Many car accident victims experience pain. Surprisingly for many, they may not begin to feel car accident aftereffects for days or weeks. Delayed injury and delayed symptoms after a car accident are frequent. Adrenaline and shock can mask a crash injury. Moreover, inflammation and stiffness may not occur for days after.
Injuries after a car accident can take weeks or months to heal, and in severe cases, can cause life-altering pain and disability. If you were injured in a car wreck, a Philadelphia car accident lawyer can help you with your injury claim.
Immediate Physical Symptoms After a Car Accident
Accident pain can be immediate, with symptoms being felt as soon as the crash occurs. The day after a car accident, pain is also frequently reported by crash victims. Car crash pain can be a minor inconvenience or a serious ordeal that makes participation in daily activities impossible.
Some common side effects of a car crash include:
Whiplash and Neck Pain
Whiplash results from sudden acceleration or deceleration. This can cause the head to snap backward and forward, or side-to-side, resulting in injury to the neck and back. Even in low-impact car accidents crash victims may suffer from whiplash.
Symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Low back pain
- Headaches
- Numbness
- Concentration Issues
Shoulder pain, also known as referred pain or impingement syndrome, may also result from whiplash.
Headaches and Concussions
A concussion is a mild brain injury caused when the brain moves inside the skull. A jolt or blunt force trauma to the head can lead to concussions.
Symptoms can be mild or severe including:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Memory Loss
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Mood Changes
- Sleeping Problems
Headaches, in general, are one of the most common car crash side-effects and can have various causes. They are also one of the warning signs after a car accident of a more serious injury. Seeking medical attention to rule out a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is vital to your well-being.
Cuts, Bruises, and Lacerations
Cuts, bruises, and lacerations are some of the most immediately observable accident symptoms. The severity of these injuries can range from minor to severe. Stitches may be necessary for deep lacerations and pain from serious bruising can make daily activity difficult.
Failing to report a car accident, even if you don’t think you’ve been injured, can cause challenges with your injury claim. Therefore, it’s crucial to make a report whenever an incident occurs.
Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents
The aftermath of a car crash often involves physical injuries. Depending on the severity of your car wreck injury, the resulting pain and disability can be a life-long challenge.
Some common car accident injuries include:
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
A back and spinal injury can be debilitating. Besides pain, victims may experience tingling, reduced range of motion, muscle spasms, and paralysis. Those suffering from spinal injuries may also have challenges controlling bodily functions.
Types of back and spinal cord injuries include:
- Herniated Discs
- Cervical Spine Injuries
- Lumbar Spine Injuries
- Nerve Damage
Broken Bones and Fractures
Fractures are breaks in the bones. There are various types of fractures including hairline cracks in the bone or compound fractures that displace the bone causing it to pierce the skin. Some breaks may require surgery to repair and lead to months of physical or occupational therapy to rehabilitate.
Commonly broken bones in a car crash include:
- Clavicle
- Radius
- Ulna
- Fibula
- Tibia
- Ribs
- Nose
- Skull
Internal Injuries and Bleeding
Internal injuries like bleeding and organ damage can be serious, requiring immediate medical attention. Depending on their severity, surgery and other medical interventions may be necessary to repair the damage and stop any bleeding.
Common areas that are susceptible to internal bleeding include:
- Abdomen
- Pelvis
- Chest
- Head
Seat Belt syndrome and airbag injuries are frequently the cause of internal injuries.
Soft Tissue Damage
A soft tissue injury is any damage that occurs to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Those suffering from soft tissue damage may have delayed symptoms including pain, swelling, and bruising at the injury site. It can also cause muscle tension, joint problems, and other range of motion issues.
Examples of soft tissue injuries include:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Bruises
- Whiplash
The amount of compensation you are entitled to after these injuries happen will be determined by car accident damage and may include economic and non-economic losses. Getting medical care as soon as possible is essential to your health and your compensation claim.
How Long Can I Expect Physical Recovery to Take After a Car Accident?
The length of your physical recovery will vary depending on the nature of your injury and severity. For some, their bodies will heal after a few weeks of rest. For others, it can take weeks, months, or years to recuperate. Still, some victims may face a lifetime of suffering and disability.
Additionally, if your car accident affects you emotionally it may make auto accident recovery more difficult. Things like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and other emotional trauma can impact one’s motivation and interest in doing things. This makes it challenging to participate in activities crucial to physical rehabilitation.
How Can I Get My Medical Bills Paid After a Crash?
Recuperating your medical costs after a crash is important. Making an insurance claim is the first step to this process. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you understand how to get your bills paid, assist you with filing a claim, and help you settle your car accident case out of court, allowing you to efficiently and effectively get your bills paid.
Besides your medical costs, you may also be able to recover lost wages after a car accident. This can be crucial to minimizing the financial strain caused by a crash and maximizing your compensation.
Need Legal Help After a Car Accident? Contact Our Lawyers Today
An injury following a crash is devastating and healing is challenging. Unfortunately, fighting the insurance company after a car accident can be a headache of its own. Seeking legal support can provide you with peace of mind and time to focus on your physical and mental recovery.
At The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C., we fight for our clients’ car accident rights. If you were injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced and dedicated car accident attorneys for a free case evaluation.