Common Delayed Symptoms After a Car Accident in Riverside

A car accident will likely result in injuries that are immediate and noticeable. Broken bones, deep lacerations, and penetration injuries are just a few of these. However, delayed injuries after car accidents are also common. These injuries will also result in delayed symptoms after a car accident that may not appear for days or even weeks following a crash.

Below, our Riverside car accident lawyer outlines some of the most common delayed symptoms after a car accident.

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is one of the most common types of delayed injuries after a car accident. This type of injury occurs when the impact of a car accident damages blood vessels, causing blood to escape into the tissues or cavities of the body. Internal bleeding is not always apparent immediately.

There are many delayed symptoms after a car accident that can indicate internal bleeding. Severe bruising is one of these, particularly when bruises appear in unusual locations. Internal bleeding will also decrease blood flow to the brain, impairing cognitive function and causing confusion. As blood pressure drops, accident victims may also feel dizzy and feel lightheaded or even faint.

Whiplash

If you experience delayed pain in the neck, shoulder, or back after a car accident, it may be a sign of whiplash. Whiplash is one of the most common delayed injuries after a car accident and is a result of the neck moving back and forth in a rapid motion, damaging the soft tissues. While any car accident can cause whiplash, this injury is most commonly caused by rear-end collisions. Whiplash causes many delayed symptoms after a car accident, and these include:

• Neck stiffness: Stiffness in the neck can limit mobility and make it difficult for you to look over your shoulder or turn your head.
• Headaches: Headaches are a common symptom of whiplash, particularly tension headaches. Tension headaches start from the neck and radiate into the skull.
• Fatigue: Chronic pain can cause you to become very fatigued and make it difficult to perform simple daily activities. Pain can also cause sleep disturbances, which can cause you to feel even more fatigued.
• Tingling or numbness: Whiplash can damage the nerves in the neck, which can cause tingling or numbness in the hands or arms.

Post-Concussion Syndrome

Some of the most common delayed symptoms after a car accident are caused by post-concussion syndrome. This condition occurs when symptoms of a concussion extend beyond the typical recovery period for concussions. The majority of accident victims who suffer a concussion recover in a matter of a few weeks, but when symptoms linger for months or years, it is considered post-concussion syndrome. The most common symptoms of this condition are as follows:

• Mood swings and irritability: Mood swings, irritability, and even depression are common symptoms of post-concussion syndrome. These feelings are often a result of becoming frustrated at the changes in daily life due to ongoing symptoms.
• Sensitivity to noise and light: Post-concussion syndrome often causes a sensitivity to noise and light, exacerbating discomfort, particularly headaches.
• Vision issues: Blurry vision, double vision, and difficulty focusing on objects are all common with post-concussion syndrome.
• Tinnitus: Tinnitus, also known as ringing in the ears, is another common symptom of post-concussion syndrome.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The delayed injuries after a car accident are not always only physical. Psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are also common. PTSD also has many common symptoms, including:

• Flashbacks: Intrusive and vivid memories of a traumatic event such as a car accident can make it feel as if you are reliving the crash all over again. This can make it difficult to take part in similar activities, such as even getting into a vehicle, or engage in other daily activities.
• Panic attacks: Panic attacks are a sudden feeling of intense fear that causes sweating, heart palpitations, and difficulty breathing. Reminders of the crash can trigger panic attacks, such as being on the road.
• Nightmares: Troubling dreams that are related to the crash can interfere with sleep and cause increased fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
• Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a disinterest in activities you once enjoyed are very common signs of PTSD. Individuals often become isolated as they withdraw from family members and friends.

Blood Clots

The risk of blood clots increases when the body is subject to blunt force trauma, making them a common delayed injury after a car accident. Significant amounts of blood may flow to the location of the injury. When this occurs, a clot may form in the blood vessel and travel to other areas of the body. This can block circulation, causing a stroke or heart attack.

Clotting is a natural and healthy response to injury, but excessive clotting can be very dangerous to a person’s health.

Our Personal Injury Lawyer in Riverside Can Help with Delayed Symptoms After a Car Accident

While delayed injuries after a car accident are common, they can make filing a personal injury claim against the negligent party more challenging. At The JLF Firm, our Riverside personal injury lawyer can ensure you receive the necessary medical treatment and that your pain, symptoms, and injuries are well documented so you obtain the full and fair settlement that is rightfully yours. Contact us to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.