Symptoms of a range of injuries suffered during a Colorado auto accident may not show up right away.
Heed Advice and Seek Medical Attention Following a Colorado Auto Accident
Many car accident victims say they feel fine after a collision, perhaps because of the post-accident adrenaline rush that can mask symptoms. But some injuries caused by an accident are evident only hours, days, or even weeks later. Delayed symptoms can make it harder to receive compensation for accident-related damages.
Soft Tissue Injuries
A soft tissue injury involves damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and usually results from a sprain, strain, contusion, or sudden trauma. Such an injury often appears anytime from a day to a week after an injury and is characterized by inflammation, discoloration of the affected area, stiffness and reduced range of motion, and inability to support weight.
Although soft tissue injuries cause painful and often debilitating symptoms, they are often difficult to document, since they do not usually show up on x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other medical imaging equipment.
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs in rear-end collisions when the victim is thrown abruptly forward and backward. A whiplash injury can result in neck, upper back, shoulder, and head pain as well as dizziness, severe headaches, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, and trouble sleeping.
Whiplash symptoms are often delayed and can appear anytime between 12 hours to five days after the accident. Minor whiplash may clear up within a month. But more severe cases may take longer to heal and may even result in permanent damage.
Concussion
A concussion may occur during a motor vehicle accident when a blow to the head causes the brain to crash against the skull. Symptoms of concussions typically include some combination of disorientation, loss of equilibrium, headaches, mood swings, depression, changes in sleeping and eating habits, and sensitivity to bright lights and certain sounds.
Colorado auto accident victims should seek medical attention immediately following an accident to determine whether they have suffered a concussion.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD sometimes develops in patients after severe trauma like a serious automobile accident. The symptoms are psychological rather than physical, making diagnosis difficult and often delayed. They include flashbacks or nightmares of the collision, mood changes, disruption of eating and sleeping patterns, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, and uncharacteristically reckless behavior.
Many victims of an auto accident dismiss or downplay the symptoms of PTSD and the effect it can have on quality of life, leading to a delay in diagnosis. Because of the serious side effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, it is vital that accident victims seek advice from a mental health professional if they experience substantial behavioral or emotional changes.
Internal Injuries
Internal bleeding can go unnoticed for several days after an accident, despite the fact that the associated injuries can be extremely serious and even life-threatening if not discovered early. Symptoms include abdominal pain or swelling, deep bruising, purplish skin, headaches, dizziness and lightheadedness, and fainting.
Internal bleeding typically occurs after severe trauma but can also occur after less serious trauma, and symptoms can be delayed by hours or even days. If bleeding continues or is severe, surgery is required to correct it.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident in Colorado, whether the injuries were apparent immediately or only after days or weeks, contact Dan Rosen at (303) 454-8000 or 800-ROSEN-911 to schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.