Some injuries sustained in car accidents may present delayed symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, mood changes, stomach issues, and sleep issues. After a car accident, you must pay attention to each symptom you experience. Keep in mind that even minor symptoms can be indications of a severe injury. A car accident attorney can help you seek medical care and build your personal injury case as you heal.
Reasons Symptoms are Delayed
The following are reasons you may not experience symptoms right after a car accident:
- Shock. This can happen when you sustain an injury in a car crash. Shock can cause confusion, which may stop you from recognizing the symptoms of an injury.
- General soreness. Your body can experience general soreness due to the force it endured during a car accident. This soreness may obscure severe injury symptoms.
- Adrenaline rush. During a car crash, you can experience an adrenaline rush, which masks injury symptoms. The adrenaline rush will significantly increase the pain threshold of your body. It can last just a few hours or until the next day.
After a car accident, you must seek immediate medical attention even if you do not feel any pain or other symptoms. You must prioritize your health and safety. You may have delayed symptoms that can indicate a serious or life-threatening injury. Also, your visit to the doctor will allow for the documentation of your injuries, which is necessary to prove the existence and extent of your injuries when you make a claim.
Car Accident Injuries That May Lead to Delayed Symptoms
Here are injuries you may sustain in a car accident that can present delayed symptoms:
- Traumatic brain injuries or TBIs. Usually, TBIs like concussions have delayed symptoms. These symptoms can appear several days following an accident. Once post-concussive symptoms appear, they can last months. Delayed symptoms of TBIs include vision changes, headaches, ringing in the ears, sleep issues, memory issues, and anxiety. Ignoring these symptoms is hard. Without proper care, TBIs can lead to permanent symptoms.
- Internal bleeding. This injury can cause symptoms such as unconsciousness, weakness, serious vision changes, chest pain, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. These symptoms require immediate medical attention. While can’t see blood loss happening, you can feel it.
- Organ injuries. The impact of a car accident can cause injuries to your heart, liver, kidneys, and stomach. Delayed symptoms of these injuries include health abnormalities. When you notice such abnormalities, seek medical attention right away.