SKIP TO CONTENT
You may feel fine immediately after an accident. However, even a minor fender bender can cause serious medical issues that may not appear until long after. If you experience a car accident, visit a doctor as soon as possible for a full examination, even if you don’t feel pain.
The law office of Bryan Garrett, PLLC, in Oklahoma City, OK, understands how common delayed injury signs are after a truck or car accident. Keep reading to learn more about the physical and mental conditions our clients have developed after a car accident.
Back Pain
Your back is a complex series of vertebrae and discs that transfer messages to and from the central nervous system through the spinal cord. Back injuries are common after vehicle accidents and often don’t show symptoms until later.
Injuries to your back can include whiplash, spinal compression, herniated discs, and soft tissue damage. Damage to the spinal column can put pressure on nerves, leading to long-term issues like partial paralysis, muscle spasms, sciatica, numbness, and tingling.
Neck Pain
The neck has the same susceptibility to damage as the spine but can be more debilitating from potential damage to the nerves in the cervical vertebrae. While back injuries usually affect the lower body, neck injuries can also affect the arms and torso, leading to limited mobility, difficulty breathing or speaking, and reduced range of motion.
Headaches
While headaches are common after a car accident, they could indicate something serious, including blood clots, concussion, or a neck or back injury. If you have headaches following a car accident, see your doctor immediately to look for signs of traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain, bruising of the abdomen, fainting, or dizziness could indicate internal bleeding. Internal bleeding doesn’t always appear immediately after an accident and can be fatal if not addressed quickly. However, the signs may not appear until days after an accident, so getting a full-body examination is important to spot injuries early.
Numbness or Tingling
Numbness or tingling can indicate nerve damage. If you feel pins and needles in your extremities, you may have a spinal injury from whiplash.
Behavioral Changes
Concussions and other head trauma can lead to behavioral changes, including irritability, confusion, memory problems, issues with hearing or vision, or depression and anxiety.
PTSD
Some auto accident victims can develop post-traumatic stress disorder. You may commonly see this in victims injured in accidents at night or during a rain storm by refusing to drive at night or having panic attacks or showing signs of distress when driving in the rain. PTSD can affect a person’s quality of life and ability to perform daily activities without interruption.
Why It’s Important To See a Doctor Right After an Accident
The longer you wait to see a doctor after an accident, the more likely an insurance company is to deny your claim, stating that your injuries could be from an unrelated event. You should always get a full examination with x-rays and MRIs after an accident to determine whether you suffered any injuries during the accident.
With evidence on your side, your car accident attorney can help build your case against the insurance company if you need to file a lawsuit to seek appropriate compensation for your injuries.
Contact the Law Office of Bryan Garrett, PLLC, in Oklahoma City, OK
Watch out for these delayed injury signs after an Oklahoma truck or car accident and call us at the law office of Bryan Garrett, PLLC, at 405-369-4498 or contact us online for a free initial consultation.
