Approximately 3 million Americans a year are injured in car accidents. Injuries can range from minor bruises and scrapes on up to devastating head trauma or other injuries that leave the victim disabled for life.
It’s common for people to walk away from a car accident mistakenly believing they were not injured. But there are several common car accident injuries that don’t show up until later.
Let’s look at several injuries with delayed symptoms that can make victims sore after a car accident in Indianapolis.
1. Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries people experience in car accidents. It is caused by the sudden jolt of the impact stretching and straining the tendons in the neck and shoulders beyond their capacity, causing damage.
In some cases, victims will experience pain and discomfort immediately. However, it’s very common for the symptoms of whiplash to show up the next day or even a few days later.
If victims begin to experience neck and shoulder pain after a car accident, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Symptoms of whiplash also include headaches, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, and trouble sleeping.
In many cases, their injury is whiplash, in which case minor cases will heal on their own. More severe cases, however, may need medical attention. This type of pain can also indicate a spinal injury which will need treatment.
2. Concussion
A concussion occurs when the brain strikes the inside of the skull. Car accident victims don’t have to strike their head on something to experience a concussion. It can happen from a sudden, forceful change in motion that slams the brain against the skull.
Depending on the severity of the blow, victims can experience a range of symptoms including:
- Headaches
- Dizziness and disorientation
- Mood swings
- Changes in appetite or sleep habits
- Light sensitivity
- Sound sensitivity
A concussion can be hard to pinpoint, especially if there is no outward indication of an injury. It can also be life-threatening. This is why car accident victims need to seek medical attention even when they think their injuries are minimal.
Look at this checklist to learn what you should do immediately following a car accident in Indianapolis.
3. Internal Bleeding
It is possible for internal bleeding to go undiscovered for a few days after a car accident. However, this is a life-threatening injury and not something to be taken lightly.
Abdominal pain can be an indication of internal bleeding. Large, dark bruises, dizziness, and fainting spells can all also be indications of this dangerous condition.
4. Blood Clots
Blood clots can develop as a result of other car accident injuries. Though blood clots in themselves are not a big deal as the body often takes care of them itself. However, if they reach the heart or the brain, they can cause serious injury or even death.
Headaches are a common indication of blood clots on the brain. They may or may not be accompanied by other signs of concussion or brain trauma.
Symptoms can take a few days to develop.
5. Back Injuries
Back pain is extremely common after a car accident, particularly when the vehicle is struck from the rear or the side. Its presence can indicate various types of injuries including:
- Whiplash
- Herniated disk
- Sprains or strains
- Spinal injuries
Back pain is often accompanied by other symptoms that help to pinpoint the source of the pain. For example, sciatica or numbness or tingling in the limbs can accompany back pain caused by a pinched nerve due to a herniated disc or spinal damage.
Other symptoms of back injuries include:
- Headaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Bruising
- Weakness
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of balance
The spinal cord plays an important role in the function of the body. Damage to this body part can be devastating and permanent. Victims who experience any of these symptoms should seek medical help immediately.
6. Emotional Injuries
The body isn’t the only thing that can be damaged after a car accident. Many people are strongly impacted emotionally to the point that they experience symptoms of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
Feeling uncomfortable on the road after a traumatic accident is quite normal. However, some people also experience vivid flashbacks and nightmares about the events of the accident.
This is particularly common in young children.
Other folks can develop depression and anxiety after an accident. In rare cases, the effect is so strong that folks need therapy before they can get out on the road again.
How Long After a Car Accident Can Symptoms Appear?
Many injury symptoms do not appear immediately after a car accident. Some might not be noticeable for hours, days, or even weeks after the event. This is because the body’s natural response to stress involves releasing adrenaline and other hormones that can temporarily mask pain and discomfort.
Common symptoms that can surface later include headaches, neck or back pain, and dizziness. Emotional effects, such as anxiety or sleep disturbances, might also emerge some time after a collision. Anyone involved in a car accident should monitor their health closely in the days and weeks following the incident.
Even if you feel fine right after a crash, it’s a good idea to see a doctor immediately. A medical professional can identify injuries that might not yet be causing noticeable symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications, help you recover more quickly, and provide crucial documentation for any injury claims you file in the future.
What Are Common Immediate Symptoms After a Car Accident?
Some injury symptoms appear right away after a car accident. Pain is the most common and often feels intense right after the incident. This pain can manifest as sharp aches in various areas, such as the neck, back, limbs, or other injured body parts. It is often exacerbated even by slight movements or adjustments. Headaches are also common and sometimes indicate concussions, especially if the person hit their head during the collision or experienced a rapid jerk of the neck.
Dizziness or spinning sensations are other symptoms that can occur right away, potentially signaling issues like vestibular injuries or blood pressure changes. Additionally, some crash victims experience confusion or dazed feelings immediately after the wreck, which can suggest traumatic brain injuries. These symptoms require immediate attention to assess their severity and implications.
Visible injuries such as cuts, bruises, and broken bones are also apparent immediately following a collision. These visible injuries are usually easy to identify because they are visible on the body’s surface and often cause pain, swelling, and limited movement. Immediate medical attention is essential to treat these obvious injuries and check for other less obvious injuries that might accompany them.
What Delayed Symptoms Can Appear After a Car Accident?
On the other hand, some symptoms take a while to surface after an accident. One common delayed symptom is whiplash, which typically presents as neck pain and stiffness that appear hours, days, or weeks after the wreck. Whiplash symptoms are common after rear-end collisions where a sudden jolt affects the neck.
Back pain is another delayed symptom that can indicate a sprain, strain, or even a herniated disc. Symptoms like tingling or numbness in the limbs can also appear later and suggest nerve damage.
Headaches that start a few days after a collision can indicate concussions or other head injuries. Some people also experience memory problems or changes in mood after an accident, which can indicate more severe brain injuries.
Emotional symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop some time after the event, as well. Anyone experiencing these delayed symptoms after a car crash should see a doctor for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment.
How Long Will I Be Sore After a Car Accident?
How long you stay sore after a collision can vary based on the severity of your injuries. Minor injuries like small cuts or mild bruises typically heal within a few days to a week. However, deeper bruises and sprains might keep you sore for a few weeks as your body repairs the damaged tissues.
More severe injuries, such as broken bones or significant muscle damage, can cause soreness for several months. Ongoing medical treatments like prescription painkillers and physical therapy might be necessary to reduce soreness and promote healing.
For the most severe injuries, like those involving the spine or head, soreness can last much longer and might require extensive rehabilitation. If you experience lingering soreness after an accident, follow your doctor’s advice closely and complete any treatment plans they recommend to speed up your recovery.
What If I Still Have Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident?
If you still have shoulder pain after a car wreck, you should consult a doctor. Shoulder pain can signify various injuries, such as a dislocation, sprain, or rotator cuff tear. These conditions often require specific treatments like medication, physical therapy, or, in some cases, surgery.
Ignoring ongoing shoulder pain can lead to worsening conditions and possibly chronic issues. A medical professional can conduct X-rays or MRIs to find the precise source of the pain and recommend the appropriate treatment. This might include physical therapy to strengthen your shoulder, pain relief medications to manage discomfort, or even surgery if the injury is particularly severe.
What Do I Do If My Back Still Hurts After a Car Accident?
If your back still hurts after a car accident, see a doctor as soon as possible. Persistent back pain can indicate a serious injury, such as a herniated disc or a spinal alignment issue. A doctor can assess your back pain through physical exams and imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs. Depending on their findings, they might recommend treatments such as pain medication, physical therapy, or chiropractic care. In some severe cases, surgical intervention might be necessary. Following your doctor’s treatment plan will promote healing and help prevent long-term damage.
Is It Common to Have Delayed Bruising After an Accident?
Delayed bruising can be a common injury symptom after a collision. Bruises sometimes do not appear immediately because it takes time for blood from the injured vessels to reach the surface of the skin. This delayed reaction is especially likely in cases of deeper tissue damage.
Over the days following an accident, you might notice bruises developing in areas that had blunt-force trauma. Monitoring these bruises is important, as they can indicate serious underlying injuries. If you have extensive or extremely painful bruising, reach out to a doctor for further assessment.
Feeling Sore After a Car Accident?
Many physical problems can leave victims feeling sore after a car accident in Indianapolis. But those aren’t the only problems victims may have to deal with.
If the injuries sustained were severe enough, victims may have to take time off work to heal and attend physical therapy. Plus, they may be responsible for hefty medical bills.
That doesn’t seem fair if they didn’t cause the accident.
Have you been in a car accident that left you feeling sore? Not only physically, but also mentally as you struggle to recover and pay bills you shouldn’t have to pay?
Contact Truitt Law Offices today or visit us at any of our Indiana offices for a free consultation. That way you can find out if your case qualifies for compensation and a ballpark figure of how much to expect. Then, we’ll help you go to court and fight for the compensation that you deserve.
