Not All Accident Injuries Show Symptoms Right Away

Car accidents are traumatic and stressful events — even the ones that initially seem minor. However, when you are involved in an accident that seems to be no more than a fender bender, you might not initially notice that you actually sustained an injury in the accident. There are a variety of reasons for this.

One reason is that an accident is likely to get your adrenaline pumping. It is a shocking event that gives a kick start to your system. The resulting adrenaline and endorphins that your body produces during the aftermath of an accident might work to temporarily block pain, so you don’t feel as though anything is wrong until later on.

Other specific types of injuries tend to demonstrate symptoms hours or even days later. Soft tissue injuries, especially whiplash, are known for not showing up right away. Whiplash, for example, involves an injury to the neck muscles when the head is forcefully thrown forward and back. The common symptoms of the condition (swelling, pain, reduced mobility) typically don’t make themselves known until days after the accident. These injuries are also not visible on x-rays, so even if you do get medical attention after an accident, they might go unnoticed.

Concussions also do not show up immediately after an accident. Common symptoms include clouded thinking, headaches, blurred vision, nausea, dizziness, lack of concentration and more. If you exhibit any of these symptoms in the days or weeks after a car accident, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Just because you feel fine after an auto accident does not necessary mean you escaped without an injury. Always see a doctor after an accident, and be sure to contact a New York personal injury attorney with [ln::firm_name] to learn more about your legal options.