Delayed Injuries to Look Out for After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

It is no secret that injuries suffered from a car accident in Los Angeles are often painful, disruptive, and sometimes even scary. Between immediately noticeable physical injuries, vehicular damage, obtaining medical attention and filing insurance claims, the last thing on your mind is whether you have any delayed injuries – i.e. any injuries that are only noticeable after some time has passed.  There are usually two reasons why delayed injuries are not so obvious to an injuries driver in an accident. First is that oftentimes delayed injuries are internal. Therefore they are not obvious like a cut or a bruise might be. Additionally adrenaline can often prevent someone from noticing injuries until many hours or even the day after a car accident.

Even low-speed collisions can cause a significant physical impact to the body. It can even take a few days to a few weeks for pain related to a recent car accident to appear. Following a traumatic physical event like a car accident, never wait to seek medical attention. Internal organ damage is always a possibility, even if the pain does not manifest until a few days after the impact. Brain bleeds are rare but also a possibility, which is why even minor headaches should not be dismissed following a vehicular accident. Because these conditions are certainly fatal without medical intervention, it is critically important to obtain medical attention as soon as possible and prevent injuries from becoming worse.

Soft Tissue Injuries/Whiplash

One of the most common delayed injuries due to a car accident in Los Angeles are injuries related to soft tissue. A soft tissue injury is any injury to the muscles, ligaments, and/or tendons. When a car accident occurs and the occupants of the vehicle experience whiplash, the muscles and ligaments in the neck are stretching due to the sudden ‘whipping’ of the head during collision.

This can also occur at other parts of the body, which is why whiplash can lead to mid- and lower-back muscle sprains, spinal injury, a slipped disc, and more.

Some symptoms of whiplash include (but are not limited to): muscle stiffness, soreness, limited range of emotion (particularly in the neck, but potentially also in the back), pain, swelling, headaches, and/or blurred vision. Sometimes, whiplash can cause numbness or tingling (like pins and needles) due to nerve damage.

Head Injuries

Head injuries are some of the most dangerous types of injuries to result from a vehicular accident. This is because even severe head trauma is oftentimes not immediately noticeable. Head injuries like concussion or brain damage are both more difficult to assess and more difficult to treat.

Mild symptoms of head trauma can include headaches, difficulties with vision and hearing, nausea, and confusion. Sometimes, head injuries can prompt a change in someone’s emotional well-being or behavior. Other times, head trauma can cause memory loss and changes in personality.

Very rarely, head trauma from whiplash can result in a brain bleed which may be fatal. This is why it is imperative to seek medical attention after a car accident even if you believe you are not injured.  

Abdomen Pain

Abdomen pain is always a worrisome sign, but even more so after a car accident in Los Angeles. Pain in the abdomen, in addition to bruising and dizziness, are all signs that can point to internal bleeding. This may be fatal if you are not immediately seen by a medical professional. While bruising in the stomach area is common due to the placement of seat belts, abdominal pain is nothing to “walk off” and can significantly worsen if left untreated.

Emotional Trauma

After the initial adrenaline wears off and the chaos subsides, many people suffer emotional trauma. This trauma can be in the form of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions can be just as painful and disruptive as physical ailments. Because car accidents are often stressful, they can also worsen existing mental health issues even if they seem unrelated. The emotional impact of a car accident could be related to the actual incident, the result of physical injuries, or both.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney Today

After any car accident, you should speak to an attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of this situation. This is especially true if you are injured or currently recovering from injuries. The car accident attorneys at B|B Law Group have experience in litigation related to car accidents, personal injury, and more. They are ready to work with you to answer your questions. Contact the B|B Law Group to schedule a consultation today.