Following an accident, you are likely overwhelmed with emotion and confused about what has just occurred. The chaotic aftermath can push you into survival mode as the adrenaline and shock take over. In these moments, it can be difficult to truly feel everything your body has just endured. Not only does your mind protect yourself from the immediate trauma, but your body also instinctively react by numbing the pain. As a result, you can walk away from the accident assuming you are okay while sustaining severe and life-threatening injuries. Though people ignore seemingly harmless symptoms, these delayed conditions may indicate a far more serious problem.
If you experience any of the following delayed symptoms after an accident, seek medical attention immediately:
- Headaches, which can indicate concussions, blood clots, traumatic brain injury, or other life-threatening consequences.
- Numbness, which is often the result of a pinched nerve or herniated disc. If left untreated, this may escalate to paralysis or other severe conditions.
- Stomach pain or severe nausea, which may be a sign of internal bleeding.
- Neck, back, or shoulder pain, all of which can indicate serious injuries like whiplash, sprains, soft tissue injuries, spinal injuries, or other mobility problems.
Though the average person is guaranteed to endure some bumps and bruises after an accident, it is always better to be safe than sorry. If your injuries present themselves later down the road, you will face extreme obstacles in fighting for the compensation you deserve without the credibility and support of a doctor who assessed your injuries as soon as they occurred.
