Car Accident Lawyer
Some people believe that walking away from a car accident without signs of a physical injury means they are alright. However, several traumas can present days or weeks after the initial impact. The body is strange and wonderful in that it can disguise pain to preserve survival, which is why you always need to get checked out after an accident. If you don’t, at least pay attention to the six sneaky injuries with delayed symptoms.
1. Neck Pain
Neck pain often appears after a collision and it can take days to present. The common term is “whiplash,” and it can affect the neck and shoulders, causing stiffness and soreness. Depending on the severity of the injury, a doctor may recommend wearing a neck brace for a period to restrict movement and further damage.
2. Back Pain
Following an accident, you may believe that you are fine, and your movements may not feel restricted. However, within several hours or days, you may suddenly find it difficult to bend and twist because of back pain. The force of the crash can lead to odd positions and impacts, which result in back muscle strain and potential spinal injuries.
3. Abdominal Pain
Your abdomen is one of the most vulnerable parts of your body during an accident. The airbag, steering wheel position, and your seatbelt all serve as tension and impact points, leading to extensive bruising, bleeding, and swelling, which may not appear right away.
4. Headaches
Your head is a significant concern, and it is especially vulnerable during collisions. Do you position your seatbelt correctly? Is your seat back far enough from the steering wheel? Does your car have side window airbags? An accident is a concussive experience, and without proper positioning and protection, you risk severe head trauma, and headaches are a common sign of such injury.
5. Numbness
Depending on how your body reacted during the accident, you may have a pinched nerve. When an injury compresses a nerve, it can lead to numbness in your arms, hands, legs or other areas of the body. This injury may take time to present because of swelling.
6. Psychological Trauma
Brain injuries or shock can also lead to psychological trauma. If you are experiencing nightmares or violent mood swings, go to a doctor immediately.
While not all these injuries are common, they can result from a car accident. If your collision resulted in financial and physical difficulties, contact a local car accident lawyer, like a car accident lawyer in MD.
Thanks to The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. for their insight into some of the most common car accident injuries that might have delayed symptoms.