Delayed Symptoms After a Car Wreck

Millions of people require medical evaluations following car wrecks each year. These individuals may have sustained minor injuries or more serious injuries that left them in pain. Unfortunately, we will never know the number of people who went home, unaware that they were injured at all.

Trauma following an accident can result in symptoms that only present hours or days after a traumatic event. This delay could be due to inflammation taking time to build up in the body or the body taking time to relax after the initial adrenaline response. At HGSK Injury Lawyers, our Pennsylvania car accident lawyers want to give you the knowledge you need to take control of your health. Below, we describe common symptoms that should not go ignored.

Vomiting, Dizziness, or Disorientation

If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or disoriented, or are vomiting, following a collision, these may be signs of internal bleeding. Coined the “silent killer,” internal bleeding can be undetectable for hours or even days following a crash. Alternatively, vomiting, dizziness, or disorientation can be signs of a traumatic brain injury, which is caused by any strike or blow to the head. In short, if you experience any of these symptoms, visit your local ER immediately.

Numbness, Tingling, or Loss of Sensation

Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation following a car wreck may be a sign of a pinched nerve, herniated disc, or even a spinal cord injury. In the event of a spinal cord injury, other symptoms may appear, such as sudden pressure in the back of the head, urinary or bowel incontinence, and autonomic dysreflexia (a life-threatening condition signified by a sudden increase in blood pressure). Autonomic dysreflexia is seen in spinal cord injuries at T6 (damage to the sixth thoracic vertebrae) or above. Receiving treatment is essential to avoid any long-term consequences.

Rapid Pulse or Shortness of Breath

If you begin to experience a rapid pulse or shortness of breath, these may be signs of septic shock. A life-threatening condition, septic shock is the final stage of sepsis, which is the body’s immune response to a widespread infection. In this stage, you may experience low blood pressure and organ failure. In addition to a rapid pulse and shortness of breath, septic shock can also present with disorientation, a high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Sudden-Onset Headache

A headache that comes on suddenly and is severe in nature warrants an ER visit. A new-onset headache can be a sign of whiplash, a concussion (a type of mild TBI), a moderate to severe TBI, or a spinal cord injury. Whiplash is caused by a rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, like the cracking of a whip. Although whiplash may be treated through homeopathic remedies, more severe injuries may require surgical intervention.

Mood Swings or Irritability

Sudden mood swings or irritability can be a sign of a TBI. However, there will most likely be other presenting symptoms (as previously discussed). In some situations, changes in mood or irritability can be a sign of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is the body’s emotional stress response to a traumatic incident. Other signs of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, trouble sleeping, isolation, and loss of interest in activities that you once loved.

Following a Car Wreck, Seek a Medical Evaluation

Even if you feel fine following a crash, you should be seen by a medical professional. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in this blog, you should go to the nearest ER. If you are experiencing milder symptoms, then going to an urgent care center will suffice.

If you have no symptoms or only cuts or bruises, you should still schedule an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP). When you call the office, be sure to mention that you were in a car accident and list the injuries you sustained (if any). No matter what the circumstances, you will want to be evaluated within 72 hours of the wreck. If you wait longer, you risk the insurance company denying your claim.

Pennsylvania Car Accident Attorneys Advocating for You

A car accident can cause devastating injuries, leaving you with excruciating pain. Our legal team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a crash can have on a person. The wrongful party is legally obligated to reimburse you for any losses you sustained in the accident, but they will do everything they can to avoid liability. Our Pennsylvania car accident attorneys are committed to doing what is needed to recover just compensation on your behalf, no matter what. To discover the true worth of your car accident case, contact HGSK Injury Lawyers today online or by phone at (267) 551-8782.