Man wearing an arm cast in front of a car wreck

The physical symptoms of a car accident injury can vary substantially—especially in the immediate aftermath. While most people suffer some form of pain or stiffness, these symptoms can take time to develop.

Ultimately, it will depend on the severity of the crash. In some cases, your injuries might heal on their own in a matter of days or weeks, or you could face physical hardships for the rest of your life. In either case, a Dallas car accident lawyer from Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP can help explain your options and protect your rights.

Pain and stiffness

The most common physical symptoms that follow a car accident involve pain, soreness, and stiffness. This often occurs from the seatbelt or from the force of the crash itself. When tissue is damaged or strained, it can result in significant pain and swelling.

While the pain from a major accident could last for an extended period of time, you may not immediately notice it. This is due to the adrenaline released in moments of stress, like a car accident, which can mask the symptoms. However, in the hours or days following the crash, you can expect the pain and swelling to creep in.

Because of these delayed symptoms, it is essential to seek medical treatment even if you feel fine. You might be surprised at the severity of the pain you feel when you wake up the morning after your accident.

Head trauma

Head trauma can occur in an accident, especially one in which you were not wearing your seatbelt. Any impact to the head has the potential for long-lasting health problems. The worst of these complications is traumatic brain injury (TBI)— which comes in different forms. TBI can include a concussion as well as bleeding under the surface of the brain. In some cases, an accident could cause damage to the skull. This type of fracture can take a long time to heal and is frequently very painful. Your personal injury lawyer could help you evaluate the severity of your head trauma and pursue a claim for compensation for your injuries.

Back injuries

Back injuries are also commonplace in motor vehicle accidents. They are especially common in severe crashes that cause your body to jerk against the seatbelt. One of the most common back injuries is known as a herniated disc. It impacts the discs between the vertebrae in the spine. When they are damaged, they can rupture, inflaming the nerves throughout the spine and causing substantial pain.

Whiplash

One of the injuries most commonly associated with motor vehicle collisions is known as whiplash. It is a neck injury that occurs when an impact causes the head and neck to whip back and forth. Typically, it results in strained and inflamed muscles and tissue in the neck, upper back, and shoulders. While whiplash can clear up on its own in some cases, there are times when medical intervention is necessary.

Contact our team of Dallas Car Accident Lawyers

No matter the specific injuries you suffer, it is in your best interest to seek out medical care immediately after the accident. If you have been severely injured in a car accident, this is your first priority. After you’ve seen to your injuries, contact us for a free consultation. We can help you recover damages for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and property damage.