Dealing with the aftermath of a car crash is not an easy task. But fitting in a check-up with your physician should be one of the first steps you take after leaving the scene of the wreck.
Maybe an ambulance didn’t’ need to rush you to the emergency room, but that headache set on by the accident or sore neck could be signs of serious injuries. Understanding the signs of common delayed injuries could lead to a speedier recovery and getting the compensation you need to heal.
Signs of whiplash
According to Mayo Clinic, whiplash is a neck injury that happens with a quick and vigorous back-and-forth neck motion. Rear-end car crashes often cause whiplash. Some common symptoms include stiffness of the neck, limited neck motion, arm pain or numbness, headaches and dizziness.
You might experience some of these symptoms instantly or not until days later. So, after falling victim to a crash it’s important to not only see a doctor as soon as possible, but also keep notes on your physical well-being as you recoup from the accident.
Delayed physical and emotional pain
In addition to whiplash, there are other injuries that might take several days to develop as a result of the crash. These are some other physical symptoms and injuries to be aware of:
- Abdominal pain can be a result of internal bleeding
- In addition to whiplash, headaches can also signal a concussion or brain injury
- Back pain can indicate a herniated disc, soft-tissue injury or even a pinched nerve
Anxiety, depression or PTSD can also emerge due to a car accident. Maybe your depression sprouted from the isolation your accident-related chronic pain has caused you, or maybe since the accident you have constant anxiety that’s preventing you from getting behind the wheel. Either way, monitoring your mental health and getting a professional opinion is just as important as treating physical pain.
A personal injury attorney can help you recover the compensation you need to move forward.
