Car Accident Injuries Can Manifest Over Time
If you have ever been in a car accident, you know that even a minor fender-bender can leave you feeling shaken and apprehensive. Right after the collision, you must deal with the other driver, worry about the wellbeing of your passengers, and wonder how you are going to repair your vehicle. In the chaotic aftermath of an accident, you may not pay much attention to your own physical state. You may not even initially notice that you’ve been injured.
As an experienced brain injury lawyer can confirm, it is critically important to seek both medical attention and legal guidance if you notice over time that you are exhibiting signs of injury in the wake of an accident. Failure to take action as you become symptomatic can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Hormone Excitation
As the fight or flight response you experience immediately after the accident occurs, your body will begin creating large amounts of endorphins and adrenaline. Both chemicals are meant to hide discomfort and aid the body in moving quickly. This added energy and need for self-preservation may mask serious, potentially life-threatening pain. As the body’s chemicals begin subsiding after several hours, your pain may begin to manifest.
Head Trauma
As your body is thrown around during the accident, your head may hit the car’s door or steering wheel. Even if you feel fine, you may have experienced a concussion when your brain struck the inside of your skull. Although you may feel dizziness from a concussion, there are other symptoms you may experience within a day or two. These symptoms include (but are not limited to):
-Lethargy
-Lack of concentration
-Blurred vision
-Headaches
-Restless sleep
-Foggy thinking
You could also experience bleeding on the brain, a life-threatening condition. If you find yourself exhibiting any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately.
Tissue Injuries
When the car stops suddenly, the body instinctively tenses. This tensing can lead to soft tissue injuries in the tendons, muscles, and ligaments. This can result in vulnerable sections of the body – such as the neck and lower back – moving in unaccustomed ways. Although the affected areas may be sore a few hours after the crash, injuries such as whiplash or disc ruptures can sometimes take weeks to manifest. If your mobility becomes reduced or parts of your body feel swollen or are tender to the touch, contact your doctor.