Car accidents are traumatic events that can cause immediate physical injuries and emotional distress. However, many people don’t realize that some injuries may not manifest until hours, days, or weeks after the accident.
These delayed injuries can be just as debilitating, if not more so, than immediately apparent ones. This can especially happen in hit-and-run cases, as the victim’s mind may get diverted. For instance, the victim may start wondering how the culprit will be caught, how the insurance will be claimed without the faultee, etc.
This data becomes more troublesome as the number of hit-and-run cases is common. According to Fox2Now, 40% of car accidents in St. Louis are hit-and-run. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of delayed car accident injuries, the most common types, and how to recognize and address them.
Understanding Delayed Car Accident Injuries
When a car accident occurs, the body experiences sudden and forceful movements that can cause various injuries. While some injuries are immediately evident, such as broken bones or lacerations, others may take time to develop.
Delayed car accident injuries occur due to adrenaline masking pain, inflammation, and the body’s natural healing process.
Whiplash is one of the most typical delayed injuries. The muscles and ligaments in the neck ache when the head is violently jerked back and forth. Whiplash symptoms include stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and neck pain. It may take several hours or days following the collision for these signs to manifest.
Another common delayed injury is a concussion. This injury is more commonly seen in rear-end collisions. It is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden jolt to the head. Symptoms of a concussion may not be immediately apparent and can include headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and bruises, are common delayed car accident injuries. These injuries occur when muscles, ligaments, or tendons are stretched or torn during the accident. Symptoms, including pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion, may not become evident until hours or days later.
These delayed symptoms can make compensation claims complex. According to TorHoerman Law, you should consult a local attorney who can consider these delayed symptoms when calculating damages. The lawyer can also help collect evidence to justify your claims to help you get the best settlement amount possible.
On the other hand, suppose you decided not to pursue a legal course as there were no injuries. In that case, you can still file a lawsuit for delayed symptoms if the statute of limitations has not expired. This is where a local attorney can be extremely useful.
Each state has a different statute of limitations. So, based on the city where you had the collision, this period can change. A local lawyer will know the statute of limitations for that specific region, which can be useful.
So, suppose you had an accident in St. Louis, Missouri. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Missouri is five years. A St. Louis car accident attorney will know this and help you file the lawsuit. Moreover, a local lawyer will also have a good network with law enforcement, which can help collect evidence.
Recognizing Delayed Symptoms
Consider this car collision from November 2023, reported by KSKD. The crash occurred in St. Louis at Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. It sent five people with injuries to the hospital. Although none of the injuries were severe or fatal, delayed symptoms could have arisen later.
This phenomenon of delayed symptoms is very common. There are also chances that you may start feeling that you have recovered but then feel the pain back after some months or years. This is usually true with chronic pain. Many survivors face chronic pain even after a couple of years.
A ScienceDirect study shows that 20 to 50 million people survive road crashes worldwide each year. Around 45% of the study participants reported road crash-related chronic pain after two years. The prevalence rate was higher (77%) among severely injured individuals.
Recognizing delayed car accident injuries can be challenging, especially if symptoms do not appear immediately. However, there are some signs to watch out for that may indicate an underlying injury:
- Persistent pain: If you experience persistent pain in any part of your body after a car accident, it could indicate an underlying injury. Pay attention to any new or worsening pain, especially in the neck, back, shoulders, or head.
- Stiffness or limited mobility: Difficulty moving or stiffness in the neck, back, or other joints may indicate a soft tissue injury or whiplash. If you notice any changes in your range of motion or flexibility, it’s essential to seek medical attention.
- Headaches: Headaches that develop or worsen after a car accident may indicate a concussion or other head injury. If you experience frequent or severe headaches, especially accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness or nausea, it’s crucial to see a doctor.
- Cognitive changes: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or changes in mood or behavior may indicate a concussion or other brain injury. These symptoms may not be immediately apparent but can develop in the days following the accident.
- Sensory changes: Changes in vision, hearing, or sensitivity to light and sound may indicate a concussion or other neurological injury. If you experience any changes in your sensory perception after a car accident, seeking medical attention is essential.
Treatment and Recovery
If you suspect you have sustained a delayed car accident injury, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. To diagnose underlying injuries, a doctor can perform a thorough evaluation, including imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans.
Treatment for delayed car accident injuries may include:
- Pain management: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications may help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with injuries.
- Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches can help improve range of motion, reduce stiffness, and strengthen injured muscles and ligaments.
- Chiropractic care: Chiropractic adjustments may help realign the spine and alleviate pain and stiffness associated with whiplash and other soft tissue injuries.
- Rest: Resting the injured area and avoiding activities exacerbating symptoms can promote healing and recovery.
- Psychological support: Coping with the physical and emotional aftermath of a car accident can be challenging. Counseling or therapy may be beneficial for addressing trauma and improving coping skills. PTSD after a car accident is prevalent. According to Forbes, it affects almost 3.5 million adults per year after trauma.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Symptoms of a Delayed Back Injury?
Symptoms of a delayed back injury may include persistent or worsening back pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, muscle spasms, etc. These symptoms may not appear immediately after the accident but could develop in the hours, days, or weeks following the incident.
Can Injuries Appear Months After a Car Accident?
Yes, injuries from a car accident can manifest months after the initial incident. Some injuries, particularly soft tissue like whiplash or strains, may not show symptoms until weeks or months later. It’s essential to monitor your health closely and seek medical attention if you experience any new or worsening symptoms.
What Is the Most Common Injury in a Car Accident?
One of the most frequent injuries received in auto accidents is whiplash. The soft tissues in the neck sprain or strain as a result of an abrupt back-and-forth jerk of the head and neck. Fractures, contusions, concussions, and other soft tissue injuries are also frequent injuries.
To summarize, delayed car accident injuries can be as serious as those immediately apparent. Recognizing these signs is crucial for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Understanding and recognizing delayed symptoms can protect your health and well-being after a car accident. Remember, your safety is always the top priority, so don’t hesitate to seek help if you have any concerns about your health after a car accident.
