Sometimes you feel immediate pain after a car accident. Your injuries are visible, acute or even life altering. In other cases, pain symptoms appear gradually, over a period of weeks. The emotional stress of the accident may boost adrenalin, masking pain temporarily. When it does appear, discomfort is often due to brain, bone and muscle injuries. Whether the pain comes from bone or soft tissue, it can vary in intensity and need a physician’s evaluation. In the most serious accidents, pain is associated with disfigurement or permanent disability. More often, common crash injuries lead to “after the car accident” pain:
- Broken bones – Bones may be cracked, completely or incompletely broken, or broken through the skin.
- Whiplash – During a collision, the force exerted on the car is transferred to the people inside. When the head is thrown directionally, whiplash can occur with neck pain and associated complications.
- Head injuries and concussion – The brain can strike the inside of the skull during an accident. Review the signs of a concussion and seek medical attention for head injury symptoms.
- Back pain – If you are experiencing back pain after a car accident, call your doctor. This is a common complaint that can cause mobility issues.
- Mental distress – Though the pain may fade, emotional trauma can remain after serious accidents.
If you will be filing an injury claim with an insurance company, you will want to receive medical care immediately after the accident or at the first sign of pain. Even if pain is minimal, it is best to see a doctor.
Are you experiencing pain following an auto accident? Be careful about signing a release with an insurance company. A consultation with an attorney can help to ensure that maximum compensation is received for injuries. If you have suffered a personal injury due to another driver, call us for a free consultation today.