Car accidents are terrifying to experience, and a lot of people are just grateful that they can “walk away” from the wreck without any obvious injuries.
Unfortunately, their relative good luck may just be an illusion. Because adrenaline and endorphins can mask some injuries and others don’t become apparent until the body’s inflammatory response kicks in, it’s not unusual for accident victims to experience delayed symptoms.
Some of those symptoms can point to serious injuries
It’s always wisest to seek immediate medical treatment after a wreck, even if you think you’re okay. Whether you got checked out by a doctor or not, however, you want to make sure that you’re on the alert for the following:
- Low back pain: When a wreck happens, you can be thrown forward and pulled back to your seat with considerable force. That can lead to herniated discs in your back that only become apparent after the swelling in that area gets going.
- Neck pain: A sore, stiff neck and the inability to move or turn your head comfortably can indicate whiplash. It’s important to remember that whiplash can indicate a serious injury to the bones in your neck.
- Headaches: Don’t be too quick to dismiss a headache after the wreck as a stress response. You could be experiencing the early signs of bleeding in your brain, which is always serious.
- Numbness or tingling: Weakness in your feet and legs or anywhere in your limbs could indicate nerve damage somewhere in your spinal column. Prompt treatment may be required to keep the condition from progressing to paralysis.
- Abdominal pain: Seat belts do a good job of restraining drivers and passengers in a wreck, but they can sometimes cause internal injuries. Abdominal pain and nausea can easily be a sign of internal bleeding.
You shouldn’t have to bear the burden of another driver’s mistakes. If you were hurt in a wreck that someone else caused, seeking legal guidance can help you obtain fair compensation.