Minor car accidents are often overlooked if there are no injuries that are immediately apparent. However, even accidents that seem minor can have delayed effects. There are many times when people get into fender benders or even more serious car wrecks and may feel physically and mentally healthy. The reality is, just because you aren’t experiencing any immediate pain, that doesn’t mean that you won’t in the future. People who are involved in car crashes should take special care in monitoring their physical health over the next few weeks. Below are a few things you should watch out for after an automotive accident.
Experiencing Delayed Injuries
Delayed injuries can appear anywhere from several hours to a few weeks later. Watch out for the following symptoms. Many people who have been in auto accidents may eventually experience some of the following symptoms:
- Pain and discomfort in back or neck
- A numbing or tingling sensation, especially in arms and legs
- Behavioral changes
- Onset of fatigue
- Changing of sleep patterns
- Frequent headaches
If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek medical assistance as soon as possible. While this may seem minor to you, it could be something much more severe. Remember, auto accidents can be traumatic. The release of endorphins and adrenaline can cover feelings of immediate pain. This is why the reaction is often delayed.
Research Common Injuries
Identifying what kind of injuries you have sustained can help lead to a quicker recovery. Be mindful of any symptoms, and do plenty of research. Learning some of the common injuries associated with automotive accidents can help point you in the right direction.
For example, whiplash is among the most common of auto accident-related injuries. This occurs when the tendons and vertebrae in the head and neck jerk violently upon impact. Sufferers often feel pain and stiffness in neck and shoulders. They can also have headaches. Even minor accidents can cause whiplash, so make sure that you are examined by a medical professional following your accident. Below are a few other injuries that accident victims should be aware of:
- Concussion – When the brain is jostled around in the skull, it is considered a concussion. This sudden movement can affect the brain cells. Concussions can be serious. They can cause memory loss, nausea, headaches, fatigue, and dizziness, and much more.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – This can include strains and contusions when soft tissue is stretched. There can be pain, swelling, and loss of motion.
- Slipped or Herniated Disc – Often referred to as a slipped disc, this is a painful spinal injury. When spinal disc fluid presses against the outer ring, it causes pain in the nerve root. This can cause severe numbness and tingling in your lower extremities.
- Spinal Injury – A lot of trauma can happen to the vertebrae and discs of the spine. The sufferer can have stiffness, pain, numbness, and severe muscle spasms.
Taking Legal Action
While it is true that many auto accident victims may not notice their injuries immediately, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Be sure to contact an automobile accident lawyer as soon as you can safely do so. Although injuries can take time to be apparent, the statute of limitations only allows you to take legal action within a specific timeframe. If you wait too long to seek legal help, you may not be able to get the financial support that you deserve. It’s always best to talk to a lawyer sooner rather than later. Experienced lawyers understand exactly what steps must be taken following an auto accident, be sure to rely on their directions so your case can be handled quickly and efficiently.
If you are involved in a car crash, get to a hospital as soon as possible. You should also hire an attorney to help you understand your rights and how to proceed.
This article is from Brooke Chaplan, a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
