Delayed Pain: Neck And Back Injuries May Take Time To Set In After An Accident

In the minutes after an accident, such as a vehicle accident or a fall accident, you may be in shock even if you aren’t aware of it. As emergency vehicles arrive and as you slowly take stock of the situation, it can be difficult to understand the full scope of what has happened or how you are feeling. It can be very easy to feel overwhelmed. Adrenaline is likely surging through your body, making it difficult for you to tell how you are feeling or recognize injuries.

In some cases, you may feel the need to refuse medical attention or to go to the hospital even if emergency responders are urging you to see a doctor and get a confirmation that you are not suffering from internal injuries or neck and back injuries that have not yet presented themselves.

The bottom line? While you may believe that you were not injured in the hours after a car accident, you could have suffered a neck injury or back injury. Some neck and back injuries won’t present themselves for hours, while others might not appear until you wake up from a night of sleep.

What should you do if you were in a car accident or other accident and may have a neck or back injury?

• Always go a see a doctor as a precaution after an accident. Even if you feel fine, you may not actually be fine. The accident itself can cause you to feel overwhelmed and confused, as could a minor head injury such as a concussion.
• If you feel fine until the following day, go to the doctor as soon as possible. Both for the good of your health and for any possible car accident claim that may follow, be certain to see a doctor as soon as you exhibit pain after an accident. Be sure to explain your pain clearly to your doctor as well as when you first began feeling symptoms of the problem. Always be truthful.
• Follow the doctor’s orders. It is very important to follow the treatment plan for your neck and back injury as closely as possible. Again, this is not only important in regards to your recovery, but also in regards to receiving compensation for your injury in the event of an injury claim.

Are you struggling with a neck or back injury following an accident? Are you concerned that your case may be weak because your injury did not fully present itself until hours or days after the accident took place? Speak to an experienced Texas personal injury attorney today about your case.