Car accidents can be overwhelming. Even if you walk away without obvious injuries, that doesn’t mean your body is completely fine. Sometimes, pain and other symptoms don’t show up right away. According to some studies, 25 to 33 percent of people involved in a crash report delayed symptoms days or even weeks later.
These signs can sneak up on you and, if left untreated, may turn into long-term problems. Below are eight common delayed injury symptoms you should look out for after a car crash.
Headaches That Don’t Go Away
A headache might not seem like a big deal, but when it shows up days after a crash, it could be a sign of something serious. It might come from whiplash, a concussion, or even a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
If you notice dull or throbbing head pain, especially when it’s paired with dizziness, nausea, or trouble with light and sound, don’t ignore it. It could mean your brain was shaken up in the crash. Some headaches get worse with time, and in some cases, they can be linked to internal bleeding.
Neck and Shoulder Pain
Neck pain and stiffness are often signs of whiplash, which happens when your head is whipped back and forth during impact. This is common in rear-end collisions.
Pain may not start immediately, but days later you might feel soreness, limited movement, or even pain that spreads to your shoulders and arms. In more serious cases, whiplash can cause blurry vision, sleep problems, or memory trouble.
Lower Back Pain
Back pain after a crash isn’t always instant. Sometimes it starts as soreness and slowly turns into aching or sharp pain. This could be caused by injured muscles, torn ligaments, or a herniated disc.
If the pain gets worse when you sit, bend, or move, or if it spreads down your legs, you might be dealing with something more than just a pulled muscle.
Numbness or Tingling in Hands or Feet
That “pins and needles” feeling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet could be from nerve compression or a herniated disc. These sensations might come and go or feel like certain parts of your body are asleep.
It’s a sign that the nerves connected to your spine might be affected. If left untreated, this could lead to permanent damage.
Trouble Sleeping
Sleep issues can show up days after a crash. This could be from physical pain, stress, or emotional trauma. People sometimes develop anxiety, restlessness, or even signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a car accident.
Waking up often, tossing and turning, or feeling tired during the day could all be related to your body and mind still reacting to the crash.
Dizziness and Balance Problems
Feeling lightheaded or unsteady on your feet could mean you have a concussion or inner ear damage. Sometimes, dizziness is caused by a brain injury or whiplash affecting the spine or nerves.
If you’re having trouble standing, walking straight, or feel like the room is spinning, it’s time to get checked out.
Vision or Hearing Changes
Blurry vision, double vision, ringing in your ears, or muffled hearing can all be delayed signs of a concussion or other brain injury. Damage to the optic nerves or inner ear can also cause these issues.
If you start to notice changes in your senses after a crash, even if they’re small, take them seriously.
Constant Fatigue
Tiredness that doesn’t go away is another sign something might be wrong. After a crash, your body may be working overtime to heal or deal with injuries that haven’t been diagnosed yet.
You might feel exhausted even after a full night’s sleep. This could be related to a brain injury, physical strain, or even emotional distress.
Why Delayed Symptoms Happen
During an accident, your body releases adrenaline and endorphins. These chemicals block pain and help you stay alert. Once they wear off, that’s when you might start to feel the real effects of the crash.
Sometimes, swelling and inflammation build slowly, which is why pain shows up later. Other times, injuries may not affect you until your body returns to normal activity.
What to Do If Symptoms Show Up Later
If you notice any of the symptoms above, don’t brush them off. Getting medical attention early can make a big difference. Some injuries can get worse if they’re not treated quickly.
A doctor can run tests like X-rays, MRIs, or other scans to figure out what’s going on. You might also benefit from treatment like chiropractic care, physical therapy, or medication to manage pain and healing.
Call CLS Law if You Were Hurt After a Crash
If you’re dealing with delayed symptoms after a car accident in Phoenix, call CLS Law. Even if the pain didn’t show up right away, you may still have a valid injury claim. Waiting too long can hurt your case and your recovery.
Our car accident lawyer can help you understand your options and fight for the care and compensation you deserve. Call (855) 257-9467 today for a free consultation.