When you are involved in an auto accident, you at first are in shock. You try to process what just happened. Did that SUV really just run a red light and plow into your car? Are you hurt at all? You may count yourself lucky that you can walk away from the crash with only minor scrapes and bruises.
However, you may realize the next day, or several days or weeks later, you have symptoms of an injury. Was it caused by the accident? Why are you only noticing it days afterward?
Delayed injury symptoms
When you are involved in an accident, your body produces a lot of adrenaline, which can mask the symptoms of an injury. You can notice days or weeks after the accident that you are suffering from:
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Abdominal pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Numbness
- PTSD
Seeking medical treatment
If you notice any delayed symptoms of an injury after an accident, you should seek medical treatment right away. Some of these symptoms could be signs of an injury that needs immediate treatment. For example, abdominal pain could be a sign you are bleeding internally. Headaches and numbness could be signs that you suffered a traumatic brain injury in the crash. Your neck and shoulder pain could be a symptom of whiplash.
Seeking immediate medical treatment also is important if you want to receive maximum compensation for your accident injuries. You will need documentation of your injuries to receive injury compensation from your insurance company. You also will want a record of what your treatment plan is and that you are following it.
If you have problems getting compensation for your injuries, you should consult an experienced personal injury attorney. Unfortunately, insurance companies, even your own, often try to limit injury claims. You may need help to show you deserve additional compensation to cover your injury costs.
