According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7500 people are injured every day in auto accidents. Their injuries may vary from person to person and may range from minor to severe. Some may even be fatal.
That said, most victims do not present any symptoms until hours or days after the crash. This can lead to their injuries worsening. It may also prevent them from getting compensation for damages.
Here, we discuss what to expect physically after a car accident. If you were recently in an auto accident, contact Husain Law + Associates, P.C., to speak to a Houston Car Accident Attorney.
COMMON PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
Right after a car accident, you may not experience any symptoms for hours or days. This is why it could be difficult to know what to expect physically after a car accident. If you were involved in a crash, here are some symptoms to look out for:
Headaches
It is common for car accident victims to experience headaches. They may delay or appear immediately and can range from mild to severe. If you are experiencing headaches, you should see a doctor immediately as it might be a sign of:
- Neck injury
- Whiplash
- Concussion
- Anxiety
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Neck, Shoulder, or Back Pain
These symptoms are common after a car accident. They may present as persistent pain or shooting pain that comes and goes when you move. Generally, neck, shoulder, and back pain can be indicators of
- Muscle tension
- Muscle, tendon, or joint injury
- Tissue or nerve damage
Swelling
The body is exposed to substantial trauma during a car crash. This can cause tissue damage, sprains, or pulled muscles, which often present as swelling. You can treat this at home with remedies such as elevation or heat and cold treatment. However, you should get professional help if the swelling doesn’t recede, or is accompanied by pain and stiffness.
Bruising
Bruises result from damage to the blood vessels under your skin. In minor accidents, they usually heal on their own. However, in more severe cases, they could be a sign of internal organ damage. It is advisable to see a medical professional if your bruising is accompanied by discoloration or tenderness.
Other Symptoms
After a car crash, you may also experience symptoms such as:
- Tingling or numbness in the back, shoulders, neck, feet, or hands
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ears, which could be a sign of a concussion
- Dizziness or blurry vision
FACTORS THAT AFFECT HOW YOU FEEL AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
People respond to accidents differently. Common factors that affect how you feel after a car accident include your age, overall health, and the severity of the accident. This is why you should never go on your symptoms alone or try to self-diagnose.
If you get into an accident, even a minor one, seek medical attention. Your doctor will diagnose your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment.
TALK TO A HOUSTON CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
At Husain Law + Associates, P.C., we are dedicated to protecting car accident victims’ rights. We understand how medical bills can be frustrating to a victim and their family. This is why we will help you file a personal injury claim for injuries suffered during a car accident.
To schedule a free initial consultation with a Houston Car Accident Attorney, contact us at 713-987-7126.