Car accidents are a major cause of injuries in Colorado every year. When a crash occurs, drivers or passengers may not be able to think clearly and may either feel numb or in a fog, or their mind may be flooded with concerns. Many people find that they do not experience their worst symptoms until several days after a crash.
Neck and back pain are some of the most common symptoms experienced after a car accident. Whiplash is an injury to the neck that is commonly caused by rear-end car accidents, and one of the symptoms can be numbness in the arms and hands. Low back pain is also very common after rear and side collisions. These types of injuries can range from mild to severe and can be diagnosed with an x-ray, MRI or CT scan.
After a crash, some people may experience delayed symptoms of a serious condition. Headaches and changes in personality or function can indicate a head injury. Abdominal swelling and deep purple bruising can indicate internal bleeding. Anyone who experiences these types of symptoms should consult a doctor right away since they can be life-threatening if left untreated. Some people may experience psychological changes after a motor vehicle accident. PTSD after a wreck is very common, especially in children. A person suffering from PTSD may experience vivid dreams and flashbacks about the traumatizing event.
It may be possible to recover some of the damages from a car accident, such as pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, property damage and other costs, by filing a claim against the motorist who caused the accident. An experienced personal injury lawyer may be able to assist an injured car accident victim with filing a claim and getting a fair settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.