What are Common Delayed Injuries After a Car Crash?

Although some car accident injuries, such as broken bones, are immediately apparent after a crash, that is not always the case. One of the biggest mistakes after any accident is assuming that because you do not feel pain or notice any injuries, that you have not been hurt. This is often not the case. There are many car accident injuries that do not present symptoms right away and if you do not seek immediate medical attention, it can hurt any future claim you file. Below, our Tampa car accident attorney explains more about delayed injuries.
Why are Some Injuries Delayed After a Crash?
There are two main reasons certain injuries do not exhibit symptoms right away after a crash. These include:
- Adrenaline: Adrenaline is part of the body’s natural defense system, as it helps the body quickly react to a threat. After an accident, adrenaline will flood your system, which can greatly mask pain. It is only after the adrenaline fades away that you may start to feel pain, and this could be hours or days later.
- Inflammation does not happen right away: Injuries such as spinal damage and soft tissue tears can become inflamed but it takes time. An injury that feels like a mild discomfort at first can quickly become a severe injury if it is not treated right away.
What Delayed Injuries are Common After a Crash?
There are many different types of injuries that do not show symptoms right away after a car accident. Some of the most common are as follows:
- Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the neck snaps back and forth in rapid succession, like a whip. When it does, it strains the ligaments and muscles in the neck. Common symptoms that may not appear until days later are headaches and pain and stiffness in the neck.
- Concussions: Concussions are caused by a direct blow to the head, which causes the brain to violently shake in the skull. Dizziness, headaches, memory issues, and confusion are common symptoms that may not appear for hours or days afterward.
- Spinal injuries: The impact of a crash can trigger misalignment in the spine and discs can become herniated. Escalating back pain, tingling, and numbness are common symptoms after a car accident.
- Soft tissue damage: Ligaments, tendons, and muscles can gradually become inflamed after a car accident, resulting in serious injuries. Bruising, swelling, and pain that becomes worse over time are very common symptoms.
Our Car Accident Attorney in Tampa Can Help After Injury
Delayed injuries can give you a false sense of security after a car accident and make you believe you are fine when you are not. This is one reason it is so critical to seek medical attention after any crash. After seeing a medical professional, call our Tampa car accident attorney at Moore Law. Our experienced attorney can advise on the next steps to take and help you through the claims process so you obtain the maximum damages you are entitled to. Call us now at 813-510-5400 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.
Source:
webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-to-know-adrenaline-rush