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What Are the Symptoms of a Delayed Car Accident Injury?

two people after a car accidentCar accident victims do not always feel symptoms of injuries immediately after a collision. It can take hours, days or weeks for signs to appear if the symptoms are masked by the adrenaline rush that results from the accident.

Additionally, delayed symptoms can make it more difficult to receive compensation for car accident-related injuries. However, delayed injuries are common after an auto accident and you deserve to be compensated fairly. Our Phoenix car accident lawyers will work diligently to recover the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Below, our Phoenix personal injury attorneys provide information about some of the most common delayed injuries caused by car accidents.

1. Whiplash

Whiplash is a common neck injury that happens in car accidents, especially rear-end collisions. Whiplash occurs when the victim is suddenly thrown in a forward motion while the head and neck are snapped to an abrupt stop.

Whiplash can have a serious effect on a victim’s nerves, joints and muscles when overextended. This can result in victims experiencing symptoms such as:

  • Acute pain in the neck, upper back, shoulders or head
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Blurred vision
  • Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears

Often, the symptoms of whiplash are delayed and typically appear about 12 hours to five days after an auto accident.

Although minor whiplash injuries may heal within a month, severe whiplash injuries can take longer to heal and may cause permanent damage. However, whiplash can be treated with physical therapy to exercise and stretch the neck.

2. Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries include damage to any of the body’s muscles, tendons or ligaments. Whiplash is also a type of soft tissue injury, as are bruises, strains and sprains.

Soft tissue injuries can appear one day or up to a week after an accident, and often display symptoms including:

  • Inflammation
  • Discoloration of the affected area
  • Stiffness
  • Difficulty bearing weight

3. Concussion

A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury that causes victims to display a range of medical, behavioral and psychological conditions. Concussions happen when a blow to the head is received in an accident that causes the brain to crash against the skull.

However, concussions can also occur even if the victim’s head did not suffer a direct blow during an auto accident. For example, changes in the vehicle’s motion can suddenly cause the victim’s head and neck to jerk and force his or her brain to bounce within the skull. This can result in damaging the victim’s brain without his or her head suffering a physical impact.

Concussions cause a variety of symptoms that may include:

  • Disorientation
  • Loss of equilibrium
  • Headaches
  • Irritation
  • Mood swings
  • Notable changes in sleeping or eating patterns
  • Lowered responsiveness
  • Bright light and sound sensitivity

Fortunately, concussion victims can recover fully within just a few days, though long-term complications can occur. For this reason, it is imperative that you seek medical attention immediately following a car accident to find out if you may have suffered a concussion.

4. Psychological Trauma

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental condition that may develop after a person has been subjected to severe trauma, such as a serious auto accident. PTSD can cause car accident victims to suffer serious side effects and may cause permanent changes in their quality of life.

The symptoms of PTSD are not physical, which make diagnosing and treating this condition significantly difficult. This often includes mental and psychological symptoms, such as:

  • Flashbacks or nightmares of the car accident
  • Mood changes
  • Eating and sleeping disruptions
  • Anxiety
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Negativity
  • Reckless behavior

Unfortunately, many auto accident victims downplay or dismiss the symptoms of PTSD and the severe impact this condition may have on their mental health. It is imperative that accident victims seek help from a mental health professional if they experience significant behavioral or emotional changes.

Contact Phillips Law Group

There are a variety of delayed injuries that victims may experience following a car accident. For this reason, it is important that you immediately seek medical attention to diagnose any hidden injuries that you may have suffered.

Phillips Law Group’s team of skilled lawyers have decades of experience assisting car accident victims. We will provide you with a free, no obligation consultation to help you determine if you may have a case against the at-fault party that entitles you to compensation for your injuries and losses.

We provide our services on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront legal fees and you will only be charged if we recover compensation for your injuries.

Complete our Free Case Evaluation form now.