Delayed Injuries from a Car Accident
and How to Manage Them
When you get into an accident, some injuries might manifest right at that moment while others appear later. The latter are known as delayed injuries and are quite common among car accident victims.
This is why it is always advised to visit the hospital after any type of accident, even when you feel fine. Experts always say that even if there’s no pain, it doesn’t mean that there are no injuries. Delayed injuries can cause severe internal bleeding, lifelong disabilities, and more serious health problems.
Here are some of the most common delayed injuries from car accidents and how to manage them for a favorable outcome.
Common Types of Delayed Injuries
Back Pain
The sudden jerk of the body that occurs during a car accident can cause soft tissue damage, back strain, a herniated disc, or spinal injuries, which can all result in delayed back pain.
The pain can begin subtly with a tender or sore back but advance later to consistent back pain that affects your ability to perform daily menial tasks.
PTSD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental condition that occurs after experiencing a traumatic event, including car accidents. This is among the delayed injuries likely to happen way later after a crash.
According to a medical study, over 50 million people in the world suffer road accident-related trauma annually and the number is rising. Some of the symptoms to watch out for include flashbacks, irritability, and panic attacks.
Headaches
Headaches are common delayed injuries among road accident survivors. In most cases, this signifies a more serious injury such as brain damage, blood clots, or concussions.
Other warning signs that may occur alongside a headache include dizziness, fatigue, and problems maintaining normal concentration.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain after a car accident can signify major problems. The most common cause is your abdominal area experiencing a blow such as being hit by a car part or even the excessive force from a safety belt during an accident.
You may also experience symptoms like nausea and vomiting, purplish skin around the area, and dizziness alongside abdominal pains.
How to Manage Delayed Injuries
Seek Medical Attention After an Accident
Always seek medical attention after an injury, whether you feel perfectly healthy or not. This is not only crucial for the lawsuit claim, but also for your wellbeing.
A doctor will assess your body after the accident and even determine the likelihood of a delayed injury occurring. They will also advise you on some of the symptoms of delayed injuries to watch out for and when to visit the hospital.
Report Symptoms of Delayed Injuries Immediately
Ensure that you report any signs of a delayed injury as soon as they occur. Waiting until the symptoms get worse will endanger your life because delayed injuries can manifest subtly but represent a bigger problem.
Document the Medical Bills and Doctor’s Report
Each time you visit a hospital due to injuries caused by a car accident, ensure that you obtain a doctor’s report, as well as the medical bills and other pertinent documents.
This is usually an important piece of evidence to present while seeking compensation from the negligent party’s insurance company because it proves the extent of your injuries.
Do Not File a Claim Yet
With an experienced car accident lawyer, you can sue the negligent party and seek compensation for your injuries and other damages. However, if your doctor has mentioned the probability of a delayed injury occurring, then it’s better to wait, as long as it does not affect your case’s statute of limitations.
Filing a claim before getting treatment for your delayed injuries might result in you receiving a compensation amount that does not cover all damages.