After a vehicle accident, you may observe visible injuries such as lacerations, fractures, and other injuries that present obvious symptoms such as agony or pain. Other injuries such as a bruise or bump may form on the forehead from the collision of the steering wheel hitting your head.
However, even after treating those external injuries, there is still a possibility that you may have internal injuries that can lead to a more serious condition. It is very crucial to get a medical evaluation and be alert for delayed symptoms of internal injuries. In fact, some severe injuries do not show signs or symptoms for hours or days after a vehicle accident.
Key Signs Of Internal Injuries To Look Out For After A Vehicle Accident
There are signs of internal injuries which you must look out for after a vehicle accident. Be aware that internal injuries after a car accident are life-threatening injuries.
It is imperative that you consult with a medical professional immediately after a car accident, even if you are not experiencing obvious symptoms. A medical evaluation and full check-up will help your doctor observe and find injuries before symptoms may appear.
Likewise, even if you have checked your health with a doctor and gave you a clean bill of health, you must still be alert for key signs of internal injuries days and weeks after the accident. If the following key signs develop, immediately contact your doctor.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
People who have been involved in a car accident commonly experience PTSD after the incident. You have PTSD if you experience the following symptoms:
- Have nightmares
- Disturbing memories
- Reliving the accident again and again
- Having flashes of the accident
If a child was also involved in the accident, most likely he/she will suffer from this since children are more susceptible.
Headache
A blood clot, concussion, whiplash or neck injury may result in headaches or dizziness. However, this is a symptom that can be delayed. Some injuries related to these are severe, so you must seek medical attention. Look out for the following symptoms related to headaches:
- Slurred speech
- Ringing in your ears
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Nausea
Physical and Personality Changes
Changes in the motor skills or functions and your personality may be signs of a concussion. It eventually affects your brain functions, which causes you to behave differently than normal. In short, experiencing a concussion causes your brain to be overall confused. Look for these symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Speech difficulty
- Irritability for no reason
- Forgetting some memories or events in your life, including the vehicle accident
- Depression
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Disruption in your sleep
- Difficulty answering questions
Nerve Damage
A sign of whiplash injury may be suffering a partial or overall lack of feeling or extreme agony in one, two, or more of your limbs. Also, you may be suffering from injuries in your spinal column, neck, or nerve/nerves.
You are enduring from numbness or nerve damage if you suffer:
- Paralysis
- Sensitivity
- Pain
- Muscle atrophy
- Constipation
- Lightheadedness
Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain
Suffering pains in the neck, back, and shoulders are potential signs of spinal injury, whiplash, ligament injury. Moreover, neck and shoulder pain can lead to a herniated disk.
You may have strained or pinched nerves if you experience tingling or numbness and back pain. Experiencing these symptoms and mobility challenges must be dealt with medical treatment immediately.
Look out for these symptoms:
- Difficulty standing up
- Shooting or stabbing pains
- Dull throbbing sensation
- Depleted range of motion
Abdominal Pain
Swelling or abdominal pain may be signs of internal bleeding, thus affecting internal organs. You may have internal bleeding if you experience the following symptoms:
- Fainting
- Cannot keep food down
- Dizziness
- Dehydration
- Long-lasting pain
Get Legal Help
If you have experienced a car accident and endure any of these symptoms, contact a legal professional to guide and help you. When you decide to file a lawsuit or compensation, your lawyer can represent you. Make sure that you inform him/her of the details of the crash and be honest about it. Most importantly, provide evidence you have collected about the accident.
Internal injuries caused by a vehicle accident can lead to wrongful death if they aren’t treated immediately. If you want to know some legal consideration regarding this matter, do click here.
Timothy Garret
Timothy is a budding law writer who enjoys all aspect of the law industry. He’s currently studying to become a lawyer and is applying his law knowledge into what he writes about. He spends time with his friends and swimming in his spare time.
