can go unnoticed and worsen over time without you ever knowing that your medical condition has been compromised. To protect yourself against a worsening physical condition, the Dallas rear-end car accident lawyers at Reyes Law have provided a complete guide on what your first steps should be as well as several important delayed injury symptoms to be aware of after your rear-end collision. If you are experiencing or have experienced any injuries (whether major or minor), it is very important for you to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

When you have been involved in a car accident, many physiological changes occur within your body as a consequence of the fight-or-flight response. There are high concentrations of adrenaline running through your body, so you may be unaware of aches and pains until several hours, even days, later. Additionally, certain injuries, such as concussions or non-physical injuries like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can take several days or weeks to manifest. Others are specific to specific movements that may trigger a nerve or muscle in a way you had not experienced before. In any case, you must monitor your condition closely following an incident. 

If your doctor did not alert you to any medical concerns immediately after the collision, you must still monitor your condition by looking for the following symptoms:

• Headaches. This could be a symptom of whiplash, a neck, spine, or brain injury, or it may only be stress-related. Pay close attention to the site and intensity of the headache, as this may clue you into the possible cause. (Headaches could also be indicative of PTSD.)
• Neck or shoulder pain. This is most often attributed to whiplash (a very general term for a wide variety of injuries caused by a sudden jerking of the head). This symptom may also be a sign of a spinal injury. 
• Back pain. This is another symptom that may be related to whiplash, or a herniated disc, sprain, or similar soft-tissue injuries. If you experience this along with tingling or numbness, it may be a sign of pinched nerves. 
• Abdominal pain. Soft tissue injuries are nothing to take lightly. This type of pain could be indicative of such injuries or even internal bleeding. Seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing this pain, especially if it is combined with headaches, extensive bruising, or dizziness. 

Health Concerns to Be Aware of After a Car Accident

Remember that not all delayed injuries will be physical in nature. If you are experiencing emotional or psychological trauma, such as extreme anxiety when in or near a vehicle, you may be experiencing symptoms of PTSD. Such conditions may begin to affect your daily life and ability to safely operate a vehicle, so you must seek psychiatric attention as soon as possible. When monitoring your condition following a car accident, keep all of these details in mind to ensure you receive the most appropriate care and to protect yourself from any worsening symptoms.