It’s not always easy to notice injuries in the immediate aftermath of a car accident. The adrenaline and shock can mask the symptoms, and sometimes, several days pass before a crash victim suspects an injury.
Your top priority after any collision is to seek medical attention. A fast diagnosis may improve the outcome of your treatment and shorten your recovery time.
If you put off a medical evaluation, it may be difficult to tie your injuries to the crash. As a result, your insurance company may undervalue or deny your claim.
It is particularly important to schedule a visit with your doctor if you notice:
- Headaches;
- Shoulder or neck pain;
- Back pain;
- Stomach pain;
- Impaired cognitive and sensory abilities; or
If you were injured due to a distracted, drunk or negligent driver in Texas, turn to the The Robson Law Firm. An accident attorney in Austin will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 512-345-8200 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Let’s take a closer look at six early signs that you suffered an injury in a car accident:
- Headaches
Headaches can be a minor symptom of a major problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor-vehicle accident injuries are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury deaths in the United States.
Visit your doctor immediately if you notice these symptoms of a TBI:
- Vomiting;
- Blurred vision;
- Dizziness;
- Sensitivity to light; or
- Memory problems.
- Shoulder or Neck Pain
According to WebMD, rear-end car accidents are the most common cause of whiplash. However, the symptoms can take time to show. Stiffness or pain in the neck is a telltale sign of whiplash, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other symptoms include:
- Headaches;
- Inability to move the neck;
- Drowsiness;
- Dizziness;
- Sleep problems; and
- Back Pain
An injury to back muscles, nerves or vertebrae can cause severe back pain. Delaying your doctor’s visit can cause your symptoms to worsen.
- Stomach Pain
Stomach pain may indicate a serious abdominal injury such as internal bleeding or organ damage. This requires immediate medical attention.
- Impaired Cognitive and Sensory Abilities
A car accident can injure any part of the body, so the symptoms of an injury can vary widely. Signs of a head injury may be subtle at first, but you should be concerned if you notice any cognitive impairment such as poor memory or slow thinking. Also, visit a doctor if you have trouble hearing or seeing.
- Numbness
Numbness in the limbs indicates a spinal injury. Other symptoms of spinal trauma include:
- Inability to move the limbs;
- Breathing problems;
- Slow reflexes;
- Inability to feel cold or heat; or
- Inability to control the bladder.
If you were injured by a negligent driver in Texas, contact The Robson Law Firm. An Austin personal-injury lawyer will interview witnesses, gather evidence, assess the police report and doctor’s records, and help you fight for the maximum compensation. Call 512-345-8200 to schedule a free initial consultation.