Everyone responds differently to an automobile accident. In New York and across the country, car accidents frequently disorient and distract accident victims. With so much swirling inside their head, many accident victims don’t immediately notice that they have sustained an injury. Other symptoms aren’t immediately noticeable. In fact, there are several major types of common symptoms that may not manifest immediately.
Headaches frequently develop within a few days of an accident. These headaches can be related to more serious medical conditions including a blood clot or neck trauma.
Neck pain is another symptom that is common in car wrecks but often doesn’t manifest instantly. In cases of whiplash, it’s not uncommon for neck and shoulder pain to appear hours or even days after the accident.
Much like neck pain, back pain may also only appear long after the victim has left the accident scene. The sudden stops common with car accidents can lead to the spraining or tearing of back muscles and ligaments. It’s also possible that nerve damage is the cause of delayed back pain.
Swelling or pain in the abdomen can be another physical symptom experienced by car accident victims. These injuries can be as simple as bruising or as severe as internal bleeding. Internal damage is very serious and can be life-threatening.
Some drivers also experienced delayed numbness after a crash. The numbness can be caused by many factors, but it is a symptom of both whiplash and a severe neck injury.
Some individuals develop unusual changes in their personality or their ability to function after a car accident. These changes can be attributed to concussions or traumatic brain injuries caused by the crash.
Not all injuries are physical. It’s not uncommon for crash survivors to suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD can haunt a victim with flashbacks and disturbing memories for years.
Regardless of whether they manifested immediately or at a later time, an individual experiencing any adverse symptoms after a crash should consult with a doctor. If the doctor determines that the symptoms are related to the accident the individual may have a claim for damages against the responsible party. An attorney with experience in personal injury law may be able to pursue those damages on behalf of the individual through the court system by filing a lawsuit.