After you’ve been in a car accident, you may experience symptoms right away but may notice new symptoms days or even weeks later. Sometimes people experience life-threatening injuries that worsen over weeks before they realize their issues are related to the recent car accident. Some injuries, like those that affect internal organs, don’t display symptoms immediately. Depending on the specific injury, symptoms may be present for a while after a car accident.
Car Accident Injuries
Depending on the severity of the accident, injuries can vary greatly. While some victims may experience minimal bruising, others may spend days or weeks in the hospital. If the accident is serious, more severe injuries can result, including:
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Loss of limbs
Most spinal cord injuries are related to car accidents, which is the main reason why patients with neck or back pain are asked about their previous car accident history. Whiplash is another ailment that may take time to develop, and many car crash victims believe if they walk away from the accident unharmed, they don’t have injuries. Still, it may be that whiplash sometimes takes longer to present as a symptom.
Delayed Injuries After a Car Accident
Other forms of injuries that can occur after car accidents include those with delayed symptoms. These instances are generally rare, but some can present life-threatening situations. Sometimes injuries that victims believe are minor could lead to an infection in the body or organ failure, which can take three to four weeks to manifest. Brain bleeds and other brain-related injuries can take a while to appear after a car accident, so it’s not uncommon to witness symptoms a month or so after a car accident.
Consult a Specialist
Working with knowledgeable doctors can be life-changing if you’ve been in a car accident and aren’t sure if you’ve sustained injuries. Be sure to make an appointment with Synergy Health Partners to go over your case and help assess whether you’ve been physically affected by the car accident. Don’t hesitate to contact us—we can help you!