When Washington residents are in a car accident, they may not immediately realize that they have been injured. There are a number of different types of symptoms that may not show up for hours or days after a motor vehicle accident has occurred. As some of them can indicate serious medical problems, it is important for people to see their doctors as soon as possible after such an incident.
Most people are aware that the symptoms associated with whiplash, including stiff and painful necks and shoulders, as well as tingling or numbness in the hands, may not show up for several days afterwards. Some cases of whiplash are very serious. A doctor can determine whether a person has this injury type by doing an MRI.
Back pain may not show up for several days. When it does, it can indicate that a person’s vertebrae, nerves or muscles were injured in the accident. Headaches that later appear may indicate that the person suffered a head or neck injury. It can also indicate the formation of a blood clot in the brain. If a person’s abdomen swells or is painful, it is important to seek medical attention. This can indicate the person is bleeding internally. Finally, if a person’s personality or ability to function changes, they may have suffered a traumatic brain injury and should seek medical attention.
Auto accident injuries may not appear for a while afterwards. People should thus go to their doctors to get a checkup after an accident, even if they initially do not believe they were injured. Getting early treatment can help prevent some problems from worsening even further. Those who are injured in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence may also want to speak with a personal injury attorney in order to determine the legal remedies that may be available.