Beware of these 5 delayed injury symptoms after a car accident
Posted By Darrigo & Diaz
Just because you feel okay after a car accident doesn’t always mean you are in the clear. Many injuries do not become known for days—or even weeks—after a car accident. In this blog, we share the five most common delayed injury symptoms, what to look for, and what to do next.
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1. Whiplash
One of the most common delayed injury symptoms after a car accident is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, straining the muscles and ligaments in the neck. While some individuals may experience immediate neck pain and stiffness, others might not notice symptoms until days later.
Symptoms of whiplash:
- – Neck pain
- – Headaches
- – Dizziness
- – Reduced range of motion
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2. Concussion
Concussions are also very common after a car accident. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain slams against the skull, causing damage to brain function. Even a mild concussion can have lasting effects and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a concussion are not always evident after a car accident. It may take days or longer before you notice symptoms.
Symptoms of a concussion:
- – Headache
- – Confusion
- – Sensitivity to light
- – Changes in sleep patterns
- – Memory problems
- – Dizziness
- – Nausea
*It’s vital to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a concussion, as early intervention can prevent further brain damage and speed up recovery.
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3. Spinal injuries
Many car accidents, especially rear-end impact crashes and rollovers, result in a sudden blow to the spinal cord or the surrounding tissues, including ligaments, discs, and vertebrae. This often leads to spinal injuries. Common spinal injuries following a car accident include herniated discs, fractures, and nerve compression.
Symptoms of spinal injuries:
- – Paralysis
- – Loss of feeling
- – Spasms
- – Pain
- – Difficulty with breathing or coughing
- – Loss of bowel and bladder control
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4. Internal bleeding or abdominal injuries
Internal and abdominal injuries may not exhibit immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening if left untreated. Common internal injuries after a car accident include organ damage, internal bleeding, and fractured ribs. Oftentimes, the force of impact can cause your seat belt to bruise your abdomen, so internal injuries are more common along the seat belt line.
Symptoms of internal injuries:
- – Nausea or vomiting
- – Abdominal pain
- – Bruising
- – Blood in urine or stool
*Because internal injuries can be hard to detect without medical imaging, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional after an accident, even if you feel fine initially.
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5. Nerve damage
If you experience numbness or tingling after a car accident, you may have nerve damage. While nerve damage is often associated with spinal injuries, it can manifest in other parts of the body. For example, you may experience numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes or pain on one side of the body.
Symptoms of nerve damage:
- – Numbness, tingling, prickly, or burning sensations
- – Shooting pain
- – Pain radiating to an uninjured body part
- – Muscle weakness or spasms
- – Slow or decreased reflexes
- – Loss of balance
- – Headaches
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Why you MUST seek medical attention after a Tampa car accident
Seeking medical attention after a Tampa car accident is crucial for several reasons. Even if you feel okay after the accident, there are delayed injuries that may not be immediately apparent due to adrenaline and shock. And in the state of Florida, you must seek medical care within 14 days of the accident to be eligible for personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Learn more here.
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Injured in car accident in Tampa?
Call Darrigo & Diaz immediately at (813) 437-5523
If you are injured in a car accident in Tampa, you should contact Darrigo & Diaz right away. To be able to get compensation for your injuries after a car accident, you need to be able to establish a link between the accident and your symptoms. Our experienced Tampa car accident attorneys will help you navigate this process and help you get the medical care you need.
We offer free consultations and you do not have to pay anything unless we win your case.
Call (813) 437-5523 now to schedule your complimentary meeting with our experienced Tampa car accident attorneys.
