A car accident is one of those things you probably don’t give too much thought to. You likely consider yourself a safe and cautious driver, you’re sure to follow all the rules of the road, so an accident shouldn’t be something you’re concerned about right? Unfortunately accidents on the road can happen at any time regardless of how safe, cautious, and experienced you are. And, while you may initially feel fine in the moments following an accident, it’s not uncommon to have delayed injury symptoms hours, or even days, later.
Should you find yourself in an accident it’s important to be on the lookout for these three delayed injury symptoms, even if you initially felt perfectly normal after the accident occurred.
On-Going Headaches
One of the most common delayed symptoms to occur is an on-going headache. This could start as early as later that day, or a few days later. Your response will likely be to take something for the pain, but it’s important to be aware that this could be a sign of something more serious going on. It’s a good idea to visit the doctor immediately so they can assess your situation.
Headaches could be a symptom of a concussion or even a blood clot – both of which are extremely serious and need to be treated.
Mild to Moderate Back Pain
Here’s another symptom that can pop up a few days later. If you start to feel tenderness and pain in your back, it could be a sign that there has been some damage done. Keep in mind that it may not even be pain, it could be tingling or numbness in your back or your spinal cord.
Shoulder and Neck Discomfort and Pain
Here’s another common delayed symptom that is often an indicator that you are suffering from whiplash. If you were hit from behind, you may start to develop shoulder and neck pain, and you’ll need medical attention.
Taking the Proper Measures After an Accident
Because you never know if you will in fact have delayed symptoms, this is why it’s important to take the proper steps after an accident. These steps should include contacting emergency services immediately after the accident occurs. Even if you aren’t in need of medical attention in the moment, having the police appear on scene to write an official report is important. It is also a wise idea to see a doctor immediately no matter how “fine” you feel.
From there it is recommended you contact a personal injury attorney. Should you end up having injuries that require medical attention and treatment, and may result in time off work, you’ll want to file a claim for compensation. You can check out Horst Shewmaker as an option.
Protecting Your Health and Well-Being
By being aware of the delayed injury symptoms to watch for, you will ensure that you’re able to properly look after your health and well-being after being a victim of a car accident. It’s important to note that these are just a few of the signs to watch for. Basically you want to be on the lookout for anything that feels different, sore, tender, or uncomfortable.
