What to Expect Physically After a Car Accident

Car accidents can leave a lasting impact both emotionally and physically. While the severity of injuries varies, understanding common car accident symptoms is crucial to ensuring your recovery. Whether symptoms appear immediately or are delayed, prompt action can make all the difference in your healing process and rights.

If you’re in Texas and wondering what to watch for physically post-accident, this blog will walk you through immediate symptoms, delayed reactions, when to seek medical attention, and how Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn can assist you with your recovery.

Immediate and Common Symptoms

Some injuries are apparent right after a car accident. According to Legal Clarity, immediate symptoms to look out for include:

• Whiplash: A common injury caused by the sudden jerking motion of your neck and head during a collision. It can result in symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and headaches, and may take days or weeks to appear fully. 
• Back Pain: The force of impact can strain muscles, ligaments, or even cause fractures in the spine. This may result in localized pain, difficulty in mobility, or even nerve damage if left untreated. 
• Headaches or Dizziness: Persistent headaches or dizziness after an accident may indicate trauma such as a concussion, whiplash-associated injury, or, in severe cases, a more serious brain injury that requires medical evaluation. 
• Bruises and Lacerations: These visible injuries, such as cuts or scrapes, often appear immediately and may range from minor to severe, sometimes requiring stitches or further medical care. 
• Abdominal Pain: Pain in the abdomen following a collision should not be ignored, as it could point to internal bleeding or damage to organs, which requires urgent medical attention to avoid life-threatening complications.

Seek medical care right away, even if the injuries seem minor. Many conditions worsen when left untreated.

Delayed Symptoms

Not all car accident symptoms appear right away. Some may take hours, days, or even weeks to manifest. Recognizing delayed signs can be just as crucial in determining injuries.

• Head and Neck Pain: Persistent or worsening pain in the head or neck could indicate traumatic brain injury, such as a concussion, or unresolved whiplash caused by the force of impact during the accident. These injuries can lead to chronic discomfort if left untreated. 
• Numbness or Tingling: These sensations, often felt in the arms or legs, are commonly linked to pinched nerves, herniated discs, or spinal cord injuries. They might suggest nerve damage or reduced blood flow to particular areas. 
• Back Pain: Lingering or sharp back pain could result from soft tissue injuries like muscle strains, herniated discs pressing on nerves, or, in severe cases, spinal fractures. Ignoring this could worsen the condition over time. 
• Cognitive Symptoms: Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, confusion, or feeling mentally “foggy” days after an accident could be signs of brain trauma, such as a mild to severe concussion. These symptoms may impact daily functioning if not addressed. 
• Mood Changes or PTSD: Car accidents can lead to psychological effects like anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nightmares, flashbacks, irritability, or a heightened fear of driving might develop, even if physical injuries are mild. 
• Abdominal Swelling or Pain: Pain, swelling, or tenderness in the abdomen can indicate internal organ damage, internal bleeding, or a ruptured spleen. These are critical symptoms that require immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications.

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more severe complications, so always take physical signs seriously.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Knowing when to consult a doctor is key to ensuring proper recovery. According to AASEM, you should seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Loss of consciousness
• Severe or worsening headaches
• Persistent neck or back pain
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs
• Swelling in the abdomen or joints
• Difficulty walking or an inability to perform daily tasks
• Cognitive issues such as confusion, fatigue, or memory loss
• Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including flashbacks or emotional detachment

Avoid delays in diagnosis, even if symptoms are mild. Proper medical documentation ensures your health and supports any potential legal cases.

How Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn Can Help

Recovering from a car accident involves more than just physical healing. You may face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and complex insurance claims. This is where Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn can assist. 

If you are in Dallas, Fort Worth or Arlington, our car accident lawyers are ready to help. Call (817) 920-9000 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation form now.