There are over 6 million car accidents reported to the police each year in the U.S. While most of these collisions don’t result in serious injuries or fatalities, a significant number of them do.
Some injuries are immediately noticeable after a crash, but this isn’t always the case. Victims of car crashes need to be aware of delayed onset injuries like those discussed below.
Delayed back injuries
Back injuries can be a bit of a mystery. Sometimes, they take some time to notice. After a car crash, the victim is likely to be adrenalized, which can mask a lot of pain. Additionally, pain often comes from inflammation, which can take several hours or even days to take full effect.
It’s important to note that pain is not the only indicator of a serious back injury. Numbness and tingling could indicate that something more serious is going on, such as spinal damage or a slipped disc.
Delayed abdominal pain
Serious cuts and lacerations usually involve external bleeding. One positive aspect of this is that medical professionals can immediately identify the injury and begin treatment. Nonetheless, bleeding can also occur internally.
Internal bleeding is every bit as serious as external bleeding, if not more so. As the name suggests, a person can’t see internal bleeding. Often, there will be bruising on the affected area. However, this isn’t always the case.
During a car crash, the external organs are exposed. Severe abdominal pain, cramps and lightheadedness could be a sign that you’re losing blood internally, which is a medical emergency. These symptoms may not begin until several hours after the crash.
If your injuries were the result of another’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. It’s wise to seek legal guidance to determine your options.