Why You Need to Watch Out for Delayed Symptoms After a Car Wreck
If you wake up one morning and experience some significant bodily pain, you may be wondering what has happened. You may have been involved in a car accident a few weeks ago and wonder whether it's got anything to do with that. You might not have experienced any symptoms at the time, but you should know that delays can occur. What should you be aware of?
Delayed Reaction
It's not uncommon for a range of symptoms to appear days or even weeks after a fairly innocuous car accident. Here are some of the possible problem areas:
Whiplash
Any pain in the area of your shoulders or neck could be a result of whiplash. Some people experience this right away, immediately after the moment of impact, but others may not encounter it for days. You may wake up in the morning and the area around your shoulders and neck will be very stiff or painful to the touch. At this stage, you need to schedule some X-rays so that you can diagnose what's going on. In the worst-case scenario, this could involve some disc issues or spinal impact.
Deceleration
Headaches are not something to be ignored, especially if you have had a recent car accident. You don't have to have incurred a head injury to get headaches as a consequence. Deceleration injuries could account for some internal damage and you should get this checked out promptly. These deceleration injuries can cause internal problems that go unnoticed. If you've got stomach pain, this could indicate swelling. If you notice bruising, then there is a chance that you have some internal bleeding.
Back Injuries
The back is a very complicated structure and is often affected during a rear or side impact car accident. You may experience some issues associated with the maze of complex ligaments and muscles in this area.
Emotional Trauma
How traumatic was the accident itself? While you may not have experienced any physical injuries whatsoever, you should know that many accident victims can go through post-traumatic stress disorder. These emotional symptoms should not be swept under the carpet, but you should talk with your doctor or counsellor to reveal the extent of the problem.
Don't Overlook This
If you subsequently find that you do indeed have injuries associated with the accident, no matter if it is a little way in the past, you can still investigate your options. Talk with a motor vehicle accident lawyer to determine how much compensation you can pursue as a result of your experience.