Symptoms to Watch Out for After a Car Accident

Car accidents are unfortunately common in Utah. Their consequences can range from minor injuries to severe, life-threatening harm. These injuries may manifest instantly or remain concealed, with symptoms emerging only hours, days, or even weeks after the initial incident. 

After a motor vehicle collision, your health is paramount. It’s crucial to go to the doctor immediately after being involved in a car accident and monitor your health closely in the days and weeks that follow. If any of the following symptoms present themselves, seek medical care right away. 

Headaches

Post-accident headaches can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. They might indicate various issues such as whiplash, concussion, blood clots, or even an unnoticed neck or spinal cord injury. If you experience persistent or worsening headaches, seek immediate medical attention to rule out serious conditions.

Bruising

It’s common to experience blunt force trauma after a car accident, which can result in bruising. Most bruises are normal, but extensive or unusually positioned bruising might indicate internal bleeding or damage to organs. It’s important to have bruises evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine if underlying injuries are present.

Neck, Shoulder, or Back Pain

Neck, shoulder, and back pain are common after car accidents, often indicating soft tissue injuries, whiplash, nerve trauma, or spinal damage. These symptoms may not appear immediately, but they can significantly impact your quality of life when they do. Early medical intervention can lead to more effective treatment and faster recovery, so make sure to go to the hospital immediately.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain or swelling can be signs of internal injuries or bleeding, conditions that may not be immediately obvious after a car accident. These symptoms could represent serious, even life-threatening, conditions; if your stomach hurts after a collision, seek emergency medical care as soon as possible.

Sudden Changes in Mood

Psychological distress, such as mood swings, anxiety, or depression, can occur after traumatic events like car accidents. Sudden changes in mood or behavior should be taken seriously. Mental health professionals can provide support and treatment to help manage these changes and cope with the trauma after a car accident.

Ringing in the Ears

Ringing in the ears or tinnitus can be a sign of a concussion or other traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although this ringing may not bother you or disrupt your life, this symptom should not be overlooked. Request an evaluation from a qualified medical professional if you are experiencing tinnitus.

Difficulty Concentrating or Remembering

Cognitive symptoms such as difficulty concentrating or remembering can indicate a traumatic brain injury or psychological trauma. If you’re experiencing such symptoms, go to the hospital as soon as you can. They could signal the need for neurological or mental health intervention.

What to Do If You Are Injured in a Utah Car Accident

If you’ve been in a car accident in Utah, your first step should always be to seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor or non-existent. Delaying medical care can lead to serious, life-threatening complications; in these situations, it is better to be safe than sorry. Go to the nearest hospital for a thorough evaluation.

Once you have received treatment, consider consulting with a St. George car accident attorney. A lawyer can help you file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit following the collision, holding the at-fault driver accountable for any damages that you suffer. After seeking medical care, contact our personal injury attorneys at We Win Injury Law to discuss your case and options for compensation.