What to Expect Physically After a Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident is a traumatic experience that can leave lasting physical effects. While some injuries are immediately apparent, others may take hours or days to surface. Understanding the types of injuries you may experience and how to handle them is crucial for both your health and your legal rights.
Immediate Physical Symptoms After an Accident
Some injuries are obvious right after an accident, including:
1. Broken Bones
- Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, and bruising around the injury site.
- Causes: The force of impact during a crash can fracture bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs.
2. Soft Tissue Injuries
- Symptoms: Sprains, strains, or tears in muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Causes: Rapid movement or impact during a collision places stress on the soft tissues, leading to injuries like whiplash.
3. Spinal Cord Injuries
- Symptoms: Back or neck pain, immobility, or paralysis in severe cases.
- Causes: Trauma to the back or neck during a collision can damage the spinal cord.
4. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, or loss of consciousness.
- Causes: Blows to the head or rapid deceleration during a crash can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull.
Delayed Physical Symptoms to Watch For
Some injuries take time to manifest due to the body’s natural release of adrenaline after an accident.
1. Abdominal Pain
- Potential Cause: Internal bleeding.
- Symptoms: Deep bruising, headaches, and dizziness.
2. Back Pain
- Potential Cause: Whiplash, herniated discs, or pinched nerves.
- Symptoms: Lower back pain, numbness, or tingling.
3. Headaches
- Potential Cause: Concussions, brain injuries, or blood clots.
- Symptoms: Persistent or severe headaches that worsen over time.
4. Numbness or Tingling
- Potential Cause: Herniated discs pressing on spinal nerves.
- Symptoms: Sensations of weakness, numbness, or tingling in the limbs.
5. Neck and Shoulder Pain
- Potential Cause: Whiplash or spinal injuries.
- Symptoms: Stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion.
What to Do If You Experience Pain After a Car Accident
1. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, visit a doctor for a thorough evaluation. Delayed injuries can worsen without proper care.
2. Document Your Injuries
Keep records of your medical visits, treatments, and bills. This documentation will serve as critical evidence if you file a claim.
3. Avoid Signing a Release of Liability
Do not sign any documents from an insurance company until you’ve fully understood the extent of your injuries. Signing too early can prevent you from seeking additional compensation for delayed symptoms.
Protecting Your Legal Rights
Hiring an experienced car accident attorney can help you:
- Navigate the complexities of dealing with insurance companies.
- Document your injuries and losses accurately.
- Pursue fair compensation for your current and future medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Contact LA Law Group Today
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, the attorneys at LA Law Group are here to help. Our experienced legal team understands the challenges of dealing with delayed injuries and will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations to review your case, answer your questions, and discuss your legal options. Whether or not you decide to work with us, you’ll leave with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.
Contact LA Law Group today to schedule your consultation and let us help you move forward.
