Signs of An Injury After A Traffic Accident

Some injuries are obvious right after a traffic crash, while others manifest over time. Always seek medical attention after a collision and then speak with a San Francisco car accident lawyer as soon as possible about your rights.

If you think you’re all clear after that first hospital visit following a traffic accident, think again. If you think your traffic accident doesn’t hurt that bad and you could simply walk it off, think again. If you think you can procrastinate on fighting for the accountability you deserve, think again. Delayed symptoms can onset well after a traffic accident, but you shouldn’t wait long after one to seek justice.

Learn the common signs of a delayed traffic accident injury, and learn why you should consult with San Francisco car accident lawyers ASAP.

Upper Body Pain

If you feel soreness, numbness, or shooting pains around your upper body, don’t take them lightly. Head pain could be a sign of a concussion or traumatic brain injury, whilst neck, back, or upper body pain could be indicative of whiplash, a painful injury that occurs with rapid back movement common in rear-end car accidents.

Whiplash typically heals in a few months, but a severe TBI can take years to recover from and linger with life-long effects. Research has associated even single, mild TBIs with an exacerbated risk of dementia, so do not hesitate to seek appropriate medical attention.  

Internal Bleeding

Even if they aren’t excruciatingly painful, be mindful of any visible bruises that appear after a car accident, as those could be indicative of internal bleeding. If it’s around the back and the affected area is numb, then that could be a sign of a herniated disk spinal injury that could linger with chronic pain and limit your mobility in the long run.

Also, no bruising doesn’t always mean no internal bleeding. If you feel extreme pain in the chest or abdomen, it could be nothing, or it could mean that you’re bleeding out without realizing it. Organs can puncture, rupture, or fail in the chest without any visible bruising present. Regardless of what it is, don’t shrug it off, and don’t take it lightly. 

Mental Distress

After a traffic accident, you might be left with pretty apparent evidence of physical injuries that were inflicted in the crash But do you have a good handle on understanding the emotional damages that you’ll be left with after an accident? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that almost 40 percent of vehicle accident survivors will walk away struggling with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) in the aftermath of the crash.

Though these types of wounds don’t leave physical scars, they’re still wounds that can potentially linger with lasting, life-altering consequences. While these effects don’t always onset immediately, you shouldn’t ignore them when they do appear.

Choose Our San Francisco Car Accident Lawyers

Serving clients across the Bay Area for over 60 years, our talented team of San Francisco car accident lawyers at The Cartwright Law Firm stands up for the rights of injured crash victims. As soon as your physical condition is stable, you should not hesitate to contact us to arrange a free case review.