Delayed Injuries: What You Should Know

Moments after getting into an accident there will be a million thoughts running through your head like, how much damage is there? Will your car be expensive to fix? How will you pay for it? Since your mind is so consumed with these other thoughts and pure shock that you actually got into an accident, there is little time to think about yourself. Since car accidents make it difficult for you to focus, you might not even realize you got hurt during the traumatic event. Therefore, it’s important to realize that injuries, even serious physical ones, might not present signs for several days.

There are several different injuries that may go unnoticed until days after an accident.

1. Headaches. It is very common for headaches to develop a couple days after a motor vehicle accident. Headaches could signal potential serious issues such as a concussion, so it’s important to follow up with your doctor immediately.
2. Neck or shoulder pain/stiffness. This injury is the most common one to be delayed. If you wake up one morning and experience neck or shoulder stiffness you should see a doctor because your injuries may require x-rays, CT scans or MRIs for proper diagnosis.
3. Back pain. Low back pain is very common after rear-end collisions. Back pain may be a result of muscle, ligament or nerve injury.
4. PTSD. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is common after a motor vehicle accident. Some victims of car accidents will experience disturbing memories or even have nightmares about their traumatic accident. These memories and nightmares are common, especially if this is your first accident. If you experience these flashbacks, it’s important to see your doctor right away.

As a reminder, after any motor vehicle accident you should always make an appointment with your doctor. Even if you are not experiencing immediate pain, injuries can have a delayed effect. Since your mind will be flooded with other thoughts it’s important to think about yourself and possible injuries you may have sustained during the accident.

Contact Us Today

Remember that delay can harm your case, so if you do have physical injuries it’s best to go to your doctor and then contact an attorney immediately so you can get the best results. If you or someone you know has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact the Bottaro Law Firm, LLC for a free consultation. Call or text us at 401-777-7777.