In the chaotic aftermath of an Atlanta car crash, you may feel shaken up but not severely hurt. You may decline an ambulance, thinking you escaped with just bumps and bruises—only for concerning symptoms to emerge in the hours, days, and weeks after.
Delayed symptoms are fairly common. In fact, they can be warning signs of serious underlying injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, and spinal cord damage. If you notice any of the following symptoms after a car accident, seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible. Contacting an Atlanta auto accident attorney may also be a wise decision, to determine your legal options after an avoidable crash.
Persistent Headaches
Headaches are one of the most common symptoms reported after a car crash. While some headaches may resolve on their own, persistent or worsening head pain could indicate a traumatic brain injury (TBI) like a concussion. TBIs can cause cognitive issues, mood changes, memory loss, and potentially fatal complications if left untreated.
Neck Pain and Stiffness
One of the most common delayed injuries in car accidents is whiplash. This injury affects the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your neck and is caused by rapid back-and-forth movement, much like the cracking of a whip. Whiplash often manifests as neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion that worsens in the hours and days following an accident. Without treatment, whiplash injuries can cause chronic pain and weakness in your neck, shoulders, and arms.
Numbness or Tingling
If you notice numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet after a crash, you could have a spinal cord injury or nerve damage. Sometimes, numbness is accompanied by a pins-and-needles sensation or burning pain. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of recovery.
Back and Spinal Pain
From herniated discs to fractured vertebrae, car accidents can cause a variety of painful back and spine injuries. You may notice back pain and stiffness right away, but symptoms could also develop in the days and weeks after the crash. Muscle spasms, pain that radiates to your arms or legs, and difficulty standing or walking are all signs you need emergency medical care.
Nausea and Vomiting
Feeling nauseous or vomiting after a car accident could be a symptom of a concussion, blood loss, internal injuries, or spinal cord damage. If you hit your head during the crash or your abdomen was struck by the steering wheel, you could have life-threatening injuries that require emergency care. Seek medical attention right away if you develop these symptoms.
Disorientation and Confusion
Concussions and other head injuries can also cause mental symptoms like disorientation, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and memory loss. You may feel foggy or dazed. If a friend or family member notices that you do not seem like yourself or you are struggling to remember what happened, head to the nearest emergency room.
Seek Justice with Monge & Associates Today
Not all car crash injuries are immediately obvious, but ignoring warning signs can have serious consequences for your health and your legal case. If you experience symptoms like headaches, neck pain, dizziness, or confusion after an Atlanta car accident, seek treatment from a medical professional right away.
Then, reach out to the attorneys at Monge & Associates to explore your legal options and begin your journey to justice. Contact us today at (888) 653-0605 and learn how we can fight for the compensation you deserve.