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Car accidents happen instantly, but their effects can last a lifetime. Some injuries show up right away, while others take days or even weeks to appear. This delay can make it difficult to link your pain to the accident and get the compensation you deserve. At Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling, our Omaha car accident lawyers understand the complexities of car accident injuries and fight for our clients’ rights.
Immediate Injuries vs. Delayed Injuries
Car accidents often cause immediate injuries like cuts, bruises, and broken bones. These injuries are easily linked to motor vehicle accidents because they show up immediately. However, some injuries take time to develop. These delayed injuries can be as serious as immediate ones but are often more challenging to prove.
Common delayed injuries following a car accident include whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage. These injuries may not appear on initial medical tests and can take days or weeks to cause noticeable symptoms. This delay can make it challenging to link your injuries to the accident and get the medical treatment and compensation you deserve.
How Long After a Car Accident Can Injuries Appear?
The answer depends on the type and severity of the injury. Some delayed injuries can appear within a few hours of the accident, while others may take weeks or months.
Whiplash Symptoms Delayed
Whiplash, among the most frequent delayed injuries post-car accidents, arises when the head and neck swiftly jerk forward and backward, straining the neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms of whiplash may manifest within 24 to 48 hours and could include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Shoulder pain
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
Delayed Neck Pain After Car Accident
Neck pain is another common delayed symptom after a car accident. Even if you don’t experience pain right away, you may start to notice stiffness, soreness, or reduced range of motion in the days following the accident. This delayed neck pain can signify whiplash or other soft tissue injuries.
Delayed Lower Back Pain After Car Accident
Another prevalent delayed symptom following a car accident is lower back pain. The impact’s force can strain or injure the muscles, ligaments, and discs in the lower back. While this pain may not emerge immediately, it can manifest in the days or weeks following the accident.
Delayed lower back pain could signal a severe injury, such as a herniated disc or spinal cord injuries and damage. If you have lower back pain after a car accident, seek immediate medical attention. Your doctor might advise rest, physical therapy, or other treatments to alleviate pain and avert long-term damage.
Delayed Symptoms After Car Accident
In addition to whiplash, neck pain, and lower back pain, many other delayed symptoms can appear after a car accident. These may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Numbness or tingling
- Abdominal pain
- Behavioral changes
- PTSD
If you notice any unusual symptoms in the days or weeks following a car accident, don’t dismiss them. Seek medical attention and keep a record of your symptoms. Such documentation could be crucial if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action.
Pain After Car Accident
Pain is one of the most common symptoms after a car accident, whether it appears immediately or is delayed. It can range from mild to severe and could impact various body parts, including the neck, back, shoulders, and head.
If you experience pain after a car accident, don’t tough it out. Seek medical attention and adhere to your doctor’s treatment plan. If injury occurs and if it is left untreated, neck injuries can affect your quality of life. Pain could indicate a serious injury, and ignoring it may result in long-term complications.
In addition to seeking medical professional treatment, there are a number of things you can do to manage chronic pain after a car accident:
- Rest and avoid activities that aggravate your pain
- Apply ice or heat to the affected area
- Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed
- Perform gentle stretches and exercises as recommended by your doctor
- Consider alternative therapies like massage or acupuncture
Car Accident Injury and Car Accident Injuries
Car accident injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening injuries like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding and injuries
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, seeking prompt medical attention is essential, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not immediately show symptoms, but early intervention can help prevent long-term complications.
Contact Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling
At Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling, we have decades of experience fighting for the rights of car accident victims. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that car accident injuries can take, and we’re here to help. If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Call our Omaha car accident attorneys today at 402-999-9000 or contact us online. Let our team of lawyers fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
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