When a person suffers a broken arm after a car accident, they generally know right away that something is wrong. However, some injuries are much less obvious. Keep reading to learn about some of the signs of delayed injuries you should look out for if you have been involved in a car accident. Then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
Headaches
It is common for a person who has just been injured in a car accident to have a surge of adrenaline that masks their physical symptoms. Once that shock and adrenaline fade, one of the first signs of serious injury is often a severe and/or persistent headache. It could be a sign of concussion or another traumatic brain injury, or it could be a sign of bleeding or a blot clot in the brain.
Stiffness in the Shoulder or Neck
A car accident jolts the body and can damage the nerves, muscles, ligaments, and tendons in both the neck and shoulder – and this damage does not always show up immediately. If you notice stiffness in the shoulder or neck, it could be a sign that you have injured your rotator cuff, have whiplash, or have another type of soft tissue damage.
Back Pain
If you have a nagging pain in your back that starts up after the accident, this could be a sign that you have suffered a serious injury. If the pain radiates to your legs and buttocks, then you are especially in danger, as this is a common sign of muscle or ligament damage. It could also be a pinched or compressed nerve, a cracked vertebra, or a herniated disc. These are all issues that must be addressed immediately.
Pain in the Abdomen
It is possible to have suffered internal injuries to your organs or to be bleeding internally and not know it for hours or even days. If you do not get medical care, this could result in total organ failure and could be fatal. One of the most common signs of internal bleeding is pain or swelling in the abdomen. This pain is commonly accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, bruising, nausea, and shortness of breath.
Numbness and Tingling
You should generally take it as a red flag if you note that you are experiencing numbness or tingling in your limbs or other areas of your body. This could be a sign of a blood clot, internal bleeding, brain injury, or spinal cord damage.
It is always good to get medical care after being involved in a car accident. Once you have done so, it is wise to contact a personal injury attorney who can assess your injuries. To do so, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
