After a car accident, it can be tempting to just dust yourself off and try to get back to business as usual. However, minimizing or ignoring injuries could be a painful mistake. Some injuries seem minor at first, but they might point to something more serious.
Headaches
A headache after a car accident might seem normal, but it could signal a bigger problem:
- A headache that appears days after a crash could be a sign of whiplash or a concussion
- Persistent headaches could point to a traumatic brain injury
- Stress-related headaches might need professional help to manage
If you’re having headaches after an accident, don’t just pop a pain pill and hope for the best. Get checked out by a doctor to rule out serious issues.
Sleep disruptions
Trouble sleeping after a car accident is another symptom that people might dismiss. Feeling stressed after an accident is common, and stress can keep you awake.
However, insomnia or frequent waking could be from a mild traumatic brain injury, or it could mean you are experiencing post-traumatic stress. If it lasts for more than a few days, see a doctor.
Tingling sensations in limbs
Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs might seem like no big deal, but it’s worth paying attention to. These sensations could be warning signs:
- They might indicate nerve damage from the accident
- Tingling could be a symptom of a spinal cord injury
- It might be a sign of a herniated disc
- These sensations could point to circulation problems
Don’t ignore these feelings. They’re your body’s way of saying something’s not right.
Chronic pain
If you’re still hurting weeks or months after the accident, it’s not something to tough out. Ongoing pain could mean that you have undiagnosed injuries that are getting worse or that your initial treatment wasn’t enough.
Further, even seemingly minor accidents can cause soft tissue damage, like sprains or strains, that get worse over time if left untreated. If the pain persists or worsens, you need to get it checked out by a professional.
The toll of a crash can linger long after the event itself. Pay attention to your health, talk to your doctor and do not rush to settle an injury claim. Take your injuries seriously and give yourself time to assess the damages so that you can get the medical care and financial remedies you deserve.
