You have just been in a car accident. The other driver hit you at a busy intersection, and your car sustained significant damage. But when the paramedics arrive, you tell them you feel fine. Maybe your neck is a little stiff, but nothing serious. You decline the ambulance ride and drive home.
Two days later, you wake up with a splitting headache, debilitating neck pain, and numbness radiating down your left arm. What happened?
This scenario is far more common than most people realize. At Dr. Ted Injury Law, we have represented countless clients who felt fine after their accident only to discover days or weeks later that they had suffered serious injuries requiring extensive treatment.
Why Injuries Can Be Hidden After an Accident
The human body has powerful physiological mechanisms for dealing with trauma. When you are involved in a car accident, your body floods with adrenaline and endorphins, hormones that temporarily mask pain, increase alertness, and create a false sense of well-being. This evolutionary survival mechanism can lead you to underestimate your injuries.
Additionally, some injuries simply take time to develop symptoms. Inflammation, internal bleeding, and nerve compression can progress gradually over hours or days before producing noticeable symptoms.
Common Hidden Injuries to Watch For
Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
You can suffer a concussion even without hitting your head on anything. Rapid deceleration forces alone can cause the brain to shift within the skull. Symptoms may not appear for hours or days and can include persistent headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. Left untreated, concussions can lead to long-term cognitive problems.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries
Whiplash injuries are notorious for delayed onset. You may feel fine immediately after the accident, only to develop severe neck pain and headaches 24 to 72 hours later. Other soft tissue injuries can also take time to become symptomatic as inflammation builds.
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc occurs when the force of the accident causes a cushioning disc between vertebrae to rupture. Symptoms including radiating pain, numbness, and weakness may develop gradually as the damaged disc compresses nearby nerves. Some people do not experience noticeable symptoms until weeks after the accident.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding is one of the most dangerous hidden injuries because it can be life-threatening if not detected promptly. Blunt force trauma from a seatbelt, steering wheel, or airbag can damage internal organs, causing slow bleeding. Warning signs include abdominal pain or swelling, dizziness, fainting, and deep bruising.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychological condition that can develop after a car accident. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, avoidance of driving, and emotional numbness. PTSD symptoms typically develop within three months but can sometimes take longer.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The most important step after any car accident is to seek medical evaluation within 24 hours, even if you feel fine. A thorough examination can identify injuries you are not yet aware of. From a legal standpoint, prompt medical attention creates a documented record connecting your injuries to the accident.
Red Flag Symptoms to Watch For
In the days and weeks following a car accident, be alert to:
- Headaches that persist or worsen over time
- Neck or back pain that develops after the accident
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms or legs
- Dizziness, blurred vision, or ringing in ears
- Abdominal pain, swelling, or deep bruising
- Changes in mood, behavior, or cognitive function
- Difficulty sleeping, nightmares, or flashbacks
- Nausea or vomiting
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately and inform your doctor about the car accident.
Protect Your Health and Your Legal Rights
Hidden injuries can have serious long-term consequences. At Dr. Ted Injury Law, we work with leading medical experts to ensure all injuries are properly diagnosed, documented, and valued. Contact us at (800) 555-HURT for a free consultation. We serve clients across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.