In 2019, over 36,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes. After hearing this statistic, you might feel lucky enough to walk away from a car accident, seemingly unscathed.
You’ve dusted yourself off, checking that everything’s ok. You’re not currently in pain, and there’s nothing more than some small cuts and bruises.
But can you experience delayed pain after a car accident? And what should you do if that happens? Read on to find out!
Can You Get Delayed Pain After an Auto Accident?
The answer to this question is a resounding “yes!”
You’ve probably heard of whiplash. This is a neck injury that happens after sudden movements, such as those from a car crash.
You might feel fine right after your accident, so you go on with your merry way. However, it’s very common for people to feel fine and then experience neck pain several days after! This is because your body’s initially in shock and then it swells to help heal the area, and that swelling causes pain.
And contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t just take high-speed accidents to get whiplash. You could be in a stationary car, get tapped from behind by a slow-moving car, and still get whiplash!
Whiplash isn’t the only type of delayed pain you might experience after a car accident. Other common types of pain that can occur days after include back pain (from whiplash or a spinal cord injury) and headaches (possible traumatic brain injury).
If you develop pain in the abdomen a few days later, this is indicative of internal bleeding. Numbness and tingling might occur because of nerve damage. And you might even have changes in behavior from a concussion or other type of brain injury!
As you can see, there are some serious issues that can develop days after the accident.
What Should You Do if You Get Delayed Pain?
Whether or not you feel fine after a car accident, you should always get examined by a doctor. They can do a thorough examination and confirm any injuries you might’ve sustained.
Getting prompt action is crucial for two reasons.
One, the sooner you address an auto accident attorney franklin va, the lower the chance it’ll be problematic and cause future issues. They might send you to a back doctor for long term injuries.
Two, if you plan on filing an insurance claim, they want to see that you didn’t wait to get medical attention. If you do wait, they might think you’re trying to scam them with a fake injury.
Should you experience delayed pain, make another appointment with your doctor ASAP. Again, being proactive can help you heal better and also support your insurance claim more effectively.
Make Sure You Heal Quickly After a Car Accident
After a car accident, it’s certainly possible to get delayed pain. This is why it’s important to get checked up after a crash, even if you feel fine at the moment.
By seeking a doctor immediately, you’ll ensure that nothing’s overlooked and that you can start treatment if needed.
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