After an accident, soreness or stiffness can seem minor at first. However, all too often when people return to their daily routines is when the extent of a personal injury becomes apparent.
Some serious injury symptoms stay hidden at first, but then worsen over hours or days.
Recognizing the early signs of an injury can help you protect your health and any personal injury claim you may need to bring.
Here are five signs of injuries that you should not ignore after an accident.
1. Persistent Pain or Swelling That Doesn’t Improve
Pain that does not ease with rest usually indicates more than a simple bruise. Swelling that persists can be one of the most evident signs of injury. Questions about when to see a doctor after an accident should not wait when pain keeps you from sleep, work, or daily chores. Prompt care can uncover hidden damage and establish the between your condition and the crash. When in doubt, it is best to at least get checked out whether at an urgent care, an emergency room or other.
2. Headaches, Dizziness, or Confusion After an Accident
Headaches, dizziness, or trouble concentrating can follow nearly any kind of personal injury accident. Such problems sometimes signal a concussion or other brain trauma which should not be ignored.
Changes such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or memory gaps are potentially serious brain injury symptoms after a head impact. A Texas personal injury attorney from The Callahan Law Firm gather evidence including your medical records to prove the crash caused these problems.
3. Limited Mobility, Numbness, or Tingling
Stiffness in your neck, shoulders, or lower back can make simple tasks harder. Difficulty turning your head, lifting objects, or bending to tie your shoes can all be signs of a soft-tissue injury or potentially a more serious spinal injury.
Numbness, weakness, or tingling in your arms, hands, legs, or feet may indicate pressure on nerves or potentially a more serious spinal injury. When such problems arise after an accident, our experienced attorneys can take the necessary steps on your behalf to make a personal injury claim and pursue compensation for medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and other related losses.
4. Severe Bruising, Internal Bleeding, or Organ Pain
Deep bruises that spread, change color, or feel unusually firm can indicate serious harm beneath the skin. Bruising on your chest or abdomen, especially when accompanied by sharp pain, can be an early sign of deep tissue injury, broken bones or a severe injury to internal organs.
Pain under the ribs, shortness of breath, or a tight, swollen stomach can be additional signs of injuries such as bone fractures and possibly internal bleeding. Emergency care is critical when these issues appear because delays can lead to life-threatening complications.
5. Delayed Symptoms or Worsening Condition Over Time
Feeling “mostly fine” right after the crash does not necessarily mean you escaped harm. Delayed signs of a severe injury can include back spasms, shooting pain, numbness, headaches, jaw pain, trouble sleeping, or growing anxiety about engaging in the type of activity associated with the accident (fear of driving, for example).
Worsening pain, stiffness, or limited physical ability should push you to reconsider when to see a doctor after an accident and to share your concerns with medical professionals.
Get Help from Our Texas Personal Injury Attorneys
The Texas personal injury attorneys at The Callahan Law Firm are ready to help you understand your options after a serious accident. Our legal professionals have more than 30 years of experience fighting for injured people throughout the state of Texas. We have the experience, skill and resources to help you get the justice that you and your family deserve.
Please do not hesitate to use our online contact form or call us 24/7 at (713) 589-7767 for a free consultation.
