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3 Delayed Signs Of A Serious Injury After A Crash

On Behalf of | Apr 15, 2022 | Personal Injury

Did you know that you could be badly hurt in an auto accident and not really show any outward signs of injury for several hours or days? Sometimes, the chemicals released by the brain to help you fight through the trauma of serious injuries mask the damage that has been done. As the chemicals wear off, you may suffer from serious and seemingly unusual symptoms that need to be seen by a medical professional.

Delayed-onset injuries are problematic, because people don’t always go to the hospital when they should after a crash. Look for these three signs of serious injuries, and remember that you should always seek medical care as soon as you can after a collision even if you feel well.

  1. Sudden or chronic headaches

One of the first things you should do is look for signs of a headache. If you have a minor headache that is persisting over time or have a headache that is getting worse as time passes, it’s time to go to the hospital and be seen for a potential brain injury.

  1. Abdominal swelling

There is a significant amount of space in the abdominal cavity, so it’s not always easy to tell that you’re bleeding internally or having fluids gather there. If you start to feel dizzy, have swelling or notice bruising that is spreading, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible to rule out internal bleeding or other damage.

  1. Shoulder pain

Shoulder pain can be caused by many different injuries, some of which could include damage to the ribs, heart, lungs and shoulder themselves. From spinal cord injuries to damage to the internal organs, shoulder pain is a sign that something isn’t right. Seeking medical help will assist in identifying the root cause.

These are three signs of injuries that may be delayed. It’s worth seeking medical care after a crash, so you can minimize the risk of delayed-onset injuries worsening. Some people put off this treatment because of the cost, but remember that you may be able to hold the at-fault driver responsible for any medical care that you need.