Am I Really Hurt from That Car Accident?

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Injury Lawyer for Chain Reaction Multiple Vehicle Crash on I-90

Have you been involved in a car accident? Are you beginning to suffer symptoms that you cannot explain? Even though the accident occurred a few days or weeks ago, could these symptoms be associated with the car crash?

These are just some of the questions that people ask themselves when they begin experiencing delayed symptoms after a car accident. While many injuries from a traffic accident are immediately known, some injuries may have delayed symptoms that are not recognized for several days or weeks after the accident. Below are three common car accident injuries that might not be immediately known after the crash.

Concussions

Some head injuries can be difficult to diagnose. Closed head injuries typically do not result in any outward signs of trauma, but they can result in the brain being violently slammed against the skull causing damage to the delicate brain tissue. A concussion or other closed head injury can be very serious and result in long-term complications and conditions. You should never ignore symptoms of a concussion or other head injury after an accident, even if those symptoms do not appear immediately after the crash.

Some common signs of a concussion include:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Dizziness or difficulty with balance
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Problems with sleep
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Irritability or mood swings
  • Confusion or memory loss
  • Headaches

It is always best to be seen by a doctor if you suspect that you could have suffered any type of head trauma during an accident.

Whiplash

Whiplash is another common injury in traffic accidents that can be overlooked because the symptoms may not appear for several hours or days after the crash. While some cases of whiplash heal with rest and time, that is not always the case. Whiplash can cause chronic pain and severely limit your ability to work or perform daily tasks. Signs of whiplash should not be ignored, and you should see a doctor to determine the severity of your injury.

Common symptoms of whiplash include:

  • Pain or tenderness in the neck, shoulders, and back
  • Tingling in the arms or hands
  • Limited range of motion, especially when trying to turn your head to look over your shoulder
  • Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
  • Dizziness and nausea
  • Problems sleeping
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue

Insurance companies tend to fight whiplash claims because they can be difficult to prove since the injury is a soft tissue injury. It is best to be seen by a doctor so that you can document your injury for your accident claim.

Emotional Trauma

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is another injury that can be overlooked after a car accident because the symptoms could take weeks or months to develop. However, emotional trauma after a car accident can be extremely debilitating and have long-term consequences. Being involved in a traffic accident, even a minor crash, can be terrifying and extremely traumatic. If you experience any signs of PTSD, you need to contact a medical professional immediately.

Signs of PTSD include:

  • Nightmares or night terrors
  • Problems sleeping
  • Avoiding the area where the accident occurred
  • Difficulty getting into or riding in a vehicle
  • Panic attacks
  • Mood swings and depression
  • Flashbacks

Get Help with Your Accident Claim

After seeking medical treatment, you need to seek legal counsel regarding your accident claim. You might be entitled to recover compensation from the other driver who caused the crash.

Get answers to your questions and learn about your legal rights from an Erie car accident attorney for free. Contact The Travis Law Firm toll-free at (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free legal consultation with one of our attorneys.