Many people who get into car accidents consider themselves lucky to walk away from the wreck with only vehicle damage and minor, if any, bodily harm. Sure, they may have a few cuts, scratches or bruises, but they may otherwise feel fine and fortunate to avoid serious injury. However, in the days or weeks that follow, they may start to notice changes in their health which point to serious and even potentially fatal injuries.
Here, we discuss six delayed symptoms that people in Denver and throughout Colorado should be on the lookout for after they get into a car accident – even a seemingly minor one. If you have not yet seen a doctor after a crash, you should get medical attention as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms. You should also get in touch with The Sawaya Law Firm to learn about your legal rights and options. Contact one of our offices today for a free consultation.
HEADACHES
Most people feel shock and a surge of adrenaline after they have been involved in a crash. So, at first, they may feel little to no physical effects from the collision. But as time passes, and the adrenaline fades, one of the first signs that they have suffered a serious injury can be the onset of severe and/or persistent headaches. Those headaches may be symptoms of a concussion or a more severe form of traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, sleep problems or concentration and memory difficulties. A headache could so be a sign of a blood clot or bleeding within your brain which could potentially lead to a stroke if left undiagnosed and untreated.
NECK OR SHOULDER STIFFNESS
The jolt from a car accident can cause damage to the nerves, muscles, ligaments and tendons in your neck and shoulders which does not immediately reveal itself. If you start to develop stiffness in those areas of your body in the aftermath of the crash, it could be a sign that you suffered whiplash, rotator cuff injury or some other form of soft tissue damage. If you brush off those symptoms, your condition may only get worse and lead to chronic, debilitating pain that prevents you from working, doing tasks around the home or simply enjoying life as you should. You should see a doctor who can examine you and order tests such as an X-ray, MRI or CT scan in order to diagnose your condition.
