Experiencing a car accident can be frightening and painful. These reactions may occur right after the accident or in the days following, and some may require emergency attention.
Follow our guide to post-car accident symptoms to learn whether your experience is typical, when you should seek medical attention, and why your lawyer should know about your injuries and car accident symptoms.
Feeling Stunned
Most people feel shocked or upset after experiencing a traumatic physical event. “Feeling stunned” is a general term for the disorientation or confusion that may occur. These responses may be emotional, causing agitation or fear, or they may be physical, causing brain fog or memory issues.
It’s normal to feel stunned after a car accident, but if these symptoms continue or are severe, you may be in shock. Physical shock may indicate that you’re more severely injured than you first realized, and these symptoms may appear later or continue for a longer period after the accident. If you haven’t received medical attention yet, feeling stunned for a longer period of time may be cause for emergency assistance.
Headaches
Many people report having a headache after a car accident. Headaches can occur after experiencing whiplash and may be accompanied by dizziness or blurred vision. Some post-car accident headaches last an hour or less, while others may continue for several days.
Most headaches after a car accident are not cause for concern unless you experience the following:
- lost consciousness during or after the accident
- dizziness or blurred vision
- nausea that doesn’t go away
- loss of memory of what led up to the accident
- feeling very sleepy or can’t be roused to wake
- head pain that doesn’t get better or gets worse
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you may have a concussion or another head injury. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience these headache symptoms.
Neck, Back, and Shoulder Pain
If your car accident was major or occurred at a high speed, you may have injuries or pain in your neck, back, and shoulders. Neck, back, and shoulder pain after an accident can be a result of whiplash or soft tissue damage. Symptoms may not appear immediately, and you may experience a limited range of motion in the days after the accident. These symptoms generally improve with rest in the next few days or weeks.
However, you should seek immediate medical attention if:
- your range of motion is very stiff or severely limited
- you’re experiencing numbness or spasms
- your pain is getting worse
You may have a more severe injury, including a spinal cord injury. A doctor can determine whether your pain is an emergency situation or indicative of common car accident symptoms.
Chest Pain
Some symptoms, such as chest pain after a car accident, always require medical attention. Chest pain may result from:
- rib fractures or bruising
- muscle strain in your torso
- cardiac contusion
- punctured lung
- internal injuries to your organs
- aortic rupture
Only a medical professional can determine whether your chest pain is from bruising, stress, or something more serious. Don’t hesitate to consult an emergency physician for any chest pain after a car accident.
Stomach Pain
Like chest pain, stomach pain after a car accident can be an emergency. You may not feel these symptoms right away. Stomach pain can be delayed after the shock and trauma of a car accident.
Some causes of your stomach pain may be:
- abdomen bruising from seat belts or airbags
- nausea from a concussion or shock
- internal bleeding
- organ compression or damage
Whether you feel stomach pain right away or a few days later, your doctor should know about it. Get examined to determine whether you need emergency medical help or need to be kept under observation.
Bruising and Swelling
Victims of car accidents often see bruises and swelling immediately after a car accident. These injuries are common after experiencing a traumatic physical event. Unless your doctor is concerned about your bruises, you can treat them at home by resting and applying ice packs to the impacted areas.
However, some people may walk away from a car accident feeling fine, then bruising and swelling appear several hours or days later. Delayed bruising often occurs after a car accident because your blood vessels have been damaged due to trauma and may indicate further internal injuries.
See a medical professional immediately if you notice bruising many hours or days after your accident.
Ringing in Your Ears
A constant ringing or buzzing in your ears—known as tinnitus—may occur after you experience a car accident. Tinnitus may result from the loud noise of the accident, trauma to your head or ears, or whiplash from the sudden force of the crash.
In some cases, tinnitus may be a symptom of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience other symptoms of a TBI, including:
- nausea
- headache
- blurred vision
- lightheadedness or dizziness
- sensitivity to light
- bad taste in your mouth
- liquid draining from your nose or ears
- seizures
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The emotional ramifications of a car accident can be just as serious as the physical symptoms. Many people experience anxiety and stress after being in a car accident, including feeling anxious about driving or being in a car. Depression is also common for car accident victims as they grapple with physical, financial, and personal hardships as a result of the event.
When these symptoms worsen or don’t go away, you may be diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Talk to your doctor if you’re feeling these symptoms for an extended period:
- emotional detachment
- loss of interest in hobbies
- reactivity or panic
- mood swings or negative moods
- sleep issues (insomnia or oversleeping)
- aggression or violence toward others
- thoughts of self-harm
When Should You Talk To a Lawyer After an Accident?
It’s advisable to consult with legal counsel as soon as possible after you experience a car accident. Time can be an important resource in an accident case or investigation. Documenting your medical needs, police reports, and insurance information can be daunting, especially when you may be physically or emotionally incapacitated. Your car accident lawyer can help you document your symptoms so every injury is accounted for in legal or insurance claims.
Have More Questions? Contact Contact Burrow & Associates
If you or a loved one has experienced medical or emotional trauma after a car accident, reach out to Burrow & Associates today. Our team of personal injury attorneys can help you find the best legal options for compensation after a car accident, including medical bills, vehicle repair, physical therapy, emotional distress, and recovering lost wages due to recuperation and lower earning ability.
Call (678) 323-2394 or use our online contact form. We’re ready to help you get your life back.
