Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for victims of traffic accidents to not realize they have been injured at which point they need to contact a personal injury lawyer residents trust. This can occur to vehicle occupants, pedestrians, and bicyclists. This is especially true in accidents that seem like minor ones, where an individual doesn’t exhibit any obvious symptoms, such as a broken bone or bleeding that would indicate an injury.
This is why anyone who has been injured in a crash should seek medical attention even if they do not believe they have been injured. A doctor can often recognize injuries that do not have apparent symptoms yet and begin treatment to avoid the injury getting worse.
Delayed symptoms and diagnosis of an injury can also pose an issue for a victim when it comes to pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the party who is responsible for the accident that caused the injury. The longer it takes to have an injury diagnosed after the crash, the more likely it is that the insurance company for the other party will challenge the victim’s claim that the injury happened in the crash. The following are some of the common delayed symptoms a victim can suffer.
Back Pain
Any time a victim begins having back pain after a car accident, it could indicate that there may be a ligament, muscle, or nerve injury. It could also indicate that there has been damage done to the spine, such as a vertebra or disc.
Change in Personality or Physical Capability
If a person exhibits any changes in personality or abilities, such as impaired movement, memory, hearing or vision issues, or any strong personality changes, this could be a sign of some type of brain injury.
Headaches
There are several reasons why a victim may begin to have headaches after a crash, however, headaches can indicate a potentially fatal condition, such as a blood clot.
Numbness
If a crash victim experiences any numbness in their hands or arms, they should immediately get medical help since this could mean there has been an injury to the spinal cord or neck.
Pain or Swelling in the Abdominal Area
If the pain or swelling is also accompanied by dizziness, fainting, nausea, and dark purple bruising, this is a strong indicator that the victim could be suffering from internal bleeding. This type of injury can be fatal if it is not treated immediately.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Victims do not only suffer physical injuries but can also suffer from emotional injuries from a crash, as well. One of the most common, especially in a bad crash, is PTSD. Flashbacks and recurring memories of the crash can interfere with the victim’s ability to function in their daily life. Children are particularly susceptible to PTSD.
Whiplash
This type of injury is most common in rear-end crashes, even in crashes where the vehicles were traveling less than 15 mph. The snapping back and forth of the neck and head when the impact occurs can cause the ligaments and muscles to become injured. Whiplash injuries are often quite painful for the victim and require extensive physical therapy for healing.
Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm Today
If you have sustained injury in a crash caused by another driver, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. To learn more, call an experienced personal injury attorney.
